Curved TVs and Monitors: Benefits & Why You Might Want One
The Prevalence of Curved Displays at CES 2015
A significant trend observed at CES 2015 was the widespread adoption of curved television screens. Indeed, the prevalence was remarkable; the majority of televisions showcased during the event featured a curved design rather than the traditional flat panel.
This wasn't limited to televisions alone. Samsung also presented curved computer monitors, demonstrating a broader industry interest in this form factor.
Questioning the Benefits of Curved TVs
While 4K TVs are anticipated to become increasingly valuable as technology advances, the practical advantages of curved televisions remain debatable.
The core question revolves around whether the curved design offers a substantial improvement over conventional flat-screen displays.
Expanding Beyond Televisions
The application of curved screen technology extended beyond the realm of televisions.
Samsung’s demonstration of curved monitors indicated an exploration of this design in various display applications.
However, the ultimate utility of curved TVs continues to be a point of discussion.
The Return of Curved Displays
Curved displays are gaining attention, prompting the question: are they a worthwhile investment? This resurgence follows a period where flat screens were considered the pinnacle of display technology.
It’s worth recalling that cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors previously featured a natural outward curve. Flat screens represented a significant shift, and were initially perceived as the future of visual technology.
However, manufacturers are now actively promoting curved televisions and monitors. It's important to remember that these are the same companies that heavily marketed 3D TVs not long ago, a technology they have since largely abandoned.
Essentially, a curved TV or monitor deviates from the traditional flat panel design. The screen is intentionally bent, aiming to create a more expansive viewing experience by wrapping around the viewer’s periphery.
The intention, according to television manufacturers, is to enhance immersion. The curved form factor is presented as a way to draw viewers deeper into the content they are watching.
How Do Curved Displays Work?
The principle behind curved displays is to match the natural curvature of the human eye. This is intended to reduce eye strain and provide a more comfortable viewing experience.
By creating a more uniform viewing distance across the entire screen, curved displays aim to minimize distortion and improve image clarity. This effect is most noticeable on larger screens.
However, the benefits of this technology are often debated. The actual impact on viewing comfort and image quality can vary depending on the viewing distance and the curvature of the screen.
Are Curved Displays Right for You?
Consider your viewing habits and environment before investing in a curved display. The benefits are most pronounced when viewing from a central position, directly in front of the screen.
Multiple viewers, or those who frequently move around during viewing, may not experience the full advantages of a curved display. The optimal viewing angle is more limited compared to a flat screen.
Furthermore, curved displays can sometimes be more expensive than their flat-screen counterparts. Weigh the potential benefits against the cost before making a decision.
Significant Drawbacks of Curved Displays
A truly persuasive rationale for curved displays has yet to be established by manufacturers. They often appear as technological advancements implemented for their own sake. Assertions, such as those made by Samsung, suggesting that curved forms stimulate pleasure centers in the brain, do not constitute a compelling justification.
Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL have successfully developed curved televisions, showcasing their manufacturing capabilities. These displays represent a recent innovation, unattainable just a few years prior.
Several substantial issues plague curved TVs. A primary concern is the restricted optimal viewing angle. Achieving the best possible picture quality necessitates a direct, head-on viewing position. Any deviation from this central point diminishes the visual experience.
This limitation becomes particularly problematic in group viewing scenarios. Curved televisions are not ideally suited for accommodating multiple viewers simultaneously. Furthermore, mounting a curved TV on a wall presents considerable challenges.
In an attempt to address this issue, both Samsung and LG unveiled "flexible" televisions at CES 2014. These models could switch between flat and curved configurations with the press of a button. However, these were not demonstrated at the subsequent CES event, and their purchase would likely be impractical due to the high cost.
The manufacturing process for curved TVs is more complex, resulting in a higher retail price. Consumers must pay a premium for a curved screen compared to a flat one. Objectively, the visual improvement is often negligible, and the aesthetic can appear unusual – a standard flat panel often suffices.
The Potential Benefits of Curved Screens
The primary theoretical advantage of curved screens lies in their potential to deliver a wider field of view and a more engaging, "immersive" viewing experience. Achieving this effect optimally requires a substantial screen size, such as a 100-inch display, coupled with close proximity for the viewer. This configuration could potentially replicate a "cinematic" atmosphere.
However, the practicality of such a large television is questionable for most consumers, and sitting extremely close to the screen isn't ideal. Consequently, for typical, smaller screen sizes, the benefits of a curved display are diminished.
During the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), TCL presented a 110-inch curved 4K TV. At this scale, a curved screen could offer a more comprehensive viewing experience, allowing viewers to perceive the entirety of the expansive display.
Despite the demonstration, TCL has no current plans for commercial release of this product. The primary motivation behind its unveiling was to surpass Samsung's offerings in terms of innovation.
Currently, Samsung offers a 55-inch curved 4K TV for $1800 via Amazon. The advantage of the curved design is most apparent when viewing directly from the center, and at a closer distance than is typical for television viewing. At this size, it largely functions as a cosmetic feature.
It's also suggested that curved displays can minimize glare on the screen itself. However, this effect was not particularly noticeable during testing. More effective glare reduction methods exist that do not compromise viewing angles.
Curved Computer Monitors: A Considered View
Related: Is a 4K Computer Monitor the Right Choice for You?
The guidance previously discussed largely applies to computer monitors as well. Unless a clear benefit to a curved computer display is understood, it’s generally advisable to avoid them.
For the cost of a single curved monitor, it’s often possible to acquire multiple flat panels.
These could then be arranged in a dual- or triple-monitor setup, offering increased utility and functionality.
While a 4K computer monitor may be a worthwhile investment, a curved one is less likely to be.
Curved displays ultimately pave the way for innovative technologies. For instance, a display curving around a wrist, as seen in the Samsung Galaxy Fit, is a logical application.
A curved smartphone screen could also offer potential advantages.
However, a 50-inch television in a living room does not inherently benefit from being curved; it often represents an unnecessary expense.
We advise against purchasing a curved TV.
Manufacturers have yet to articulate a compelling reason for their existence.
The ability to produce curved displays is impressive, but a justifiable purpose remains elusive.