Available Options:
There are currently several aftermarket OEC monitor upgrades: a single, large split screen, two individual screens, fixed screens, rotating screens, screens on an articulating arm. There are also 1k, 2k, and now, 4k resolution.
OEC Monitor Upgrade
Cost:
There is a board range of prices, depending on options. At the high is including an articulating arm, while the lower end is likely to have stationary monitors..
Availability:
The availability of the upgrade you want is something that may also be a factor in your purchase. Multiple manufacturers make them, and availability can vary. OEC, Ampronix, Transamerican: all have product in the field, but supply and demand fluctuate.
Another option to consider might be making the jump from the 9800 to the 9900. The two models are very similar to one another with one of the biggest differences being the flat monitors and articulating arm that you’re looking for in an upgrade. While the 9800 still has years of serviceable life left in it, they are now out of production and a 9900 might be the best long-term solution.
Image Quality:
Not all 9800 monitor upgrades are created equal. It’s important to do some leg work and look at brightness, contrast, and resolution for a start. The differences in quality can be vast.
Keep in mind that the native camera of the 9800 provides a 1k x 1k resolution. The monitor market has outpaced this technology. You may see monitors advertised as capable of 2k x 2k or even 4k resolution, but pairing monitors at that resolution with regular 9800 cameras may not always be a good thing. To truly improve image quality, you’re going after optimization of the existing image. Until the resolution of the image itself has increased, it’s possible you may be introducing noise or flaws into your image with a far higher-res monitor.
It’s worth noting that increased image resolution from the source may not be too far away. 9800 detector upgrades pending FDA and 510k approval now claim to increase image signal to 4k. When that signal resolution becomes available, the full benefit of those hi-res monitors can be enjoyed.
Service:
The major drawback of using any third-party monitor upgrade is that once you install them on your 9800, you are no longer eligible for GE/OEC service. GE considers these upgraded systems to be out of compliance, which will leave you solely reliant on third-party service.
Conclusion:
Upgrading the display capabilities of your OEC 9800 is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Your budget, your goals and preferences for warranty/service coverage, and even the possibilities presented by upgrades for other parts of the C-arm all factor into which upgrade will be the best fit for you.
Pacific Healthcare Imaging is here to help you, contact us for more information.
