Some intriguing new monitors have just been announced by HP - including a more reasonably priced 5K one
The flood of new products from CES in Las Vegas has started and while much of what's going to be announced is predictable (smartwatches, anyone?) what's more interesting is that we'll see certain trends that we've been predicting confirmed or denied.
Big, very high resolution monitors have certainly been trending topics over the last twelve months so and most eagerly awaited perhaps have been curved monitors (they're easier to work with when you have a very big screen) and those with 5K resolution.
HP has announced that they will have both of these. In a long press release, they've revealed a slew of monitors ranging from the slightly hard-to-get-your-head-round ("HP Zvr Virtual Reality Display: Rotate, manipulate and navigate 3D images from the 23.6-inch diagonal interactive display. The HP Zvr will change how users think, work, and create with virtual-holographic 3D images") to new 4K screens and - yes - a 5K display, the 272q. The 5K screen has a 5120 x 2880 pixel resolution and a "wide colour gamut". It's in a 16:9 aspect ratio with 300 nits of luminance, and 1.07 billion colours.
The good news is that prices seem to be coming down for 5K monitors (which until now have cost about as much as Apple's, which also come with a computer built in - a rare example of Apple being wrong-footed by being too cheap).
The new HP 5K Z72q 5K monitor is $1299, and is a tempting choice because, with higher than 4K resolution, you'd be able to see a full-resolution 4K image and still have room on the screen for toolbars, controls, etc.
While the new curved monitors - HP Z34c, HP ENVY 34c, HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c, are nice-looking screens, we would like to see versions of them in 21:9 Ultra Widescreen format.
There's a lot of detail here so we've published the full press release after the break.
Expands Computer Monitor Portfolio With Ultra High-Definition and Curved Displays
PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 5, 2015) - HP (NYSE: HPQ) today expanded its portfolio of computer monitors with an interactive virtual reality display, 4K and 5K ultra high-definition displays and curved displays for consumers and professionals. Designed to immerse users into a variety of digital experiences, the new products include:
HP Zvr Virtual Reality Display: Rotate, manipulate and navigate 3D images from the 23.6-inch diagonal interactive display. The HP Zvr will change how users think, work, and create with virtual-holographic 3D images (1).
HP Z27s and HP Z24s 4K Displays and the HP Z27q 5K Display: Ultra high-definition (UHD) solutions aimed to increase productivity by expanding the visual workspace and connecting to more devices.
HP Z34c, HP ENVY 34c, HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c Curved Displays: An immersive personal experience that will enhance visual perception and audio experiences.
"HP's new displays complement our goal of delivering new technologies that maximize the visual experience and change the way people work and create," said Jun Kim, vice president and general manager, PC displays and accessories, HP. "HP displays feature performance, innovation, reliability and outstanding image accuracy that we believe will transform how customers connect and interact using technology."
HP Zvr - A Step Closer to True Holographic Viewing
The HP Zvr Virtual Reality Display provides for an immersive, real-time exploration and manipulation of 3D content. Imagine dissecting a frog or exploring an office complex without getting messy or leaving the desk. HP Zvr, powered by zSpace technology, is another example of HP's Blended Reality technologies that helps reduce the barriers between the digital and physical worlds, enabling users to express themselves at the speed of thought without the filters and limitations that technology currently places on them.
Users will appreciate real-time, natural interaction that allows people to work with virtual reality applications the way they are used to working today. Users interact seamlessly with a high-definition 3D stereoscopic display combined with full-motion parallax and direct interaction, delivering an intuitive user experience with lifelike realism.
The HP Zvr display is collaborative, allowing people to work together the way they would today, choosing to look at things in the real or virtual world, even while using the platform. The optional HP zView solution also allows real-time sharing of 3D models to a 2D big screen. Dual-link DVI or DisplayPort connections to an HP Z Workstation provide easy connectivity for architectural, MCAD, education, and scientific content.
Ultra High-Definition Displays(2)Deliver Outstanding Image Quality
HP's two 4K displays and its 5K display increase the viewing of image detail, can connect to multiple devices at once and are intended to increase productivity. By upgrading from a full high-definition display users will quadruple the real estate of the screen -- allowing users to see more data in spreadsheets, keep multiple windows open side-by-side or program more lines of code. Additionally, the new media being filmed in 4K (and higher formats) can be fully enjoyed to the smallest details and new scalar technologies combined with higher resolutions let users see a mobile phone, notebook and tablet all at once on the screen.
Users will enjoy 3840 x 2160 resolution on the HP Z27s (27 diagonal inches) and HP Z24s (23.8 diagonal inches) displays. These two 4K displays have a 16:9 UHD panel, with the sRGB or AdobeRGB color gamuts and 1.07 billion colors for incredible color presentation of highly-detailed digital workflows. The displays include DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, Mini-DP, MHL(3) and USB 3.0 connections and are equipped with a four-way ergonomic stand, including pivot to switch quickly between landscape and portrait modes.
The HP Z27q Display has a 5120x2880, 5K wide-color gamut. It delivers seven times more pixels than a classic full HD display -- packed in a factory-calibrated IPS solution. The HP Z27q boasts premier imagery with 14.7 million pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300 nits luminance(4) and 1.07 billion colors. The HP Z27q offers picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture, allowing users to display mobile device and PC feeds.
Curved Displays Enhance Visual and Audio Computing Experience
The HP Z34c, HP ENVY 34c, HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c Curved Displays deliver an elegant, immersive, curved visual and audio experience with enhanced peripheral readability. These HP displays offer an exceptional 3000:1 CR and low-haze enhancement technology to reduce reflectiveness without losing clarity, with an expansive 178-degree field of view. Users can mirror smart phone or tablet content to the screen through an MHL connection that also keeps devices charged and ready to go.
The HP Z34c and HP ENVY 34c 3000r Curved Displays, measure 34-inches diagonally, feature a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. These HP displays support a 3440 x 1440 ultra-high resolution with 98 percent sRGB and a premium 6 watt/channel speakers with DTS Audio. They include a VESA-compatible bracket(5) and offer picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture which allows users to view device and PC feeds at the same time.
The 27-inch diagonal, HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c 4000r Curved Displays feature a 1920 x 1080 full HD(6) resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and 95 percent sRGB color gamut. They have integrated speakers with 4 watt/channel speakers with DTS Audio.
Price and Availability
HP Zvr expected availability is Spring 2015. Pricing available upon request.
The HP Z27s, and HP Z24s displays are expected to be available worldwide beginning in January and April respectively. Estimated U.S. pricing starts at $749 and $549, respectively.
The HP Z27q Display is expected to be available beginning in March at an estimated U.S. price of $1299.
HP Z34c and HP ENVY 34c are expected to be available worldwide beginning in April at an estimated U.S. price of $999.
HP EliteDisplay S270c and Pavilion 27c Curved Displays are available now for $399.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. With the broadest technology portfolio spanning printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP delivers solutions for customers' most complex challenges in every region of the world. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
(1) 3D content is required for 3D performance
(2) High-definition content required.
(3) MHL 2.0 port will charge a MHL compatible smart phone and tablet battery. Includes a DisplayPort to HDMI dongle to increase connect flexibility. Requires the smart phone or tablet to be enabled for MHL or have an HDMI dongle to connect to the monitor. See your mobile device specifications.
(4) All specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP's component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower
(5) VESA mounting kit and adjustable arm is optional.
(6) High definition (HD) content is required to view HD images. This monitor is capable of 1080p resolution.