4K TV, also known as Ultra HD (high definition), is a concept that began in the end of 2012 but it is only now that it has become a concept that is growing in terms of recognition. The basic definition of 4K TV is that it beats all other flat screen display resolutions, by offering a groundbreaking resolution of 4,000 pixels. That is four times than your clear, vivid 1080p HDTV. There is no denying that the concept is impressive, and to watch movies and other videos on such a display would be a splendid experience but the question remains whether or not 4K TV will make it big.
4K TV viewing is like watching TV in 3D, minus the part where you have to wear glasses and the like. Images seem to pop out for the viewers so there is a vast similarity between 4K TVs and 3D TVs. However, we all saw that the trend of 3D TV, while being widely renowned and recognized, never jumped on the mainstream bandwagon. This is probably because while 60% of TV viewers have chosen HD TV, they simply are not willing to pay so much for 3D experience, neither are all the networks and advertisers promoting full 3D content. Like 3D TVs, 4K Ultra HD TVs are also on the expensive line, for the consumers as well as networks/advertisers. Starting price is around $2,000 and it is easy to see why not many of the TV consumers would be willing to spend so much, no matter how incredible the experience.
Despite the price, there are still many, especially those of elite class, who turned to 4K technology immediately. As of 2014, Samsung and Sony were the main rivals for Ultra HD TVs and the battle rages on still. The rivalry, however, seems a little far fetched, considering most of the population of the US is not adapting towards 4K TV anyway. Had this trend been an immediate success with a high rate of people looking to purchase them, the rivalry would have been justified but fact remains that the trend is still not mainstream or even close to mainstream.
As far as predictions go, 4K TV is a concept with potential – much like 3D was. For 4K to hit the mainstream market, there are a few factors that need to be scrutinized such as the price, customer rate, and network adoption. Network adoption refers to content made for 4K, which is a hurdle as this is an expensive investment for advertisers and network channels. Surprisingly enough, many of the networks and advertisers still have not produced and distributed HD content introduced way back in 2009, so it is difficult to imagine them all suddenly adopting 4K. The TV industry is connected by many aspects and it is not easy to change. Technology advances every day and consumers find it hard to stay up to date to it let alone having big networks stay up to date with the TV industry, so the ultimate conclusion seems to be that no, 4K TV will not go mainstream. Not anytime soon, anyway. Only when all networks/advertisers and consumers have completely turned to HD TV will they even start to think about further advancing to 4K TV.
Editor’s Note: Far from being in the ‘elite class’, we have already adopted 4K TV’s in our offices and for those that truly love great theater-quality, these are very worth it, especially as prices are dropping rather quickly this year. Be warned, that if you’re looking to move up to 4K or UHD, do your research as most of the electronics companies are cranking them out, but they are not all the same. Sony and Samsung are miles ahead with keeping the tv’s updated (including the all-important firmware), and these are worth paying a little extra for as they will last much longer than most of them. Â For some reason Sony has discontinued their A lines from the 4K which had passive 3D technology so if you hate those bigger glasses with the opening and closing lenses, that’s something to keep in mind. Our Sony 4K has passive 3D which is the exact same quality as you get at the IMAX or better theater. Â Check out more here.
