The Challenge

A prominent Australian corporate headquarters was planning a complete boardroom renovation. The initial AV specification called for 16 premium 4K table monitors, significantly inflating the project budget.

The facilities manager had a straightforward question: “Do we really need 4K monitors at every seat, or are we overspending?”

With mounting budget pressures and a hard deadline, the team needed to make a decision that balanced quality with cost-effectiveness.

Understanding What Actually Matters

Working with AVD’s technical consultants, the client took a step back to examine what boardroom table monitors are actually used for:

  • Viewing presentation slides and documents
  • Video conferencing
  • Reviewing spreadsheets and reports
  • Meeting room controls

The team also considered the viewing distance. People don’t sit with their faces pressed against table monitors. They typically view them from 50-70 centimetres away whilst sitting comfortably in their chairs.

This led to a crucial insight: at normal viewing distances, the human eye simply cannot distinguish the difference between Full HD and 4K on a 17-inch screen.

The Solution: Right-Sizing the Technology

Based on research from Arthur Holm and AVD’s experience with similar installations, the project was redesigned around Full HD retractable monitors instead of 4K.

What Changed:

Display Selection
Arthur Holm DB2, DX2, and DB3 series Full HD retractable monitors replaced the 4K specification.

Infrastructure Simplification
Full HD requires one-quarter the bandwidth of 4K, allowing the team to use standard cabling and distribution equipment instead of expensive 4K-rated infrastructure.

System Integration
The Full HD table monitors integrated seamlessly with the room’s 4K LED wall. Modern 4K displays accept Full HD input and upscale automatically, so no additional equipment was needed.

The Results

40% Cost Reduction

The switch to Full HD monitors, combined with simplified infrastructure requirements, delivered substantial savings on displays, cabling, and routing equipment.

No Visual Compromise

Side-by-side testing confirmed what the research predicted: at normal viewing distances, participants couldn’t tell the difference between Full HD and 4K monitors.

Simplified Installation

Standard HDMI connectivity and lower bandwidth requirements meant faster installation with fewer potential issues.

Better Budget Allocation

Cost savings were redirected to enhanced audio systems and improved room automation, delivering more value where it actually mattered to users.

Long-Term Reliability

After 12 months of daily use, the system has required zero monitor-related maintenance or troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

Technology Should Match the Task

Just because 4K exists doesn’t mean every application needs it. For boardroom table monitors, Full HD delivers everything users need.

Small Decisions Have Big Impacts

Choosing Full HD over 4K affected not just the monitors themselves, but cabling, routing, power requirements, and ongoing maintenance.

Question the Specifications

“Future-proofing” can sometimes mean overspending on features that won’t be used. Smart specification starts with understanding actual requirements.

The Right Partner Matters

AVD’s consultative approach helped the client make an informed decision based on evidence rather than assumptions, delivering better value without compromising quality.

About the Technology

Arthur Holm Retractable Monitors
The installation features Arthur Holm’s DB2, DX2, and DB3 series retractable monitors. These premium displays integrate seamlessly into the table surface, providing clean aesthetics when not in use whilst delivering crisp, clear imagery when deployed.

The Dynamic Loop System connects all monitors with elegant cable management hidden within the table structure.

Integration with 4K Displays
The room’s 4K LED wall natively accepts Full HD input, automatically upscaling the image. This means the same content appears on both the table monitors and the main display without additional processing equipment.

The Outcome

What began as a budget challenge became an opportunity to deliver smarter value. By questioning assumptions and making evidence-based decisions, the client achieved a premium boardroom experience whilst saving significantly on their AV investment.

The installation demonstrates that the best technology solution isn’t always the newest or most expensive one. It’s the one that’s properly matched to how it will actually be used.

Ready to optimise your boardroom AV investment?
Contact AVD’s team to discuss how evidence-based specification can deliver better value for your next project.

About AVD
AVD provides expert AV consultation, system design, and integration services throughout Australia. We help organisations make informed technology decisions that deliver lasting value.