Samsung Unveils UD Video-Wall Systems

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 6/17/2009

Orlando, Fla. — Samsung Electronics America used InfoComm 2009 to unveil an information video-wall system using its Ultra-Definition Display (UD) technology, and said it is now shipping two series flat-panel LCD TVs from its information technologies division.

Samsung said its UD interactive video wall is currently shipping to Samsung information technologies dealers and is integrated into Samsung’s UX and UT Series displays with the product cost based on application.

“As the North American leader of large-format professional displays, we are expanding our product selection to include this innovative new video-wall solution that provides the ability to display and manage real-time content from multiple sources, stimulating more collaboration and providing enhanced command and control capabilities,” said J.H. Kim, Samsung information technology division president. “Our UD system effectively addresses the requirements of vital applications in government and law-enforcement agencies that need to make critical decisions based on comprehensive, accurate information from multiple sources.”

The UD system originates from up to 125 networked PCs connected to a series of Samsung UD-series monitors linked together to create a video wall.

Through conversational control and administration, information can be shared over the network and presented from remote locations, Samsung said. Video streams sent from Web cams, security cameras and video files can also be displayed directly on the massive display system.

The ultra high-resolution contents display incorporates Giga Pixel image support, which eliminates resolution degradation, Samsung said. The technology allows honing in on static imagery such as satellite photos or high definition images to project them on the video wall.

Samsung UD can zoom in on an image by 0.1 to 10 times. Video files and movies can be played without distortion.

The Samsung UD system enables one control server to manage up to 250 video displays. Samsung’s Interlocking Display Solution allows easily aligning and building video walls with matching bezels in three directions.

The UD system provides a value display solution for multiple markets that require large scale video display formats. While popular at exhibits and trade shows, video walls can be installed in conference rooms, operation centers, and auditoriums. When monitoring weather, transportation systems, manufacturing operations, military campaigns or trading floors, Samsung UD enables operations centers to analyze data in real-time and isolate individual content sources for close-up viewing.

Samsung said the video wall will have applications in large operation centers or professional conference facilities

Meanwhile, the company said it is now shipping its FP-2 and 460UT series of LCD TVs for commercial applications.

The FP-2 series includes four models in the 40- and 46-inch screen sizes. All are FullHD 1080p capable and are offered in two versions with and without embedded PCs.

The 400FP-2, 400FPn-2, 460FP-2 and 460FPn-2 all offer full commercial connectivity and commercial-grade panels that are rated at 16 hours, seven days a week. All are available now starting at suggested retails of $1,175 for the 400FP-2 and $1,646 for the 460FP-2.

All use Samsung SPVA panel technology with 178/178-degree viewing angles and 4,000:1 static contrast ratios and dynamic contrast ratios of 40,000:1. The response rate is rated at 8ms.

For network capability, the 400FPn and 460FPn models features embedded PCs which can be managed over a network with Samsung’s MagicInfo Pro or the new MagicInfo i software.

Samsung said it has also shipped its 460UT ($6,922 suggested retail), 460UTn ($7,845) and 460UTn-UD ($8,614) large-format LCD TV series.

The series are ideal for video-wall systems, offering an ultra-thin bezel design.

Combined with Samsung’s Interlocking Display solution, the 460UT’s ultra-narrow bezels are 6.7mm bezel-to-bezel when tiled.