Russian citizens have just started to switch to 4K TVs, and TVs with 8K resolution are already appearing on the market. Like any new product, their price is high, but the TV is worth it. If you want to buy a new TV, you have to understand the problem of the need for 8K and all the nuances that come with it.
What is 8K?
At first glance, everything should be pretty straightforward. An 8K TV should have double the resolution of 4K. In reality, it is not, a complex method of calculating the resolution is used. The concept of 8K takes into account the horizontal resolution of the TV, it reflects the number of pixels when calculating from left to right. 8K TVs have twice as many horizontal pixels. In total, they have 4 times more pixels than 4K, which is 16 times more pixels than FullHD. That’s a lot of pixels.
In order not to get confused in the resolutions, we suggest that you look at their relation to the number of pixels:
- HD or 720p in the width of 1280 pixels and in height 720 pixels;
- 1080p or FullHD has a measurement of 1920 × 1080 pixels;
- 4K or Ultra HD has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels;
- 8K TV has 7680×4320 pixels.
Observant readers noticed that each subsequent resolution was half or double the previous one. Horizontal and vertical pixels are multiplied by 1, 5 or 2. Doubling occurs not only horizontally, but also vertically. As a result, the number of pixels between resolutions is really important. 8K TVs are incredibly pixelated.
Should I buy an 8K TV?
If you don’t want to read any further, buying such a TV doesn’t make much sense.
Only now, 4K TVs have started to become cheaper and more accessible to the masses. HDR is still in transition, and more recently it can be used in both FullHD and 4K. HDR is an important factor for the TV, which is not allowed, but is mandatory for implementation. If you want to buy a good TV, it is better to pay attention to the 4K TV with HDR function.
There is no need to wait for 8K for several reasons.
No 8K content except in Japan
Now with 8K, the situation is similar to where it was with 4K – hardly any work is underway to develop content for 8K. Until now, 4K material was not enough to fully utilize the format, but it is gaining popularity and actively developing. Some movies shot in 8K format can be found on Netflix and Amazon. Most Developers Are Now Focusing On Expanding 4K Content
Important! A significant less than 8K – the method and standard for transferring video to 8K for TVs is still not agreed.
A broadcast channel dedicated to 8K content has appeared in Japan. This allows a little glimpse into the future. To watch 8K media you will need: a TV with 8K resolution, a separate satellite, and possibly upgraded accelerators and junction boxes. All of the above requires large investments for a middle income person. Japan is the pioneer of 8K technology, it is preparing to display the 2020 Olympics at 8K.
Scaling will work, but not enough
Of course, good 8K TVs also work with lower resolution content. Given the lack of material, this is very important. Already today, many 4K TVs are ready to take FullHD content and make it better than in its original form. The upscaling technology improves lower quality content and partly covers the shortage of 4K. When using 4K TV, you don’t need to watch FullHD movies with huge black bands.
To better imagine the function, remember the recent history of smartphones. As soon as phones with a big screen appeared, they looked amazing even with apps for small resolutions. Weak apps for smaller phones have started to improve markedly. Even the sites have become brighter and more attractive without changing their design. Likewise, iPhone 6 user can switch to iPhone XS. The difference is huge.
8K televisions will indeed be upgradeable to improve the quality of content in the worst resolution. The algorithm is already in development and the first results are very promising. Nonetheless, customizing content from FullHD to 8K remains a difficult task. The photo is not entirely clear. And why buy an 8K zoom TV if you can achieve the same with 4K TV.
8K streaming is extremely difficult
No need to go far, even 4K streaming remains a difficult option. You must have a minimum internet speed of 20 Mbps for 4K streaming. It is not difficult to find a supplier with such speed in Russia, but in the United States it is very problematic and expensive. For 4K streaming, now you need to buy the best expensive equipment. Recalling that 8K is still 4 times more complicated than 4K, it becomes clear that it is too early to use this format.
In closed-circuit testing, it was possible to determine that the minimum throughput for 8K should be 50 Mbps. If you need to start multiple streams, a connection with a speed of 1 Gb / s will have a certain limit.
If you have a connection with a speed of 1 Gb / s, another problem may appear: the traffic limit. In just 1 hour of 8K streaming, around 75GB of traffic will be used up, but it depends on compression and other factors. If the provider sets a limit of 1TB, it will run out in a week, or even on weekends.
Major streaming providers Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, and Twitch still haven’t fully implemented 4K broadcasts. The launch of 8K seems a very distant prospect, which is difficult to talk about at the right time. Even after the introduction of the necessary technologies, who knows what obstacles will arise. Most likely, the services will not be able to support a large number of users streaming in 8K. You have to impose your own restrictions. The only existing solution today requires the installation of an expensive and complex satellite system.
8K TVs are very expensive
As always, TVs with newer technology are very, very expensive, but at a lower cost over time. For example, the first 4K TVs cost customers $ 20,000. The good news is that manufacturers of 8K multimedia equipment have learned to cut costs and this time around, they are offering new products at lower cost. The bad news is that their price always starts at $ 15,000. If it’s easy for you to spend $ 15,000, it’s better to buy 1 or 2 good 4K TVs and a high-quality sound system.
Without the huge costs of 8K televisions now can not do. All technological innovations are initially difficult to replicate, but it is possible to simplify and gradually reduce production costs. 4K TV is better to use now, and after 3-5 years already consider buying 8K TVs at more affordable prices.
What is the advantage of 8K televisions?
From 8K TV, those who need to be close to the TV will benefit. They are residents of narrow apartments and small houses. No matter how far away it is from the screen, the screen will be very clear, which is not the case with lower resolution televisions.
Many people can imagine how appalling a 70 inch TV with FullHD resolution is. In order not to see the pixels and enjoy the image, you must be at a great distance from the screen. With 4K, such issues shouldn’t occur on 50-60 inch TVs. If you have a 4K TV with a 70 inch matrix, the pixels can still be seen. To enjoy a high quality picture, you need to watch TV from a distance of 3 m.
In traditional living rooms or small apartments from 8K TV there really is meaning. They will allow you to be much closer to the TV and see all the details in high quality. Even with a long, narrow living room, this can be useful. It is not necessary to place the sofa at the back of the room and watch the picture from a distance.
Even then, you can be quite successful with a smaller 4K TV with HDR. It costs much less, and the image quality practically does not decrease. If you take an 8K TV, it is better to overpay and find a model that supports 4K and 8K formats, as well as HDR. It is worth taking an OLED TV with deep black colors.
8K TV will also include advanced technology to improve picture quality. Today, Sony’s 8K TV model is already showing 10,000 nits. Nits is a measure of brightness. In order not to delve into the technical characteristics, the best modern TVs on sale have only 4000 nits. It is also an OLED TV that will impress with its magnificent brightness and deep dark colors.
Samsung is introducing similar technology in its 8K TVs. They are actively working on the scaling technology already mentioned in the article. In addition, the TV is equipped with a function to adjust the brightness for ambient lighting. He learned to merge with the wall in an idle mode. The TV is 85 inches.
Despite the huge price tag, 8K TVs really do give the best picture yet. Video in 8K is much better than 4K, i.e. about FullHD. However, for the average buyer, the next few years will not feel the special advantages of such a TV over 4K.
