Panasonic Introduces 4K Ultra High-Definition Surgical Monitor

Panasonic, a provider of professional healthcare display and monitoring solutions, has unveiled its EJ-ML432Z, a new 4K medical-grade 32-inch ultra-high definition (UHD)¹ monitor designed for the surgical suite. The new 4K UHD surgical monitor offers full 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, offering double the total pixels of a 2K monitor, and is fully compliant with medical equipment standards—delivering exceptional image quality and clarity, executives said.

As the use of full high-definition (HD) monitors has become widely adopted in the endoscope and surgical microscope industries, there is a growing demand for even higher definition monitors to meet the clinical need for more resolution in critical areas of laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and microscopic surgery, and this growing need is not met by the current full HD device market.

Employing 4K² LCD panel technologies, the monitor has four times the resolution of full HD images, which enables precise viewing of regions where even HD lacked the necessary resolution, according to the company. In addition, thanks to its unique design and LED backlight technology, this 32-inch class monitor’s weight and thickness enable it to be easily mounted on existing arms, booms or stands.

The interface for 4K UHD has one Display Port 1.2 terminal and four 3G-SDI (BNC) terminals, user selectable. By using the Display Port 1.2 terminal, 4K UHD images are available using just one cable. Other key features include:

• 4K panel for high definition images on monitors: This LCD monitor adopts a 4K panel to achieve an image that has four times the resolution of full HD and enables detailed observation of previously hard-to-see regions. In addition, a wide viewing angle allows this monitor to reproduce more realistic color with less color shift, even when viewed from various angles.
• Compact design for operating room conditions: The use of LED backlight LCD panel and use of light-weight materials for the chassis allow this monitor to achieve the weight and thickness necessary to accommodate a 32” class medical monitor within the OR. This enables easy installation on existing arms, booms or stands.
• Easy-to-clean design: A flat front face (front protection level IPX5 equivalent) and a vent-less rear design makes it easy to clean. The product’s backside is slanted to enable easy removal of residual dust.
• Selectable connection terminals: The interface on 4K UHD monitor has Display Port 1.2 terminal and four 3G-SDI (BNC) terminals. The use of DisplayPort 1.2 terminal provides 4K UHD images with one cable. The use of 3G-SDI (BNC) terminal enables long-distance signal transmission.
• Displays wide range of colors: Compliant with the Adobe RGB standard, the monitor has a wider color space than those using BT.709 standards, allowing this monitor to display a wider range of color reproduction.
• Advanced zoom capabilities: A unique zoom function is available. Magnified images can keep higher resolution than full HD. The magnified region can be located anywhere on the screen.

The Panasonic EJ-ML432Z weighs about 12.7 kg (excluding AC adapter and terminal cover). It measures 766 mm by 69 mm by 475 mm, with a screen size of 698 mm by 393 mm. In addition, the monitor has a 16:9 aspect ratio and total number of pixels of 3,840 by 2.160 (horizontal by vertical). 

Panasonic’s professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises includes unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, N.J.

References:
1. 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition): has (3840 x 2160) pixels, two times the total pixels of 2K (1920 x 1080).
2. Actual resolution (3840×2160) pixels