4K display battle intensifies
September 5, 2013
From Chris Forrester @ IFA
Berlin’s giant IFA consumer goods show is awash with 4K displays. Sony, Panasonic, LG and Samsung are each offering offering new wares, and attempting to show how its 55” or 65” is better than its rivals in terms of functionality and price competitiveness.
Sony is actively promoting a 4K ‘bundle’ that looks as if for some markets it will add a year’s subscription to Netflix (which is itself promising to supply 4K content). Sony latest 65” comes in at $6000 (or $4600 for the 55” unit). In addition Sony will offer a ‘Video Unlimited’ service for 4K programming taken from about 70 native 4K features.
Panasonic, not to be outdone, is using the latest HDMI 2.0 technology to handle higher (50/60 fps) frame rates, and in readiness for what most observers expect in terms of sports transmissions. It is adding the ‘THX Certified’ logo to its high-end displays. The WT600 model (65”) will retail in the US at $6000 and units will start shipping in October.