The successor to the 4K resolution has arrived. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering all the ins and outs of the current 8K market, and answering common questions like, how does 8K work?
8K is a definite step up from 4K resolution, with four times the number of pixels of its predecessor. Something to get excited about for home cinema and gaming enthusiasts.
The term applies to both devices that record in this resolution (cameras and smartphones, for example) and displays, like televisions and computer displays).
A Quick Introduction - What exactly is 8K?
At 8K the pixels are closer together and smaller, which can be interpreted as a gain in image quality.
The 8K resolution has about 8,000 columns horizontally. Or 7,680 x 4,320 pixels, distributed over the display size in the 16:9 format. At 8K the pixels are closer together and smaller, which can be perceived as a gain in the level of detail and depth, thus improving the image quality.
Colours can also appear vivid due to 12-bit colour depth, providing a clear advantage to the viewer.
The interesting bit for gamers: The new Xbox and Playstation are 8K compatible and support 8K streaming.
8K TVs might still be a work in progress, several manufacturers have already released 8K display models in the U, including Samsung, Sony, and LG.
Also Read: New HDMI 2.1 specifications: Dynamic HDR, 8K resolution, eARC & more
Key Benefits of Adopting 8K Technology
Although the human eye has a hard time discerning 8K over 4K, there are a few upsides to having 8K.
An 8K TV, being the best-in-class and most cutting-edge for any manufacturer, will have the best video processing and the best HDR performance. Televisions have been one of the first applications of this technology.
Gaming, cinema, and advertisement industries are significantly adopting 8K technology, so here’s a quick look at the significant benefits of upgrading to 8K.
- Potential for better overall quality
Many hardware manufacturers record 4K footage with their devices at a higher resolution if it’s possible (such as 5K or 6K) before downsampling the footage to 4K for output. By doing so, they claim to have obtained better quality footage as opposed to the footage recorded at 4K.
In high likelihood, the surplus of information that 8K recording brings may also benefit downsampled footage, with respect to certain aspects of video quality such as colour and image noise control.
- Futureproofing
It is a good idea to be prepared by adopting 8K, now.
Filmmakers will be ensuring their work is time-proof and editors will already have the processing power and storage in place for a seamless transition.
- The projected growth
Estimated to reach US$ 7,981.5 Mn in 2023, the 8K technology market is looking upwards. Over the forecast period, the 8K technology market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 60.1% and is projected to reach a market valuation of US$ 874,812.2 Mn by 2033.
- It can be afforded by enterprises for industrial purposes
8K technology is a path-breaking development in display screen technologies, and this is projected to displace 4K technology’s dominance in the market. However, this technology is noticeably expensive, cutting down the potential market for this product.
Due to its heavy price tag, not every consumer may be able to purchase this technology, but most enterprises would be willing to adopt 8K technology for industrial purposes. The 8K technology is also used for medical purposes and commercial purposes.
Where does 8K make sense today?
8K displays are well-equipped to show lower-resolution content by automatically upscaling the video to fill the extra pixels.
This allows you to watch 4K Blu-rays and Netflix shows, play video games on 8K displays and also get the most out of them in the future when watching footage that was originally recorded in 8K.
One common question is, can you stream 8K content?
The streaming services that currently support 8K are YouTube and Vimeo, and while the footage looks great on 8K and non-8K displays alike, the choice is fairly restricted. The required bandwidth to stream 8K content is around 20-50Mbps.
While these internet speeds are mostly available in most territories around the world, it is still not widely prevalent.
Also, we recommend that you check your connection before investing in a new 8K display.
Also Read: What should you go for? A TV Mount or an Entertainment Centre
Final verdict on buying 8k resolution and related products
For most buyers, it’s not the best time to invest in 8K.
For instance an 8K TV. It is almost the price of what a 4K TV was when they started. They're often premium or flagship TVs, at the top of manufacturers' lists with the sparkling offer of rendering impressive picture quality.
Jumping on the early adopter bandwagon and spending on an 8K TV would be a good idea for anyone with the budget for it, except there isn't any 8K content available to consumers, as of now.
If you have a powerful gaming PC you might be able to push some games to run well at 8K. Anything you want to watch on your 8K TV will be upconverted from 4K or lower resolution, and won't be too sharp.
We hope this provided you with quick insight into the concept and expectations around 8K technology. However, should you have any further questions, our team of experts at Ooberpad will be happy to assist you.
Products Related to 8k Resolutions
1) McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor
3) Marantz SR8015 11.2 Ch 8K AV Receiver with 3D Sound and HEOS Built-in
4) BlueRigger 8K HDMI 2.1 Fiber Optic Cable, Ultra HD, High Speed Cable/AOC Support (25ft to 325ft)
5) Denon AVC-X6700H 11.2ch 8K AV Amplifier with 3D Audio, Voice Control and HEOS Built-in®
FAQs:
- How do you record an 8K video?
You need to use a device that can create footage at that resolution.
These cameras are used for professionals, but recording in 8K is now also accessible to any consumer.
In fact, many mirrorless and 360 cameras have this option, while advances in mobile sensor and processor technology mean that it’s even possible to record 8K footage on some smartphones.
It is key to remember that an 8K display is pointless if you have nothing in 8K resolution to watch.
- What is the difference between 8K UHD vs 8K DCI?
8K UHD has the standard 16:9 aspect ratio used by the majority of modern TVs and computer monitors and has 7680 x 4320 pixels. The 8K DCI has a wider aspect ratio of 256:135 used in movie projection, measuring 8192 x 4320 pixels.
