4K Ultra High Definition: The next evolution in TV explained

A new kind of television will be taking over store shelves in 2015. It’s called 4K Ultra High Definition, or 4K UHD for short, and you’re going to be hearing a lot about it in the coming months. That’s because over the next few years, 4K UHD televisions are going to replace the 1080p HD televisions we’ve just become familiar with.

Just as we made a change from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) over the past few years, we’re now making another transition, from HD to 4K UHD. This new technology brings us higher resolution, sure, but 4K UHD brings other benefits as well.

In this video, we explain how 4K UHD works and what it means for the future of television, all in easy-to-understand terms, so you can be ready when the time comes to purchase a new television.

[zhengwen]

4K is much more affable then before. I saw many 4K going for less then 1080p of the same size during sales events. Is there still a point to go for a 1080p TV now a days?

[playnicegames]

Just to note something you mentioned 4K UHD handling 60fps and 1080p handling 30fps. 1080p also handles 60fps. One more thing to note Rec 2020 will be coming it is not out currently, some set 4K UHD & 1080p can do the DCI color space (same as in theaters) which is bigger than Rec 709 (the standard on blu ray) but smaller than Rec 2020.

[wade_says]

Just bought a 50” Sony 4K TV (X690E). Did a ton of research and it’s the best for the money. So glad I did. It’s amazing.

[chrm]

Why would 1920x1080 not be able to handle 60 fps? Are you implying that all 1080p tv's are 30hz?

[heinedenmark]

I just bought a 49" Samsung 4K UHD TV.. and I love it!

[Ook]

So 4K TV is backward compatibility as in you can watch it in 1080p, good to know. I got a question though, when buying 4K TV what do you look for like specs feature? There's so many 4K TV out in the market right now and don't know which one to buy. Also how do I actually watch 4K contents? Output 4K contents? If I understand correctly currently only 4K smart tv with built in apps like Netflix can stream 4K contents directly from your TV, that's the only practical way of steaming it. Currently is impossible to stream 4K content from your PC, tablet, phone, console to your TV. Since first of all you need high Internet speed and second you need 4K capable PC which ain't cheap. Last time I check PS4 or Xbox One does not support 4K. Also ive heard that when buying 4K TV these specs are important: HDMI 2.0, 10bit video chip, HDCP 2.2 and HEVC. What does those specs mean and are they important? Nice video btw. I'll be greatly appreciated if you answer my questions.

[klbird]

Seriously, I do have an HD TV, but like computers, once you upgrade, you are usually still obsolete. Technology is moving faster than my income can keep up with it.    

[DennisTamayo]

Hulu originals are in 4K, even the 2020 revival of Animaniacs.

[WisdomExplorerAG]

When u think all movies will be 4K resolution o.o

[davidberry]

I have a new vizio 4k tv and it wont play 4k on directv and after 2 weeks of trying to find the problem directv tells me that my tv only has a refresh rate of 60 mhz and all directv content has a rate of 120 so that why my tv only plays 4k in 1080P so I guess ill have to go with that 😡

[henrydaya]

Right now 4k is in the top, , we can see more crystal clear picture n great picture, ,i love my 4k tv from l.g

[klbird]

Gee!  Should I retire my 1963 Zenith 23 inch color TV?

[blakliffy]

Not every tv streams 4k yet. 

The current LG models cannot.
Last years sony models cannot.

Make sure your tv can stream 4k and make sure it has hdmi 2.0 ports, otherwise your tv will not be able to give you the true 4k experience in the coming months. 

[aussie]

4K TVs are terrible at upscaling normal sd tv. If you like watching your normal sd tv stations then keep your 1080 hd tv. They upscale sd to hd extremely well.

[karaha]

All this is just to suck-empty our wallets and find ourselves with an old fashioned tech the next day. uuuuh!!!

[deweydodo]

A brighter screen picture that looks blurry ?  Least to me .

[Lifter]

Going to replace 1080p yet they still around gtfo