With large flat panel displays becoming less expensive I’m starting to use them to replace older projection systems. I’ll use a recent project as a good example of this. As a Caterpillar Regional Dealer Learning Center it is important for Ring Power to keep their training rooms up to date.

Current setup

Like many training spaces this one had a podium up front with both a built in PC and also a connection for an instructors laptop. The projector screen was 120″ diagonal but formatted for a 4:3 aspect ratio (more of a square). The customer wanted to upgrade the video quality and since the room was wide but not too deep they also wanted dual displays.

Flat Panel vs Projector

Generally speaking projection gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Recently though flat panel displays like the 98″ NEC C981Q are starting to compete, especially in setups like this one. Though the current screen was large at 120″ it was formatted for a 4:3 image. Modern PC screens are formatted for HD images (16:9). When you connect your HDMI PC to a 4:3 setup you get either a scaled image (remember stumphead from one of my previous blog posts) or black bars at the top and bottom.

Wasted Space

Displaying an HD image on a 4:3 formatted screen will result in wasted space. You’ve probably seen it with the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen but this graphic gives you a better understanding of how much space is not used.

While the 4:3 image is 120″ the HD (1920×1080) image can only be displayed at 106″. Thats only 8″ larger than the 98″ flat panel display.

The Price is Right

With an MSRP of only $8799 the NEC competes very well with the cost of replacing both the projector and the screen. Especially when you take into account all the added benefits like a 4k image, super bright display, and a commercial 3yr warranty.

Project Complete

No need to dim the lights, these 4k 98″ displays provide an excellent training environment!

Flat panel displays are not for every room, currently the sweet spot seems to be in replacing these older 4:3 displays. Once you get above 100″ on flat panels you get into a different class of display (like dvLED) and the price goes way up. If the room and application supports it though, you may want to look at these more affordable 98″ gems.

On to the next project…