4K and Full HD: how they differ and which is better?

Being carried away by the field of electronics, users notice the emergence of TV-devices with the help of which the image is shown in the Highest quality, with thin and huge displays. State-of-the-art technology provides everyone with the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous quality, with detailed images. With the advent of improved devices, buyers are puzzled, which is preferable. 4K or Full HD? Which of the varieties is more rational?

Pros of 4K Instances

The first plus of 4K is comfortable TV viewing at a short distance. The display of such an instance has a resolution that is recognized as ultra-high (about 8 million pixels).

This means that the picture is detailed to the maximum and looks more distinct when compared to previous TVs. The main advantages of 4K are:

• Distinct picture detailing, which is ensured by the use of proprietary technologies and an increase in the pixel concentration parameter. People can easily assimilate such a picture.
• Indicators of the frequency of the progressive scan. up to 120 frames / second. As a result, the load on the eyes is reduced, they are not so tired, even if they sit in front of a blue screen for days.
• Many shades are displayed in depth.
• The dynamic range is increased. In the most lightened and darkened parts of the image, all details are reproduced very clearly. All shades and colors look clearer and more vibrant.
• Improved sound quality. 4K TVs have multi-channel audio.

Such TVs will arouse the interest of game fans, because the image is extremely close to reality, which contributes to a complete deepening into the virtual space. In retail outlets, you can already find games that support this format.

4K matrix creates a spatial image that is viewed by a person from all positions. To view high quality 3D images No 3D glasses required.

It is possible to watch channels on a 4K TV in a smaller format, but this will adversely affect the picture. contrast and definition will suffer, the image will “stretch”.

Full HD

Full HD is a concept that means that the TV supports all high definition formats up to 1920 by 1080. That is, if the TV matrix has a lower resolution, then Full HD is out of the question. Lower resolution matrices can display content in Full HD720 quality. These copies usually bear the inscrIPtion HD Ready, which can be translated as “ready for display” HD. Next, we will show the actual differences between TVs with and without the Full HD or HD Ready label.

• If the TV set does not have any mark, then even the available high-definition matrix does NOT guarantee high-definition support. In most cases, these instances are provided for the image of a conventional SD signal with an extreme upscaling to the numbers that the matrix supports. As a result, the Ultimate SD resolution will correspond to the physical resolution of the matrix.
• If the device is marked HD Ready. it means that it is capable of showing high and standard definition. That is, the resolution of the HD1080 signal will be reduced to the actual resolution of the matrix, the HD720 signal will be played “as is” or its resolution will be increased, the resolution of the SD signal will also be raised to the actual resolution of the matrix.
• If the device has a Full HD inscrIPtion, it means that it displays any signals. HD1080 quality signal is displayed “as is”, while the resolution of the remaining signals will be raised.

What to buy: 4K or Full HD?

It is problematic to give a clear answer to this question. State-of-the-art technology is slowly gaining acceptance in today’s market, but few are willing to use it. The reason for this is the high cost of 4K devices. Even if a person has the means to purchase an expensive model, he will not be able to use it to its fullest, because the content is limited.

Alas, the reality of our life and the domestic electronics market are NOT yet adapted for the use of ultra-modern devices and viewing files in such a high resolution. So the question of which TV to buy, 4K or Full HD, is logical.

Buying a 4K TV comes with a list of challenges. For its one hundred percent use, you will need an Internet with a solid speed and a specialized HDMI cable. The owner of a modern TV will need to spend time searching for and purchasing the desired content. Satellite channels provided for viewing in this format, in our state, practically comments.

Full HD or HD Ready. which TV is better

On the overwhelming majority of modern electronic devices that record or reproduce. You can find the Full HD or HD Ready mark. When buying a TV, you will certainly come across these designations. In terms of image quality and detail, as a rule, HD Ready TVs are inferior to models that support Full HD, but they are also much cheaper.

What are the real benefits of Full HD TVs and how important is this question if the TV has a small diagonal? These questions are often asked by potential buyers who are not very well versed in this direction. We will reasonably answer the question of which TV is better: Full HD or HD Ready.

In simple terms, in general, the main difference between Full HD and HD Ready is the image quality. Visually, this difference is noticeable if you use a TV with a diagonal above average (32 inches or more). On the big screen, all the imperfections of the picture and problems associated with insufficiently high resolution are clearly visible and the advantage of models with Full HD becomes obvious. At the same time, it becomes problematic to notice the real difference between Full HD and HD Ready on a TV with a diagonal of less than 32 inches. We have already faced the question of what is Full HD and HD Ready. Now I want to introduce some accuracy, which was missed, in order not to interfere with everything in one heap. Says that Full HD is a high definition standard Not entirely correct. Rather, it is a marketing name, which means that the TV matrix supports 1920 resolution. × 1080 pixels.

Standard HD Ready supports playback in both 1280x720p (full) and 1920x1080i (with some distortion). Enhanced HD Ready 1080p resolution supported is 1920 × 1080p (no distortion). The letter next to the resolution denotes the scan type: i. interlaced, p. progressive. Anyone who is interested in the sweep issue can learn more. If your TV supports 1920 resolution × 1080 pixels, then it is referred to as Full HD devices. However, if it is interlaced, then it is HD Ready. And only the support of progressive scan, as well as the ability to reproduce high-definition images with no distortion, allows Full HD TV to refer to HD Ready 1080p.

Why did we do this refinement? In order to avoid the situation that you are choosing Full HD or HD Ready. In fact, the choice was between HD Ready and HD Ready. So Full HD can be referred to as HD Ready 1080p. So is HD Ready. Below is a table in which you can find a comparison of the two standards. This should undoubtedly help you when choosing a Full HD or HD Ready TV.

As you can see from the comparison characteristics, Full HD outperforms HD Ready in picture quality. This means that when buying a new TV, it is better to give preference to a model that supports Full HD. To consolidate the material, summarize our observations.

• Before buying a TV, be sure to check all the specifications: Full HD is not always the same.

• Full HD TVs Provide higher picture quality than HD Ready. But they may NOT reach the HD Ready 1080p standard, which is higher in image quality.

• When buying a TV with a screen diagonal of more than 32 inches, you must definitely choose the Full HD model.

We examined in detail the question of which TVs to buy over Full HD or HD Ready. As it turned out, Full HD models are superior in terms of image quality. On large TVs, this is clearly visible on small TVs, noticeably weaker. Whenever possible, it is best to choose a TV that supports HD Ready 1080p. Which includes Full HD and is the most optimal solution.

When choosing a modern TV, they look at the technical characteristics, screen resolution, diagonal, support for 4K or Full HD. Ordinary users turn a blind eye to the last parameter. They have heard that this is something related to quality, but they do not understand much exactly what the advantage of this level of quality is.

Let’s take a closer look at what Full HD, Ultra 4K HD is. What is the difference between the two quality formats. And with what parameters is it better to choose TVs.

Full HD resolution. What is it and how is it different from HD

Resolution is a parameter of images transmitted to the screen. It is measured in points. pixels. The higher the score, the better the quality and detail. Modern TVs support HD and Full HD resolution. The first format starts at 720 by 576 pixels.

Modern resolutions are being standardized. That is, they have exact parameters from which manufacturers do NOT deviate. So, the HD resolution is 1280 by 720 pixels. Full HD revolutionized standards in 2007 with 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Additionally, there is an amorphous standard Full SD with parameters of 1140×1080 points. The pixels are NOT square in this case. In regulatory documents, this version of the standard is called HDV.

Interesting fact. The first full-length films on BluRay and HD DVD were released in HDV format.

HD format

High Definition or HD resolution is the first high definition format. Its parameter is 1280 by 720 pixels. The aspect ratio of the frame in this case is 16 by 9 (the ratio of width to height). Movies are played in good quality, which is sufficient for homeGoPro viewing. The detail is average, but when watching films over the Internet, a very high connection speed is NOT required.

HD resolution is included in all digital TVs. You can find options that are affordable and with a wide enough screen. You can connect to TV receivers, home theaters, any game consoles. However, HD is significantly inferior in quality to Full HD.

FullHD Hardware Requirements

You can watch movies in high quality on a TV if it meets the following specifications:

• Full digital standard support. The technique must have its own decoder installed to decode the binary code on which the primary image is created.
• The mattress must have the appropriate resolution. 1080p Full HD or higher. Other quality will NOT allow you to enjoy movies. It is important to keep in mind that there is nothing in common between screen size and resolution. You can see what your TV supports through your passport, manufacturer’s website or TV settings.
• The player (DVD, player, receiver) must be equIPped with H.264 support. This is necessary to view clIPs from the drive memory.

You can find out if the TV supports this format by the presence of a marker on the case, the instructions for use, on the manufacturer’s website or through the menu. In the latter option, you must press the menu button through the remote control, enter the parameters and find the list of modes.

Advantages and disadvantages of 1080p quality

Modern image detailing allows you to watch full-length films in really good quality. Full HD resolution is installed in all modern TVs. It has the following advantages:

• High size options. The picture is located on an area of ​​1980 by 1080 pixels. This size is enough to cover even the largest display.
• The availability of equIPment with this parameter. Even domestic manufacturers produce 1080p TVs. Foreign TV Samsung, Sony, LG EquIPped with the same modules.
• A large amount of content in this capacity. Advertising, TV, Internets all support full-size format
• Full software compatibility with previous CD versions. Even a simple in HD 720px is perceived by modern technology as Full HD, in the H.264 codec.

Despite all the advantages, there is a drawback in modern quality. too much information requires a very high speed of work. If something is played from the Internet, then the connection must be high-speed.

Modern quality

The modern definition standard (SD) has 720 by 576 pixels. Old Full HD format. 1280x720p. And this kind of detail refers to high definition. The updated version is 1920 x 1080 pixels. And at the same time, there are 2 subtypes of the new 1080 format: progressive, interlace.

The full-color 1080p progressive subtype features instant output. That is, frames are NOT fed sequentially, which helps to avoid the appearance of the Combs effect and maintain maximum image detail.

In addition to the good picture, the popularity of Full HD is due to the following factors:

• Devices with matrices, the resolution of which supports 4K or 8K, costs several times more.
• 1080p picture parameters are enough for high detailing of small objects even on modest screens with a diagonal of 110.
• The clarity of the picture in 4K and higher is NOT intended for home GoPro viewing. So far, this format is used in full-fledged cinemas. Not all TVs support this format.

Even when watching cable and satellite TV, movies are broadcast in HD or Full HD quality, it is almost impossible to see the UHD parameter. Ultra-HD films only go into very expensive TV packages.

Comparison of standards

The key differences between HD and Full HD are as follows:

• Monitor resolution, which affects the resulting image quality.
• Modern TVs with Full HD support progressive scan and its combination with interlaced. This allows you to maintain clarity even when transferring dynamic scenes.
• Optimal aspect ratio. In Full HD he’s 16 to 9.
• HDTVs cost much less, which is often a key factor in purchasing them.

For comparison of resolution parameters, all formats are collected below:

What is HD Ready

It is a high definition picture format. The minimum quality displayed is 720p. That is, the screen resolution should be 1280 720 p, and the scan frequency should be 60 Hz. In this case, p is a progressive scan (all terms in the frame are displayed sequentially one after another). This display method ensures high quality transmission.

There are several variations of HD Ready TV with both progressive and interlaced (denoted as “i”). 1080p, 1080i. Their resolution is 19201080, the frequency is 60 Hz, and the sides are in 16: 9 ratio. That is, this is a widescreen model.

Such TVs should contain several connection interfaces. YPbPr (for analog television), HDMI (makes it possible to connect keyboards, mice, game consoles). Unlike the DVI connector, which is responsible for. HDMI transmits multi-channel audio.

Quite often users confuse HD Ready and HD Compatible. The former supports high-resolution content, while the latter accepts this though. But in the process of playback it recalculates it for itself, which makes the image transmission worse.

HD Ready or Full HD. which is better to choose

The standards of the modern world are constantly growing, users are becoming more and more demanding of the quality of the image that they see on their screens. After that, manufacturers introduce the latest technologies in order to please everyone. Today there are many image transmission technologies. HD Ready, Full HD, 4K and 8K. All TVs that support one technology or another have a different price range. Accordingly, the newer the standard, the more expensive the equIPment that meets it.

Earlier, we talked about how to choose a TV for yourself (for more details, see the link). They also talked about choosing the latest models with 4K support (full text here), as well as displaying a volumetric image in 3D (for reading, you can follow the link). And today we will touch on more budget options. TVs with support for HD Ready and Full HD, as well as understand all the subtleties and differences between them. And then let’s talk about this:

What is HD Ready;

What makes Full HD different;

Which is better HD Ready or Full HD.

Let’s make a reservation right away that in order to see the difference in the quality of picture transmission between technologies. be it HD Ready, Full HD, 4K or 8K (with the exception of 3D). you need a TV with a diagonal larger than average. from 32 inches and above. Otherwise, the differences are leveled.

Which is better HD Ready or Full HD

Since there are 4K and 8K standards, the for HD Ready and Full HD TVs are practically comparable and the price difference is not so big.

Full HD benefits:

All content is reproduced without any distortion in high definition;

1080i and 1080p formats are displayed without additional overscan;

Supported: 720p, 1080i, 1080p;

Supports digital broadcasting;

Plays content at high refresh rates per second.

Support for digital TV channels;

Playable formats: 720p, 1080i.

As you can see, the benefits of Full HD are obvious. This especially applies to large diagonal screens. A good example of an HD Ready TV would be Hisense HX32M2160NH (32 “diagonal, OLED display, 60Hz refresh rate, stereo sound thanks to two 3W speakers, 91mm thick, and weighs 4.3kg). HD TV can be called PhilIPs 32PFT4132 / 12 model (32 “, LCD display, there are picture enhancement technologies. Digital Crystal Clear and sound. Incredible Surround, Clear Sound, thickness 63.6 mm, weight. 4.8 kg).

In favor of HD Ready, we can say that it has now been improved and some modern models can reproduce in 1080p without loss of definition in progressive scan.

What makes Full HD different

This format conveys High Definition. That corresponds to the resolution of 19201080 and 1280720 p. At the same time, the content is widescreen. with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Thanks to this, the clarity of playback is increased five times. Now you can see the smallest details of the image, which were NOT visible before. For example, dewdrops in a cobweb, streaks on tree leaves, lint on clothes, etc.

These TVs are usually labeled Full HD. If there is no marking, then no matter how much the seller assures you otherwise, the device will not support this format. The maximum that such a model can produce is HD Ready. that is, recalculate the signal for the existing matrix, the display clarity will increase slightly, but it will still NOT reach high resolution. Usually, TVs that support the Full HD standard have powerful enough processors that they can recalculate any format (720p, SD) and increase the picture quality, even if it was initially lower.

Let’s clarify once again. such differences in the transmission can be seen only on the big screen. A diagonal of less than 32 inches is physically NOT able to convey all the differences in image detail. But a large one will show every flaw in the image on the screen, as it happens when a small photo is enlarged at least twice, the pixels become immediately visible.

Instead of conclusions

Big opportunities. high power consumption

Large screen diagonals and rich equIPment impact on energy consumption. So, both flagshIPs with UHD resolution produced by Sony and Panasonic pull more than 200 W from the outlet and thus turn out to be the leader too, but in a negative light. At the same time, both devices offer power saving mode, ambient light indicator and automatic shutdown.

In terms of energy saving, we should recommend the low-cost LG model: with an energy consumption of 88 W during normal operation, it is unusually economical. in this discIPline only Panasonic TX-50DXR700 bypasses it.

Full HD: quality picture at a fair price

If UHD seems like an overkill, you can, within a budget of 50,000 rubles, replace your old TV with a very good 55-inch model. And if you prefer a smaller TV, you can keep within 30,000 rubles. At the same time, the test results for Full HD TVs (see the table above) were NOT as uniform as in the case of UHD models. However, this is explained NOT so much by the image quality as by the equIPment.

None of the candidates showed any gross blunders when playing content in HD. If you are looking for the best picture quality in this class, as in UHD TVs, then you can find it in Sony: the test leader KDL-65W855C has excellent picture quality when displayed from HD- and SD-sources.

The device gains points primarily due to the high contrast on the checkerboard (218: 1) and brightness (396 cd / m2), as well as natural vibrant colors. But the average price of 133,000 rubles is still quite high for a TV of this class. Only Sharp LC-80LE657RU is more expensive. however, for 283,000 rubles users get a huge screen with an impressive 80-inch diagonal.

However, in the price class from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles, there are candidates worthy of recommendation among the top ten models. Within this budget, the buyer can expect to purchase a television device with a screen diagonal of 40 to 55 inches: for example, a 40-inch Panasonic TX-40CSR520 or a 55-inch LG 55LF580V.

Panasonic TX-40CSR520 and LG 55LF580V

A truly better buy will be the LG 42LF562V: for only 27,700 rubles, excellent image quality is provided on a 42-inch display. True, in this case you will have to come to terms with some shortcomings of equIPment: LAN, WLAN and Smart TV are not worth looking here.

But the LG TV is not alone in this: seven devices have abandoned all of THESE features, which positively affected the price. Not everyone offers USB recording and 3D support. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the list of equIPment. Or just take a look at the leader of the Sony brand: it offers extensive equIPment, even though there is no dual tuner.

Big test of UHD and Full HD TVs

We tested UHD and Full HD TVs of all sizes and price categories, and found out if it makes sense today to switch to 4K?

We tested current models of TVs with a diagonal of 32 to 80 inches and a resolution of Full HD and UHD, starting with the base model for 14,500 rubles with an LCD matrix without Smart TV functions and ending with a flagshIP with an organic LED display and a wide range of additional features for 950 000 rubles.

Next, we will present you with detailed test results and give you recommendations on choosing the right TV device in accordance with your needs. And for those who want to sit in their living room, watch football matches, films and TV shows in XXL format, we have listed our favorites among home projectors.

EquIPment to the maximum

Do not waste time on trifles. this is the motto adopted by manufacturers in relation to equIPment. So, 14 models out of 20 tested are equIPped with dual tuners and two CI slots. HDMI and USB ports are also available on all models in sufficient quantity, and many TVs can even connect Scart devices.

Powerful sound: four speakers and two subwoofers on the front provide excellent sound Sony KD-75X9405C

Expandable smart TV: an added plus. if smart TV can be expanded with apps

In addition, UHD TVs offer a full range of smart TV capabilities: they all have a full-fledged multi-functional operating system and applications such as YouTube Weather Forecast and others are preinstalled. In addition, the user has the ability to add applications.

All models can connect to the Network both wired and wirelessly. The main differences are support for Miracast and on-demand apps. In addition, almost all models offer a convenient alternative for controlling smart TV. for example, in the form of a touch panel.

If, in addition to excellent picture quality, you also need rich sound, and at the same time would like to abandon the use of additional speakers, then our test leader, the Sony KD-75X9405C, is best suited. A total of 90 watts of music power and a dual subwoofer deliver clear, powerful sound just like in a cinema.

The LG 55UG870V model, which earned our price recommendation, also makes an impression with a rich sound thanks to the built-in subwoofer. although the case here at high volume rattles.

The agony of choice: Ultra HD or Full HD

The main issue is the problem of choosing the resolution of the matrix: Full HD or UHD. After all, TVs with an ultra-clear screen are still more expensive than high-definition models: while among Full HD TV devices for about 50,000 rubles you can choose a 55-inch TV with high image quality and good equIPment, you will have to pay for a UHD model as at least twice as much. A universal recommendation for choosing comments, because in addition to the budget, the preferences and habits of the buyer will be the decisive factor.

The European Football ChampionshIP should not be considered an argument in favor of UHD: although at least eight out of 51 matches are announced in UHD, domestic channels and operators are not yet broadcast in ultra-high definition (except for Tricolor TV). And you can only get pleasure from watching football in UHD by workarounds.

For example, the Italian RAI channel broadcasts games in Ultra HD, and the Tiv Smart Card required for thisúsat together with the CI module can be purchased and. However, an Italian tax number may be required to activate. only those with relatives or friends in Italy will be lucky. However, you can try your luck on thematic TV forums.

Confusion: 4K vs UHD UHD devices for a lot of money

If you opted for a UHD TV and absolutely want to get the best picture quality, you will have to fork out: the two most expensive models got the highest marks in our test (see table).

The Sony KD-75X9405C test winner works wonders for delivering flawless UHD picture quality on a 75-inch screen. whether native UHD or upscaled to HD content. The picture is very clear and colorful, and the motion reproduction is smooth. But at a price of 493,400 rubles, this device can hardly be called a profitable purchase.

The Panasonic TX-65CZR950 will cost even more, which costs as much as 950,000 rubles, which greatly narrows the circle of potential buyers of the 65-inch model. Even though you can still get the highest quality OLED technology with a reference image, almost perfect brightness distribution, wide viewing angles and excellent checkerboard contrast (238: 1).

But even at a much lower cost, you can get the highest picture quality: the picture quality of the LG 55UG870V slightly differs from more expensive models, and it costs only 106,000 rubles. By the way, all three devices can also be recommended for 3D fans, due to the absence of flickering and crosstalk when playing 3D content.

If you’re looking for a better OLED alternative to Panasonic’s OLED TV, check out the LG 55EG960V, which is 10 inches smaller but also costs around RUB 186,000.

Movies and TV shows in UHD quality

But if a TV is needed mainly for watching movies and TV shows, then it makes sense to purchase a device with UHD resolution now. New to Russia, Netflix is ​​constantly expanding its UHD content offering: the streaming service has made a name for itself on TV series such as House of Cards and Orange is the hit of the season. Free Short Films, Documentaries, and UHD Trailers can be found on YouTube and Vimeo.

UHD Blu-ray Discs and Compliant Players have been available in the European market since early April. Disc playback has the advantage of wider dynamic range (HDR) technology over UHD streaming. For its operation, you need a TV with support for the local dimming of the matrix backlight (Local Dimming). In most current TV sets, it is implemented.

The first blockbusters on Ultra HD Blu-ray discs include The Survivor, The Martian, and Mad Max: Fury Road. However, this pleasure cannot be called cheap: the price of one UHD Blu-ray disc is about 2,000 rubles. The first models of Samsung UBD-K8500 and Panasonic DMP-UB900 players available on the European market cost about 22,000 and 60,000 rubles, respectively. These new items will appear in the second half of 2016.

Half the power consumption

Full HD devices gain additional points in comparison with Ultra HD models due to their lower power consumption: on average, the TV devices of this type tested by us without any additional energy efficiency settings consume from 60 to 90 W. that is, they consume about half as much as in the case of ultra-clear TVs.

Only two large-format models Sony and Sharp with 60-inch screens crossed the 100W mark. But even they are much more economical than ultra-high-resolution devices.

Images: Manufacturing companies; Samsung; Sony; PhilIPs

What are the differences between 4K, Full HD, etc.

In recent years, the evolution of screens has reached such a progress that few people can be surprised by a high-quality picture at Full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels with a frequency of 120 Hz. It seemed that what else is needed to enjoy viewing? But Full HD is no longer the ultimate dream. The market already sells models with might and main with 4K and Ulta HD resolution.

A quick note about the Frequency that is applicable to different screen resolutions. What does it give? This is (roughly speaking and simplistically Explaining) the speed of your screen flickering and the associated delay between image frames. The lower the frequency, the worse the frame change is perceived: they become torn. On the contrary, the higher. the less the pause between frames, the image becomes smooth and well perceived.

4K vs. UHD

The simplest way to tell the difference between 4K and UHD is as follows: 4K is the professional production standard and UHD is the consumer display and broadcast standard. To find out why they are so often confused, let’s take a look at the history of THESE two terms.

The term “4K” originally comes from the DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) consortium, which standardizes specifications for digital cinema production. In this case, 4K is a resolution of 4096 by 2160 pixels, which is four times more than the previous digital processing and projection standard (2K or 2048 x 1080). 4K is not only a resolution standard, it also defines how content is encoded. DCI 4K is compressed using JPEG 2000, can be up to 250Mbps and uses 12-bit 4: 4: 4 color depth.
Ultra High Definition, or UHD for short, is the next step in Full HD, the official name for a 1920 x 1080 display. UHD upscales the resolution to 3840 x 2160. It’s not the same as 4K, since 4K is higher, but nonetheless almost every UHD TV or monitor is advertised as 4K. Of course, there are panels with a resolution of 4096 x 2160 and an aspect ratio of 1.9: 1, but the vast majority are 3840 x 2160 with a ratio of 1.78: 1.

Why not 2160p?
Of course, manufacturers know the difference between 4K and UHD. But probably for marketing reasons, they stick to the term 4K. But in order not to conflict with the real DCI standard, they often use the phrase 4K UHD, although some write just 4K.

Even more confusing is that. UHD is actually split into two, 3840 x 2160 and then a significantly increased resolution of 7680 x 4320, also called UHD. The terms 4K UHD and 8K are used to differentiate them, but to be more precise, 8K UHD should be renamed QUHD (Quad Ultra HD). The real solution would be to abandon the 4K name and use the designation 2160r. Broadcast and display standards always use a lower value with the letters “i” or “p”, resulting in 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and so on.

Though, it is likely too late to change the naming convention, as 4K TVs are already available worldwide. The more important issue is the lack of content for such permission. So far, only a few, like Netflix and Amazon Instant, offer something similar. But without high-quality and affordable 4K and UHD, they are unlikely to gain popularity in the near future.

Difference between HD, UHD, 4K and 8K

The letter p in both variants means progressive, which means that the entire image draws each frame sequentially, and such lines are 720 or 1080, respectively. The alternative is the letter i, which stands for interlaced (1080i is the HDTV standard). Odd and even numbered lines are displayed alternately in each frame, resulting in a slight degradation in image quality.

The term 4K refers to any display format with a horizontal resolution of approximately 4000 pixels. This is a bit confusing, since at lower resolutions the format is written as the number of pixels vertically, i.e. 1080i or 720p.

UHD or Ultra HD is the same as 4K, except for one thing: it is more suitable for consumers and TV, also has a lower resolution of 3840 × 2160 dots (2K) than 4K.

• (DCI) Standard Digital Cinema Initiatives. a professional production standard, which is the most common for digital GoPro production with a resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels.
• UHD-1, often referred to as 4K UHD or just 4K, and sometimes as 2160p, which has become the standard for TVs with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the number of pixels in Full HD.

Most modern UHD-1 TVs do not use the wider DCI 4K aspect ratio as it is NOT suitable for most TV content.

There is also Full HD Ultra, sometimes referred to as 8K, with a resolution of 7620 x 4320 pixels. There are several TVs on Yandex Market, which can boast of such a screen resolution and an impeccable picture, but it is recommended to choose a Full HD Ultra TV with a diagonal of at least 85 inches. On a smaller diagonal, you simply will not see all the splendor of the picture that is possible at 8K.

Is it worth taking something higher than Full HD?

It is worth it, only if you have enough 4K or UHD sources. It can be both files and providers Who can present such content. It should be noted that there are still few providers providing such content.

Apple has begun adding 4K HDR content to iTunes ahead of time. It began appearing on iTunes for the US and several other countries.

Should you buy a 4K TV?

Until the screen diagonal exceeds 50 inches, the difference is almost invisible

Nowadays 4K TV is not a must, and many people prefer to get by with Full HD. Innovation is literally becoming an industry standard before our very eyes, but the of the top models do not allow us to safely purchase Ultra HD for viewing at home. budgetary manufacturers often offer inferior UHD, in which the quality of a dynamic picture is significantly different from a static UHD picture. Lagging and poor color rendering in cheap 4K TVs make you choose market leaders with the corresponding price.

The second problem is not enough content. Netflix offers several TV series (House of Cards, Marco Polo, The Eighth Sense and Daredevil and documentaries about nature. A couple of dozen UHD Blu-ray discs are sold, 4Ks are available on Youtube. But this is not enough to saturate the market.

Who really needs Ultra HD is the creators. photographers, designers, engineers, animators. UHD support is becoming increasingly important for professional and production technology today.

Choosing a 4K TV

PhilIPs Ultra HD 42PUS7809. bestseller

• The leader among small top-end models of 2017 is the PhilIPs Ultra HD 42PUS7809 with a diagonal of 42 inches. The ultra-thin body of the device, laconic design and double-sided lighting will decorate the interior. The 600Hz 4-core processor with 3D support brings 4K images to life. The price is only 40,000 rubles.
• Samsung UE40JU6000U supports LED and 4K technologies at a similar price. Has several modes, tuners (DVB-T, DVB-C, DVB-T2 and analog) and other functions.
• The ultra-thin PhilIPs 40PUT6400 features 4K Ultra HD LED technology with auto scaling. The TV supports Android 5.1 OS, thanks to Smart TV it connects to the Internet. Costs 34,000 rubles.
• LG 40UF771V with UHD 4K guarantees clear images. The device is controlled by webOS TV, sold for 36,000 rubles.
• The budget LG 43UH610V delivers realistic yet vibrant colors and processes images faster than some expensive devices.

All models from the LG UH6xx and Samsung KU6xxx series are also popular.

Choosing a budget 4K TV

HISENSE 40H4C ROKU TV is considered one of the best budget TVs of 2016

The higher the price of a 4K TV, the better the quality. Low-end users are usually much inferior to flagshIPs. For example, savings of 2-3 times can be due to the diagonal of the matrix (the smaller the diagonal, the cheaper the screen). If the TV will be used in a small room, a 40-inch TV is sufficient. True, you will NOT see all the advantages of 4K in it.

Pseudo 4K is also widespread, when the resolution formally corresponds, but HDMI 1.4 instead of 2.0. As a result, a full Ultra HD stream is simply not transmitted. Full 4K disc playback requires HDCP 2.2 over HDMI 2.0 support. It is also important to pay attention to input lag (image processing time), black saturation and color balance.

Chinese TVs 4K

Chinese technology is firmly occupying the budget segment. BBK and Helix offer the cheapest models up to 32 inches. Kivi and Romsat offer 43-65 inches diagonals, 4K models support Smart TV and have good color reproduction. Hisense and TCL had decent models, but now the firms have left the market.

Xiaomi Mi TV3 is the premium option among Chinese TVs. High contrast, fast response time (8ms) and superb dynamic picture processing allow Xiaomi TVs to compete on an equal footing with market leaders.

The 4K Ultra HD TV segment is actively developing, and the technology is becoming more popular every year. But today it makes sense to take only premium models with real 4K and a diagonal of 55 inches, and they are unreasonably expensive. We advise you to take more budgetary options as temporary for 3-4 years, until the amount of content increases significantly. At the same time, you can wait for the cheapening of high-quality TVs and a significant improvement in characteristics in the middle price range.

Top Rated 4K Ultra HD TVs for 2017

If you just want to see which of the models are most trusted by buyers, then we have prepared such a rating.
To see the cost and availability of the TV model you are interested in in your region, just bring the mouse to its name.

Pattern_id: 8690
search: OLED65E6 65 inches: LG OLED65E6

From this list it will NOT be difficult to choose a 4k UHD model for every size and taste. However, I recommend that you carefully read the article in order to form your own opinion and make an Informed choice based on knowledge about THESE modern devices.

Which is better to choose. 4K or Full HD?

4K. not just more pixels, but better color reproduction

Ultra HD (4K), or Ultra High Definition, is a big step up in image resolution. According to the CEA (Electronics Consumer Association) definition, an Ultra HD TV is a device that displays a minimum of 8 million active pixels with a minimum resolution threshold of 3840 by 2160 pixels. There are several options for 4K digital content, from 3840 by 2160 to 4096 by 3112.

3840 by 2160 is currently the most popular and we see it on most UHD / 4K TVs. Higher resolution is obtained by doubling the number of pixels horizontally and vertically compared to Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), which is also recognized as the high definition standard. For small diagonal Full HD is enough, but TVs with a screen of 55 inches and higher are definitely better to take with 4K.

Ultra HD 4K TVs: all in format and choice of models

Launch of the new 65 ” Ultra HD TV

Ultra HD or UHD TVs are high-quality technology that provides the effect of presence and makes watching movies as close as possible to the contemplation of reality. But there is a serious drawback. a small amount of content in this format.

What’s the difference between a regular TV, Full HD and Ultra HD 4000?

Ultra HD 4000 pixels vertically and horizontally double that of Full HD

The high resolution displays high-quality images with incredible detail and color depth. However, high static resolution is not the only criterion for comfortable GoPro viewing. Differences in dynamic resolution, backlight uniformity, black level, contrast, color quality, and dynamic scene reproduction play an important role. These parameters depend on the manufacturer of the TV and the price category of the equIPment.

Today the market has found a compromise point between Full HD and Ultra HD 4000. The opinion among users is that the Ultra HD format really differs with a diagonal of at least 55 inches. The 65-inch screen is considered the golden mean. Budget models with a diagonal of 40-43 inches will not make the difference between Full HD and Ultra HD.

4K TV for games ps4 pro

Sony KD-55XD9305 delivers superb static and dynamic images

All the features of the ps4 pro console (incredible image detail, brightness and realism, as well as map magnification) can be seen only on a 4K screen. One of the best budget employees for ps4 pro is Sony KD49XD8077, which costs about 80 thousand rubles. It is suitable for games in a small living room, with a diagonal of 50 inches. It is desirable that the TV has HDCP 2.2 on HDMI 2.0 and minimum Input Lag.

expensive models that users recommend:

• Samsung UE49KS7000U;
• Sony KD-55XD9305
• LG OLED55B6V
• Samsung UE55KS8000U
• Samsung UE55KS7000U
• Samsung UE49KS8000U
• Sony KD49XD8305;
• Samsung UE49KS7000U

Super HD

The appearance of the standard dates back to the end of 2013. Designed to replace the obsolete Full HD. Devices of this series have a resolution of 2304 by 1296 pixels. The technology has received some recognition among car registrars and is characterized by innovations.

With Smart AE technology, the picture quality will not be worse when moving from light to twilight and vice versa. With additional options, you can change the parameters of illumination and clarity, adjust the contrast. The WDR option minimizes the risk of degradation in contrast or color, and also eliminates blackouts in frames.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Super HD Resolution

According to the characteristics, it is noticeable that the Super HD resolution is one and a half times more powerful than that of the competitor. As a result, the image is clearly drawn in detail.

The advantages of technology with Super HD are:

• Excellent picture quality at any time of the day.
• Powerful processor.
• Reliable matrix.
• A wide range of options that are often missing in cheap devices.
• Increased cost of Super HD models.
• Low recording speed (typically 30fps).
• Large file size, which will require the purchase of a high-capacity flash card.

When watching the sound recording on a computer monitor or plasma TV, the special difference in the adopted resolution is not very noticeable and does not even matter. In the case of a recorder, the main advantage of super-sharp is the ability to zoom in each frame and distinguish between details.

A number of factors affect image quality:

• Processing methods
• Settings.
• Internal filling of the device.
• Compression aLGorithms.

The reproduced picture, even at a high sensor resolution, may NOT correspond to the expected result if the matrix lacks light and the files are strongly compressed. It is advisable to conduct a test test to draw conclusions.

Full HD

Full High Definition. marketing term describing 1920 resolution × 1080 points at a frequency of at least 24 frames per second. The most popular format now. Launched in 2007 by Sony. Supported by 99% of devices now.

• High definition TV broadcasts.
• Projectors.
• TV sets.
• Registrars.
• Smartphone cameras.
• Computer displays.

Full HD supports two types of scanning. progressive (1080p) and interlaced (1080 i). In progressive (progressive), the picture appears on the screen instantly, in interlaced recording of a frame, there are two half-frames. The traditional aspect ratio of a TV picture is 4: 3, in the Full HD-16: 9 template. There is an anamorphic version of Full HD, abbreviated as HDV, with a non-square pixel and dimensions of 1440 × 1080 pixels (1.33 pixel aspect ratio, so the resulting aspect ratio remains the same 16: 9). All formats are supported. Up to the maximum value

History

The first LDPI format worked in the 23 standard × 33 and was applicable on small LED screens. Progress does not stand still, improved technologies are being developed. And now SD-resolution appeared. 720 pixels horizontally and 576 vertically. The standard for content that followed in 2005 was called HD ready and had a minimum resolution of the device matrix. 1280 by 720 lines. With the development of the technical revolution, the latest innovations are being introduced. It is likely that in a few years the now popular FullHD will be replaced by more progressive formats.

Which is better Full HD or Super HD?

Here are modern devices for recording and viewing. High quality content display required. This largely depends on the parameters of the adopted resolution. In electronics, the concept of resolution means the number of dots (pixels) per area or length and determines the degree of image quality with detailed rendering of details. Scaling up gives a grainier picture.

Features of choice, parameters

• Matrix and processor. The Super HD matrix is ​​one and a half times more powerful than the competitor. Consequently, the load on the processor is too high. For the production of an improved device, more productive iron is required. The output will be high-quality, but expensive equIPment. Dishonest manufacturers can save on component parts, which will not guarantee stable operation of the device.
• Frame frequency. The higher the frame rate, the more directly and smoothly the material is displayed. The required value must be at least 30 frames per second. The frequency stated above in size is a marketing gimmick, as it is possible at low resolution shooting.
• Memory properties. The smaller the capacity of the memory card, the more rewriting cycles will pass with the likelihood of quick failure. Therefore, one should not save on the volume of the flash card. It is better to choose a card with solid memory, operating in different temperature ranges and allowing a large number of rewrites.

Consequently, super quality is ensured by modern filling and proper functioning of all options. Imperfect components and settings can negate the advantages of the new model and a Full HD picture will be preferable.

Promising direction

Ultra HD is the new format of the future that is gaining popularity. It also has a name. 4K. Has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Provides exceptional screen clarity and a brighter color gamut. Currently applicable on professional equIPment. One minute footage will take over 500 megabytes of memory. There are already devices based on this format on sale, but they are not in special demand yet due to the high price. Although Ultra HD TVs have earned their recognition and popularity.

Only on the basis of the characteristics should you decide on the correct choice of the device. And decide how reasonable it is to purchase a novelty in pursuit of excellent shooting quality. You can give preference to well-known brands or choose a high-quality reliable Full HD model.