Sharp's 32-inch IGZO 4K Monitor Will Cost $5500
Sharp's 32-inch IGZO 4K display will retail for around $5,500 USD when it eventually arrives here in the States.
Remember that 31.5-inch IGZO 4K display we saw at CES 2013 weeks ago? It was utterly amazing in sharpness and performance. And, thanks to the IGZO technology, it was amazingly power efficient because the screen doesn't continuously refresh static images.
As previously reported, the display has a 3840 x 2160 resolution, support for 10-point multi-touch input, and a thin design at just 35-mm. The unit on display was a mere prototype, but the company said that it planned to launch the PN-K321 in Japan next month.
The Sharp rep at CES didn't say when or if the panel would arrive in the consumer sector, as there needs to be a market for such an expensive device. However there are plans to launch the PN-K321 for the business market here in the States later this year. It will supposedly cost 450,000 yen, or around $5,500 USD, making it quite an expensive buy for a 31.5-inch panel.
According to Sharp, IGZO's transistors are much smaller than traditional LCDs thanks to significantly higher electron mobility. Because of this, more data can be shown in a single display. The tech has also drastically minimized the noise caused during touch input, thus allowing for quick, easy, more natural-feeling writing and smooth lines.
"IGZO can maintain the onscreen data for a certain period of time without refreshing the data, even when the current is off. This helps cut back the power consumption to achieve longer battery life for mobile displays," the company said.
We expect to hear more about this panel's North American release within the next few months.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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dragonsqrrl This sounds like the ultimate monitor. It's the sort of thing we've all been waiting for, 4k on our desktops. It's nice to have tech like this to look forward to in the coming years, once the prices drop a little. I'd say once something like this drops to around $1000, I'll start considering it.Reply -
Darkerson It has begun. Still a few years before I'll have one, but 4k displays are at least on the move now.Reply -
jossrik Even at the 5500 I'm thinking about it, I do have to say though, when I think 32in screen, the last thing I think of is "mobile".Reply -
kingnoobe Honestly I'm surprised it only costs that much. While still way to rich for my blood, gives me some hope that in a couple years I'll be able to afford one.Reply -
zycuda dimarBring 8k displays already!4k is fairly new, we dont need 8k yet, plus other hardware couldnt even keep up with that.Reply -
Onihikage 32 inches, 4K, IGZO, and multitouch capability all in one screen, for $5500? I'll be honest, I'm surprised - that's a pretty competitive price for such a monitor with two new technologies packed into it. Dropping to just 1/5 of the price would put it among today's higher-end HD sets. Still way too expensive for a part-time, min-wage worker like me, though...Reply