1. Let’s start at the beginning: What is 4K?
In short, it’s a video quality upgrade from the current standard, high definition (HD), that, when viewed on a sufficiently large display, is a dramatic improvement. In the next few years, 4K will begin replacing HD as the standard format for home TV and movie viewing. YouTube turned on 4K capability way back in 2010 and relatively cheap 4K filmmaking cameras like the RED have been used by major moviemakers since at least 2008. The term Ultra High Definition (UHD) is sometimes used interchangeably with 4K. Technically, UHD is a broad term that encompasses video resolutions higher than 1080 HD, so to clear up confusion, what we’re talking about will be called 4K.
The term 4K refers to the roughly 4,000 pixels packed into the display. This chart gives you an idea of exactly how much better this format is compared to 1080 HD.
2. Only large displays will benefit from 4K
Your smartphone or iPad screen will likely never be 4K – it’s not needed. Most people will not even notice the difference between HD and 4K in smaller TVs. But for displays around 60 inches and up, 4K will soon be a must-have in the home. With 4K, there are no visible pixels, no matter how close you get to the display. The pixel density is so high that the picture remains intact up close and, assuming you’re watching 4K video, the viewing experience is considerably better than HD.
Not sure if you should upgrade your medium-sized TV? Check out this chart:
3. Affordable 4K video cameras are already available
While most of the attention has been given to 4K TVs, those amazing displays will not do much for you if there are not cameras that shoot at the 4K level. Manufacturers such as Sony are racing to put consumer-level cameras on the market that take full advantage of the television they just sold you. Some of the first widely available 4K cameras, surprisingly, will fit in your pocket. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, released in fall 2013, shoots 4K video and reviewers say it looks noticeably better than 1080 HD. The wildly popular, handheld GoPro camera series has had 4K capability for a while now. On a much higher picture quality level (but still consumer-aimed), Sony announced the $1,999 Handycam FDR-AX100 at CES2014. These are just three currently out there for sale, but the quality, price and selection is becoming better every day.
Here’s a closer look at the FDR-AX100 from Sony:
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[YouTube]
4. 4K is not 3D
That might sound obvious, but let me explain. In the past few years, we have seen opinions on 3D video in the home go from “this will replace all 2D video” to “this is not worth the hassle.” But 4K will not see a similar fate. Why? Partially because most 4K TVs also have 3D capabilities. This means you can watch both types of content on the same display. 4K is also not an entirely new platform – it’s simply a higher quality version of HD video. Unlike 3D, no glasses or special viewing angle is required in order to experience 4K video.
Here’s a video of animals in 4K because… why not?
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[YouTube]
Conclusion
Exactly how long until HD reaches the point of near extinction currently held by SD? I don’t know. But I’m confident we will see a major shift in the next few years as movies, online content and TV broadcasts transition to 4K.
Oh, and if you think you have a handle on 4K, Samsung already has a prototype 8K TV.
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