Get ready to hear a lot about 4K TV. At the 2012 International CES earlier this year we saw 4K (and 8K) television prototypes from a number of OEMs. LG and Sony, among others, are expected to start shipping 4K TV offerings within the month.
Around CES there was much written regarding 4K television (see here and here as examples). There is more to come. I want to highlight a few key points to consider:
- While the initial models will be expensive from the perspective of a mass market consumer, prices will move down over time (typical for nascent technologies after first launch).
- As of right now, there are no single definitions/standards for 4K. CEA is actively working to bring together 4K stakeholders and solidify relevant definitions for 4K.
- The origins of 4K is the cinema. The imminent launch of 4K TVs will usher in 4K as a home entertainment technology.
- The first 50K or 100K units sold will come relatively easy. The real test for 4K will come after those initial units are sold.
- Resolution is a function of an individual’s distance from the display. In order for a 4K display to provide a meaningfully improved viewing experience in the home, the display will need to be large or individuals will need to sit closer to their TVs.
- 4K displays can provide am improved 3D experience. Passive 3D essentially cuts the viewing resolution in half so with a roughly 4K display viewers can still watch passive 3D in full HD.
