Ultra-Wide Displays Gain Momentum: Companies Respond to Hybrid Work and Learning Environments with Immersive Solutions

The gist of it: the display industry is witnessing significant changes driven by the shift towards hybrid work and learning environments. Ultra-wide LCD displays, particularly with non-traditional 16:9 aspect ratios and integrated touch technology, are gaining traction. However, there is an expected shift towards dvLED displays due to projected cost declines and performance improvements.

Source: Omdia

At the British Educational Training and Technology (BETT) show, ViewSonic debuted their 5K, 105” ViewBoard interactive touch display. This product stands out due to its conferencing camera, a feature that directly addresses the need for virtual collaboration in hybrid work and learning scenarios. Clearly, ViewSonic is strategically positioning itself in the market to cater to the evolving needs of higher education and corporate markets.

Meanwhile, Iiyama introduced their ultra-wide 105” ProLite displays at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE). Their ProLite TE10518UWI-B1AG (PureTouch-IR+) and ProLite LH10551WUS-B1AG (non-touch) models are designed for meeting rooms and control rooms, where efficient communication and collaboration are essential.

Avocor also unveiled their L Series 21:9 display at ISE, with shipments commencing in the second quarter of 2023. The release of their L Series signals Avocor’s commitment to fulfilling the rising demand for ultra-wide displays.

Finally, Jupiter’s Pana displays were among the first to adopt the ultra-wide format. Presented at InfoComm, their offerings come in touch and non-touch options in 81” and 105” sizes, showing the brand’s dedication to provide a variety of solutions that cater to different needs within corporate and experiential spaces.

Each of these products represents a strategic response to the growing demand for larger, more immersive displays in hybrid work and learning environments. As the market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these companies adapt their offerings to maintain their competitive edge.

Ultra-Wide LCD Displays

The emergence of ultra-wide LCD displays is a key trend, according to Omdia. As companies like Planar, ViewSonic, Iiyama, Avocor, and Jupiter have launched or showcased ultra-wide displays, it’s clear that this segment is responding to the market’s demand for immersive and collaborative experiences. This trend is likely fueled by the rise of video conferencing and unified communications platforms which favor larger, more immersive displays. Particularly interesting is the shift towards non-traditional 16:9 aspect ratios, which appear to be more suitable for collaborative work environments.

Higher Education and Corporate Markets

Another important development is the increasing adoption of these technologies in the higher education and corporate markets. This is likely due to the shift towards hybrid learning and working environments, creating a need for more flexible and engaging display technologies.

Touch Technology

The integration of touch technology in these displays adds an extra dimension of interactivity. This can significantly enhance collaborative experiences, making these products more attractive for their target markets.

LCD vs. dvLED

According to Omdia’s data, LCDs currently have a significant market share (67%) in the conference room and corporate signage markets, largely due to their higher pixel density and lower costs compared to dvLED displays. However, the revenue share of LCDs is expected to decrease to 52% by 2026, indicating a growing interest in dvLEDs. Given the expected reduction in the cost of dvLED technology and their improving performance, it’s possible we’ll see dvLEDs gaining a larger market share more quickly than projected. This could disrupt the current market dynamics and pose a significant challenge for LCD manufacturers.