We were recently alerted to a move by the SID’s International Committee for Display Metrology (ICDM), which we heard is considering revising its Measurement Specifications for UltraHD TVs. The aim behind the move, we heard, is to prevent TV panels without 3840 horizontal lines of resolution from being sold as UltraHD.
We questioned this with the ICDM, and chair Joe Miseli helpfully replied to clear up any confusion. He said that the group is indeed working on Version 2 of the Display Measurements Standard, and is planning updated definitions on a number of specifications for UltraHD TVs. These include:
- Pixels
- Sub-pixels
- Resolution format
- Pixel pitch
- Addressability
- Native resolution
- Associated pixel- and geometry-related items
In order to derive a fair and proper outcome, it is necessary to reconsider the entire range of options for the various types of pixels that are in use, or may be used in the future.
Currently, the ICDM has a subcommittee – which includes “Most of the major LCD [and] OLED manufacturers” – addressing the above issues. Once this has been concluded, they will be brought before the entire ICDM for full consideration.
Analyst Comment
We talked to Miseli again shortly after finishing this article. He told us that the second version of the ICDM should be published in 2017 or 2018, although more information on ‘the pixel situation’ could be made available prior to that.
A three-day event will be held in Boulder, Colorado, starting on the 22nd February, where the second version will be discussed. Miseli expects the pixel issue to be heavily discussed here. Larger, but shorter and less focused, meetings will also take place during SID 2016 in San Francisco, and subsequent meetings may also be held. All ICDM members are invited to attend these events. (TA)
