In a fast-moving business like the custom-integration industry, it’s hard to believe that a technology that was launched nearly six years ago is still facing questions about its future. However, when 8K was introduced back in 2018, it was rather a tumultuous time in the global market, along with the pending crisis caused by the arrival of Covid-19 late the following year.
As a result, 8K has been on a slow path of acceptance in the U.S., primarily due to the high prices of the initial TVs, the lack of native content, and limited production support. So, the current consumer installed base is relatively small with the majority of interest being generated by video enthusiasts, AV specialists, and custom integrators.
However, as they say, timing is everything, and 8K is no exception. During the past few years, 8K technology has not stood still but has grown exponentially. The 8K ecosystem is now very robust and expanding each and every day, with support in several key areas, including content creation, capturing, editing, encoding/decoding, distribution, and both residential and commercial displays. Today almost every major manufacturer in the 8K ecosystem has developed and continues to innovate new products and processes, including modular mini-LED and micro-LED panels, more efficient and higher-quality codecs, spatial imaging techniques, and advancements in AI implementation. In this new environment, 8K has become a more compelling value proposition for anyone committed to producing, exhibiting, distributing, and displaying the ultimate in video entertainment.
Related: CEDIA Expo 2024 – Emerging Technologies Aid Push for 8K Adoption
Of course, during this timeframe, the CI channel has rapidly expanded as well, with new revenue streams being established in everything from lighting controls and motorized shades to HVAC management, security systems, and home automation. But in their rush to support these new businesses, it’s critically important that AV specialists and custom integrators remember this fundamental rule of business: their customers are still primarily looking for the best entertainment experience possible and are always ready for exciting new developments like 8K. And the breadth of 8K technology is gaining ground not just in televisions, but in other key product categories, including gaming, smartphones, AV receivers, AR/VR, cameras, security, and much more.
Additionally, 8K technology is closely aligned with another unmistakable consumer behavior — the desire for more immersive and impactful entertainment experiences, whether in theaters, at home, or on the go. This is why, based on industry estimates, 75-inch or larger displays are now the fastest-growing television category. In fact, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants, 8K is poised to represent 6% of all TV sales by 2027. And in a recent trade article, 8K was acknowledged as the number one emerging trend for custom integration this year.
This consumer predisposition for bigger, more immersive, higher resolution viewing is driving the content community as well, and 8K technology is providing a powerful new pallet for creatives. There are dozens of professional 8K cameras being used to capture and archive a future bounty of native 8K content, along with incredible advances in AI-based 8K upscaling that enhance current HD and 4K video sources.
All of this is why the 8K Association is committed to building greater awareness about this technology and how 8K production workflow will benefit all the constituents in the ecosystem. Our organization also provides the most comprehensive coverage in the industry on the latest 8K developments, and we invite everyone attending this year’s CEDIA Expo to visit booth #C919 to learn more about 8K technology and some exciting new 8K content.
However, without your support, all these efforts are meaningless. It’s the trusted relationship that you enjoy with your customers that provides the foundation for this next-generation experience. The specialty/CI channel has always been predicated on new technology advances and 8K delivers on this while reassuring consumers that the investment they make today will be even more valuable in the future.
In short, the opportunity for 8K is NOW and you are in the absolutely best position to drive this innovative technology forward and to set the right expectations for your customers, your business, and the industry.
For more information, please visit 8kassociation.com.
