HD Vs. 4K
Anyone interested in video technology is familiar with the phrase high definition (HD). TVs that supported this kind of image resolution experienced a surge in demand because of the clarity they have. But with the continuous technological improvements, bright things are getting brighter, and another gem in the world of TV enthusiasts has arrived, 4K TV also known Ultra HD TV.
For many TV watchers, the difference between HDTV and 4K TV is the pixels. But there is more than meets the eye. The HDTV can have either 720 or 1080 pixels, while 4K TV has four times the pixels of a Full HDTV. The higher the pixels, the more precise the image, and since this has been the primary marketing feature of 4K, most consumers think that is the only variation it has from HD. Here we compare and contrast the features of the TV models, including the display. Take a look: Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Resolution
Moving from the known to the unknown, we begin our comparison basing on the image resolution of these two TV versions. The HDTV will have a pixel layout of either 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080. The 4K doubles the dimensions of the full HD TV pixel display (3840 x 2160) thus has four times the pixels of 1080p HD. The extra pixels of a 4K makes the image edges clearer and the colors more vivid. However, the difference between an HD and 4K display is only noticeable when you are the right distance from the TV. Generally, the range is shorter than for the 1080p set, which gives blurry images when you are too close to the screen.
When you sit further away from your 4K screen, the eye cannot pick the individual pixels making it impossible to discern the difference between the clarity of HD and 4K image.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR is a feature that increases the display’s contrast making the dark areas of an image darker while rendering white areas blinding white. Initially, this was a feature of products such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video only, but now 4K TVs are also included. HDR gives the images a touch of reality, which is lacking in the standard HD televisions. There are numerous varieties of HDR, including HDR10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma, Dolby Vision, and many others. Each TV brand has its preference, but some types are only found in the premium models.
Available content
When it comes to content available for viewing, the old saying ‘old is gold’ might be true. With the enhanced clarity, you may also expect to be spoilt for choices with a 4K TV. However, 4K content is currently limited. Watching live TV may just be a dream because the majority of the cable or satellite TV providers do not offer 4K packages. The few who have these packages, such as DirecTV, Dish Network and Comcast may also have other requirements to access the content. For example, for you to receive the 4K content from DirecTV, you must have a DVR box. Some TV providers roll out 4K content for sporting activities only.
While 4K live TV content remains limited, the increase in the on-demanding streaming content is remarkable. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others are providing 4K content. There are also download services such as Google Play and iTunes that have joined the ranks. Note that streaming 4K content consumes more data compared to HD content.
The majority of service providers offer HD packages at no extra cost making HD content easily accessible both for live TV and streaming services. Therefore, HDTV is still more superior than 4K in terms of available content.
Cost and Size of the TV
Generally, the 4K TV sets are pricier than their HD counterparts. The cost will vary with size but usually doubles the price of a Full HDTV of the same size. 4K TVs of the equivalent dimensions will also differ in price depending on the model, but they are still worth paying for. Some of the features that make 4K set worthwhile include resolution, HDR, in-built applications, and other additional features unavailable on HDTVs.
To maximize the potential of 4K resolution, a large screen is necessary. That is why most brands design screens from 40 inches upwards. This is in contrast to HD sets that can be as small as 28 inches.
Can I watch HD content on 4K TV?
The simple answer is yes. However, something will be happening in the background without your knowledge, that is upscaling. Since HD content cannot be displayed on a 4K screen in its usual 1920 x 1080 resolution, most manufacturers have an in-built feature in their devices that can fill up the pixels of HD resolution to that of 4K. This is what is known as upscaling and is also possible with SD content.
Even though some models have a perfect upscaling system, others may be disappointing, and you will have to outsource it. Mid-to-high end A/V receiver and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player are some of the available options you can explore.
Should I consider buying a 4K TV?
When 4K resolution was first heard of, very few TV models were supporting the technology, and it was reserved for a particular class. Currently, almost all TVs in the market, which are larger than 40 inches, are 4K. And despite the limited content available 4K TV is worth investing in because it is going to be the main thing in the TV world sooner or later.
Conclusion
Better technology is becoming available daily, and the TV industry is not left behind. Previously, HD was the talk of the town, but a better version, which is 4K, is now on the waves. 4K gives more explicit images and more vivid colors that is the desire of every watcher. Investing in 4K TV that comes with several features not found in HDTV is worthwhile, but the availability of content is the primary concern.