StarTech and 4K

4K is currently widely used for video/media production. Over the next year or two we should begin to see 4K video content more publicly available through television broadcasts and home video i.e Blu-ray discs. With most video production being done in 4K, it’s the distribution and delivery that will need to be upgraded. On the consumer side, people have not yet upgraded to 4K televisions as many have recently purchased 1080p televisions or not willing to invest in 4K yet. However, 4K TV prices are dropping rapidly and adoption should start to kick in over the next year. 4K is coming and it’s coming fast!

The new technology is great for computer users looking for higher resolutions, consumer electronics (TV and home video), and video production/editing. We expect the technology to become more mainstream in homes, corporate offices, retail (digital signage), and healthcare. Once the technology becomes mainstream this will have an increased demand in 4K video and content. Video production in 4K will become a standard. StarTech.com is very excited about the growing adoption of 4K video and wants to ensure our products make 4K connectivity easier for technology users no matter what format, distance or number of displays they want to connect.

StarTech.com has seen fast growing demand for our 4K products and is already offering a wide range of 4K products. We have released products that support 4K using HDMI 1.4 specs and will be ready when HDMI 2.0 is available with products like splitters, extenders, converters, and switchers. Signal management is extremely important for video production and broadcast professionals. Video professionals have come to StarTech.com for converters, switchers, extenders, and splitters. Depending on the application every user has different needs, some may need to convert a signal, while others are looking to have one source on multiple displays, and other want to push signal limitations to further distances.

HDMI, DisplayPort, and 6G SDI will be the three main interfaces when working with 4K technology. On the computer (IT) side and consumer electronics, DisplayPort and HDMI will be the dominant connectors with devices. We have launched DisplayPort to HDMI 4K adapters for anyone using a 4K display that has only HDMI. DisplayPort 1.2 can support 4K technology and is available on the most popular power desktops and laptops/Ultrabooks.

USB 3.0 to DisplayPort 4K, and USB 3.0 to HDMI 4K adapters allow users with the latest panels to connect older computers that are unable to output 4K graphics. Most computers / laptops before 2013 may not have the capability to output 4K resolutions unless the video card has been upgraded.

Finally, 4K requires DisplayPort and HDMI cables that are built to spec to support 4K. We are a very well known brand for HDMI and DisplayPort cabling and offer a wide range of lengths.

4K is already here and we should begin to see the movement happening very soon. 8K technology is already available on the display/projector side, however 4K content distribution is still facing challenges so it may be a while before we see 8K content ready for the masses.

We have always focused on IT connectivity and have seen quite a few changes in display technology, and even connectivity. Just a few years ago VGA and DVI were the two most used connectors and now that has changed to HDMI and DisplayPort. HDMI and DisplayPort will also play a critical role in bringing A/V and IT even closer as users want one standard connector. DisplayPort can easily be converted to HDMI closing the gap between AV and IT connectivity.

4K is coming quick and we believe it will be widely adopted rapidly by viewers, video professionals, and broadcasting.

StarTech.com makes it easy for IT professionals around the globe to find, get and use the hard-to-find connectivity parts they need to enable their solutions. From the latest technology to legacy products — and all the parts that bridge old and new — we can help you find the parts you need. We accomplish this through our:
• Broad offering of unique products
• Knowledgeable Tech Advisors
• Exclusive online tools and resources

Over 100 different connector types are supported including the newest standards such as Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and USB 3.0, ensuring you can always find the part you need to convert, extend, split, switch or connect your technology solutions.

StarTech.com was founded in 1985 and has operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Japan, servicing a worldwide market.