With the prices of 4K monitors coming down, you may notice that a lot more users are migrating to a 4K screen. One of the improvements you may see when using a 4K monitor is faster implementation of Excel spreadsheets since you can see more of the spreadsheets, especially when using an Ultra Wide screen with a 3440 x 1440 resolution. You may also find yourself turning your neck less often if you use a monitor with a curved design.
When selecting a 4K resolution, you want to know what will work for you. In most instances, an Ultra Wide monitor is your best fit, because it optimizes the aspect, width, screen real estate, and user experience. Although every screen has a purpose, if you deploy a 4K screen at the desktop that isn’t Ultra Wide (using 3840 x 2160), you may not be comfortable using the screen unless you tweak the sizing in the operating system.
If using an Ultra Wide monitor, you will typically notice that it has a slight curve. This type of design on an Ultra Wide screen works in a lot of different scenarios, including ones involving large, complicated spreadsheets.
A lot of the 4K video today is pushed over HDMI and DisplayPort cables. Both of these video connection solutions can work well for you, but they do have differences. To start, HDMI (and DVI) use TMDS signals and DisplayPort does not; however, most graphics cards that have DisplayPort can output TMDS signals to support HDMI/DVI displays if you use the appropriate cable and the GPU supports DisplayPort++, or if you use the right video converter. Both HDMI and DisplayPort also carry peripheral data, including embedded audio, which could eliminate one of the audio cables in an application.
Although most desktop users are still running 1920 x 1080 resolutions, more 4K solutions are entering the market to support some advanced applications, including gaming, medical imaging, military, maps/radar, or video production. Pay close attention to the maximum resolution that is supported as well: some of the hardware/software touts 4K video, but is it 30 Hz or 60 Hz video? This can make a huge difference to your application.
Before you migrate from HD to 4K, decide if using a 4K screen is beneficial to your application and/or use. Next, figure out what equipment you need to upgrade (sometimes this requires an upgrade on your GPU, monitor, and any interconnecting cables/equipment). You will tend to find lower prices on 30 Hz displays compared to 60 Hz displays. Most GPUs can do 4K60 by default, but just be cautious when planning it out. Overall in the end, you may find that you are happier and more comfortable using an Ultra Wide 4K screen for your everyday tasks.
About the Author
Product Engineer
Garrett Swindell has 20+ years’ experience programming, implementing server to client communications, and designing intricate control system. As a product engineer, his primary focus is developing connections between users and computers/servers though the use of hardware and software. Garrett assist local and international projects from start to finish with compliance regulations and performing product compliance testing with recognized test houses.
