UHD, 4k, 8k... - the differences between the resolutions in the Overview
In the vernacular, and even in technical articles, the terms UHD and 4k often confused. In the publications of the Institute for broadcasting technology and the recommendations and Standards of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), you will find, however, clear definitions and boundaries. On the basis of the following indicative values, you can distinguish between SD, HD, UHD, 4k and 8k roughly:
- Standard Definition (SD) with mostly 720 × 576 pixels, for example, DVDs use. The side length ratio is usually 16 : 9.
- With High Definition (HD) is usually meant to be Full HD with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. HD is sometimes referred to as "2k". The are five times as many pixels as SD. The side length ratio is also 16 : 9.
- Ultra-HD (UHD) includes a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels. This is exactly 4 times as much as HD and 20 times as much as SD. The aspect ratio is still 16 : 9.
- 4k is used by Digital cinema (DCI) and usually corresponds to a resolution of up to 4096 × 2160 pixels. This is a ratio of slightly more than 17 : 9 and is by "cropping" - that is, the cutting away of pixels, to the typical ratio of about 21 : 9 brought.
- Colloquially 4k referred all the resolutions in the order of 4,000 horizontal pixels, so both UHD as well as DCI resolutions.
- HDTV was introduced together with the H. 264 Codec. Typical Codecs for UHD, and 4k video, High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC), such as the H. 265 Codec.
- 8k colloquially referred to the Super Hi-Vision System (SHV) of the public service TV broadcaster in Japan (NHK) where it will be 2020 in a rule operation. SHV includes 7680 × 4320 pixels, i.e., 80-Fold of the SD, still in the ratio 16 : 9. The same resolution also provided for UHD2.
- The Trend is away from increasing the resolution to an expanded color space, higher dynamic range (contrast range) and a higher frame rate, in order to increase the image quality.
- Which Software they use for 4k video editing and converting can learn in this CHIP Online practical tip.
Since designations are used, despite Standards and recommendations, neither in the world nor in the colloquial language unit, you should look for when buying for yourself, whether as a "4k"-the priesener TV is not actually a UHD resolution. Whether the purchase of 4k/UHD TVs and monitors at the Moment, is worth it, at CHIP Online.
4k Streaming: click Here now
The following websites are Streaming in 4k-quality to offer by now:
- Amazon Instant Video
- Netflix
- Vimeo (also Download possible)
- YouTube
- Wuaki.tv
The best UHD, and 4k televisions can be found in this CHIP-Test and the UHD-best list of the Top-screen TVs. For this year, the first affordable 8k-TV devices expected, because in Japan, the summer Olympic games 2020 in 8k broadcast. More about 8k TV in the next practical tip.
