The Sharp 8M-B80AX1E, our latest 8K monitor, builds on the technology we delivered in the LV-70X500E – the world’s first commercially available 8K Monitor – to better support high-performance broadcast quality content. Here we look at how we have improved our cutting-edge 8K monitor.
The Sharp 8M-B80AX1E made its first appearance in Europe at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2019 show, impressing visitors with the hyper-real detail and brightness of the picture. Currently, as with our first monitor, it is the only 8K display to use processing power, as opposed to upscaling, to show highly detailed 8K content.
Sharp’s second generation 8K display: new features
The 80-inch (203cm diagonal) larger monitor offers a true 8K resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels in 16:9 aspect ratio, which is four-times the resolution of a standard 4K monitor, and a staggering 16-times higher than a Full-HD display.
What this means to the viewer is that you can’t visibly see the pixels on the screen. At the same time, this new standard for image precision gives high-performance businesses the ability to quickly create or analyse extremely precise data, so enhancing productivity and enabling more effective decision-making processes.
Offering a brightness of 800 cd/m2 in standard use, rising to a peak brightness of 4000 cd/m2 via HDR, we have increased the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E’s screen brightness to levels never seen before on a Sharp display.
What’s more, the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E comes with a 10-Bit Extended Colour Range, which covers 82% of Colour Gamut according to the BT.2020 broadcasting standard, which are the parameters laid down for ultra-high definition television systems for production and international programme exchange.
With an emphasis on fast-action video, modern displays need a refresh rate of 60Hz to keep up with the action. With the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E we have placed additional emphasis on video by including a 120Hz Frame Doubler as standard. This means that even the most intense and fast-moving video will be seen in full detail.
We have also taken the opportunity to re-evaluate the cables on the rear of the unit and futureproof the device. The current HDMI2.0a standard is adhered to with four inputs allowing for the sharing of 8K content. However, we have now also added one HDMI2.1* port, which means you will be able to connect devices using a single cable, so reducing set up time considerably. (* working by Firmware update in June 2019)
Designed for Business
The new standard reached by the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E meets the needs of an increasing number of businesses, especially those creating ever more sophisticated digital drawings, designs and blueprints using Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) applications. Until now the one limiting factor has been the ability to display information with exceptional clarity and precision.
With the arrival of the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E even the most complex designs can be examined in minute detail. And its lifelike realism is also facilitating the use of virtual reality, making it much easier to assess how new products or machinery will look and perform in the real world.
Bringing video to life
High quality video production is obviously essential in the TV and Broadcasting industry. The Sharp 8M-B80AX1E allows businesses to edit extremely high-resolution graphics and video to create incredibly realistic content.
More detail, more control
For some professionals, the ability to track vital information can be critical and having access to reliable high-quality images can aid fast, safe decision making. For example, in today’s crowded skies, Air Traffic Controllers need to accurately track thousands of flights that are represented by multiple lines and symbols.
Surveillance operators and emergency services workers must monitor large numbers of CCTV cameras images on one screen. So, the greater the resolution the less risk there is of accidents being missed, or suspects escaping because the facial features are unclear. Similarly, public transport companies can monitor the movement of multiple vehicles simultaneously, so there is less confusion and possible delays.
Fast, precise data analysis
Speed is essential in high pressure commercial environments like energy businesses, financial centres and commodities trading floors. Every day bankers and dealers must rapidly digest an endless stream of graphics, images and screens full of small text, but one simple mistake in reading all of this complex information, like a missed digit, can result in potentially huge losses.
So, the ability to process a large amount of information, which is both clear and extremely legible, on one screen not only enhances productivity, but also reduces the level of risk.
The future of 8K isn’t limited to just these environments, as there is also a need for high-performance monitors in medical environments, both for analysis but also with a future potential for wider usage.
In the short-term, live broadcasting and TV can readily make the most of 8K. We are already seeing preparations being laid down for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which will make this the first event of its kind to be captured and broadcast in 8K.
The Sharp 8M-B80AX1E will go on sale across Europe in May 2019.
If you would like to know more about the Sharp 8K ecosystem and arrange a demonstration of the Sharp 8M-B80AX1E, please Get In Touch.
