Hybrid environments drive innovation with ultra-wide format LCD displays

Over the past three years, market opportunities surrounding hybrid work within the corporate and conference room sectors has evolved. With the shift from remote to hybrid work, unified communications and video collaboration platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping large display sizes and formats, for both LCD and direct-view LED (dvLED). Similarly, the education sector is also using hybrid setups to foster higher levels of collaboration within learning environments, be it in-person or remotely.

Planar recently announced their UltraRes W Series, a 105” ultra-wide LCD display with 5K resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio. The UltraRes W Series will be among the few LCD displays offering the non-traditional 16:9 format targeted specifically for collaboration and meeting rooms utilizing conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams Front Row. Targeted for mid-sized meeting and collaboration rooms, the UltraRes W Series adds another layer of functionality, with the option for non-touch or optically bonded 50-point projected capacitive touch technology. 

Of course, this isn’t the only iteration of ultra-wide displays on the market – earlier this year at the British Educational Training and Technology (BETT) show, ViewSonic previewed their ultra-wide 5K 105” ViewBoard interactive touch display with a conferencing camera designed for higher education and corporate markets. Iiyama launched a similar ultra-wide professional product at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) this year, unveiling their 105” ProLite TE10518UWI-B1AG (PureTouch-IR+) and ProLite LH10551WUS-B1AG (non-touch) displays targeted for meeting rooms and control rooms. Similarly, Avocor also showcased their L Series 21:9 display at ISE as well, with shipment sales starting within the second quarter of 2023. At InfoComm last year, Jupiter was among one of the first brands to highlight their Pana displays in this ultra-wide format, offering both touch and non-touch 81” and 105” sizes in the 21:9 aspect ratio for corporate and experiential spaces.  

Needless to say, market interest for these ultra-wide format displays is on the rise, especially as video conferencing platforms continue to evolve and offer more seamless hybrid experiences. In retrofit scenarios, these ultra-wide displays are most often replacing a single, smaller touch or non-touch LCD display, projection screen, or even a tiled LCD videowall, since demand for bezel-less displays are becoming increasingly sought after. 

LCDs still offer a considerable benefit of higher pixel density compared to fine pitch dvLED or all-in-one (AIO) LED displays. The other main advantage is lower cost for LCDs against a similar sized fine pixel pitch or AIO LED display. Based on Omdia’s latest data in the ProAV Vertical Market Viewpoint Service, global revenue from LCDs among conference room and corporate displays in 2022 comprised 67% share. By 2026, Omdia expects LCDs to account for only 52% revenue share, with dvLED quickly obtaining a firm foothold in this sector.

However, as Omdia expects the cost of fine pixel pitch, including mini-LED and micro-LED displays, to decline further in the next few years, the transition between LCD and dvLED may occur more quickly for the latter. In addition, performance improvements with uniformity, color gamut, and black levels, among other technology enhancements for dvLEDs will offer more compelling competition to these niche ultra-wide LCDs.