Right now 4K is one of the hottest buzzwords in the tech world. This relatively new resolution is now supported by an increasing number of devices and software vendors. TrueConf demonstrated world’s first 4K point-to-point video call in 2015, always being at the forefront of 4K technology. Today, sharp 4K video conferencing is no surprise for all our users.
4K (aka Ultra HD or 2,160p) has enough pixels to fill four Full HD (1,080p) displays, so you can fit a number of conference participants on the same screen keeping the picture crisp and clean.
Can’t wait to try it yourself? Good news: if you are using TrueConf client app, 4K point-to-point video calls do not require any additional licenses or support programs. What you really should consider beforehand is your hardware: cameras, screens and, oddly enough, cables. This article is explaining what equipment you need to ensure smooth 4K video conferencing in point-to-point mode.
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Get Yourself Video Conferencing Software
To ensure 4K video conferencing, first thing you should do is to find right software supporting 4K video conferencing. However strange it may seem, there are still a few vendors on the market who provide Ultra HD video conferencing, and even fewer of them provide free solutions.
But don’t you worry: for many years we’ve been offering TrueConf Server Free, a free version of the most popular video call meetings server in Eastern Europe. TrueConf Server Free is more than enough not only for a small company, but also for 4K video calls.
This software doesn’t require a powerful PC; you can easily install it on a PC that we’ll be used as a 4K endpoint. Read more about how to install TrueConf Server Free in our guide.
What Equipment to Choose?
We have matched a set of highly affordable 4K communication equipment which also works nice with TrueConf solutions. We hope that our recommended devices will save you from any unexpected problems you may encounter. Needless to say, this set is just an example we find useful. If you are planning to hold TrueConf meetings, you can select any equipment of your choice that meets our system requirements.
Dream Set:
- Intel NUC mini PC with 8th generation Intel Core processor with an integrated AMD graphics card;
- 4K Logitech BRIO webcam;
- Any 4K TV or monitor;
- HDMI 2.0+ cable;
- Windows 10.
Essential requirements:
- Network connection at least 8 Mbit/s;
- TrueConf 7.2.1+ client application.
Intel NUC
Intel Next Unit Computer is an affordable series of portable desktop computers that support high-quality hardware encoding and video decoding thanks to Intel Quick Sync technology (a part of Intel HD Graphics integrated in all Intel processors) implemented in TrueConf applications.
We recommend using Intel NUC NUC8i7 PCs with Intel Core i7 processor and an integrated AMD graphics card.
If you don’t have such a NUC, you may use a PC with Intel Core i5-8600 / i5-9500 processor, DDR4 8 Gb RAM, working in dual channel mode and NVIDIA GTX 1050 video card or better! This video card supports NVIDIA NVENC technology that allows encoding 4K video streams. In this case, use 397.93 video driver or above.
Intel Quick Sync and NVIDIA NVENC, both technologies for encoding and decoding 4K video, are supported in TrueConf client application. Technology to use is chosen automatically: you don’t need to configure anything.
To check if your PC meets the requirements for 4K video calls, you can proceed to Settings → System Info in TrueConf client application. In System Rating sector, the parameters s: UHD r: UHD must be specified. It means that incoming and outcoming video streams are supported in UltraHD resolution.
Logitech BRIO
Any 4K TV or Monitor
To see the real difference between FullHD and 4K video, get a video wall or a screen big enough (at least 55-inch).
How Much Does 4K Video Conferencing Endpoint Cost?
| Solution | Price |
| Intel NUC 8i7 (+ SSD, RAM, and Windows license) | $1000 |
| 4K 55-inch screen or larger (e.g. Samsung UE55NU7090U) | $615 |
| Logitech BRIO | $200 |
| Phoenix Audio Duet | $139 |
| Total | $1954 |
All in all, you can equip two meeting rooms with 4K video conferencing for about $4,000, which is about the price of one HD legacy video conferencing endpoint without a screen. Make your choice!
How 4K Video Call Works
Transmitting and receiving 4K video in real time is a complex process which requires simultaneous operation of different systems.
Camera records and transmits MJPEG video to a computer (for correct transmission use USB 3.0). Each video frame is compressed separately by JPEG technology, and an interframe difference (main advantage for efficient video compression) is not taken into account at all.
Thus, your computer should be able to convert video from MJPEG to H.264 format compressed enough to transmit 4K video over the network. CPU decodes video from MJPEG. To quickly convert video to H.264 you will need either Intel Quick Sync or NVIDIA NVENC technologies.
Of course, there is also a reverse process: incoming video stream needs not only to be decoded from H.264 (which is not much easier than encoding), but also to be displayed. This is also the responsibility of the graphics processor.
How to Set Up a Call?
If you already have right equipment, making 4K calls with TrueConf for Windows is extremely easy. You don’t even need to set 4K quality in TrueConf settings — our application adapts automatically.
First of all, you need to install TrueConf for Windows 7.2.1+. Don’t forget that 4K mode is enabled automatically when the Internet speed reaches 8Mb/s. To set this speed, open the app and go to Settings → Network. Select Network → Limits and raise incoming and outgoing bitrates.
Once you are connected and selected the necessary equipment in the TrueConf settings, you can make a video call. During the call, right-click the app and select Full Screen in the pop-up menu to maximize the image.
Wait for about 30 seconds, while the stream is accelerated: resolution increases gradually. To check current resolution during your call, go to Settings → About the System.
4K Configuration Case
TrueConf 4K video conferencing has been showcased at various expos and conferences.
Check out our 4K stand at Integrated Systems Europe 2019.
Happy video conferencing with TrueConf Server!
