In a seemingly eerie reference to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, Austrian firm C Seed Entertainment Systems has introduced a 201 (2001?) inch folding LED television intended for outdoor installation. This display system was designed by Porsche Design Studio and C Seed claims the set is “the world’s largest TV.”
Roland Heiler, CEO Porsche Design Studio, in describing their approach to the set design states, “Our goal was to develop a design concept that turned the unfolding process into a special effect. We wanted to make sure that the C SEED 201 conveyed a sophisticated aesthetic in every phase of its movement. It starts as an obelisk rising from the ground, then opens up with a butterfly-like motion. The realization of this idea was a true challenge for the engineers.” So it seems that the Kubrick-esque reference to a monolithic obelisk was in fact no coincidence.
The technical details and specifications of the display system are pretty impressive. While there are many examples of large format LED outdoor display systems, C Seed claims that “no other outdoor LED screen has a pixel pitch of only 6 mm.” Diving further into the technical details reveals that the 201 inch LED TV is an HD display with 16:9 aspect ratio, offering 100,000 Hz refresh rate, and is “moisture-repellent” with “ultra-wide viewing angle.” Further specs include 5000 nits brightness for daytime outdoor viewing and 42-bit color depth.
The audio portion of the system is also impressive with 6 broadband speakers for the left and right audio channels, and 3 subwoofers (700W) for low frequencies. The speakers are said to be “specially designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use,” and the housing is constructed of lightweight carbon fiber. To further ensure survival in the outdoor environment the system includes “reliable wind, temperature and laser sensors (to) prevent adverse outdoor conditions from damaging the C SEED 201.” Since the set’s owner must be in charge of the remote, and surely wants to prevent “lowering the boom” on an unsuspecting guest, the television remote control has a fingerprint sensor that enables the owner to set the position of the screen. The C SEED 201 also includes a multi-source media server that transfers HD video and audio data to the screen using Windows 7-based software. Further hardware features include inputs for digital and analog video sources, digital wireless HD video link, glass-fiber data lines, central radio remote control of all operational functions, and integration with home automation systems. The system integration is illustrated below.
Surely this television is a niche product appealing to a relatively narrow segment of consumers. However as a technical and consumer electronic tour de force, it is quite impressive. We are sure that this is a purchase that if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it. The video below provides a compelling case for equipping your patio with the next insanely great consumer electronic gadget. When I watch the “2001 Space Odyssey”-inspired video, I can’t help thinking that the iPad actually looks a bit insignificant by comparison.
