4K UHD TVs

About 4K UHD TVs

Technology advances day by day, and it feels like ancient history when the first HD TVs appeared. They were followed by full HD technology with 1080p, to reach modern standards of 4K and 8K TVs and projectors with multiple millions of pixels per screen. Accompanied by advantages such as HDR (high dynamic range) and other features, modern TVs offer a real mini-cinema package at the comfort of home. 

Types of 4K UHD TV Displays

While there are many displays available on the market, it all comes down to two main types. One is the so-called transmissive type, and it is based on a backlight, with a light source passing through the wall of pixels and colour filters. Transmissive types of display are LCD, LED, and QLED TVs. On the other hand, emissive displays rely on pixels that generate their own light, and that technology is prominent in microLED and OLED TVs.

The ultimate advantage of OLED screens over other types is a deep, pitch-black colour displayed when the pixel emits no light. Another is the absence of screen spills.

QLED TVs feature an added layer of quantum dots in front of the backlight and behind the LCD matrix. These nanoparticles increase the screen brightness to deliver enhanced vividness of the image displayed. The brighter the backlight gets, the better the effect.  

4K TV Size

The ideal size of the TV typically depends on available room space. However, that is not an absolute rule, and some enjoy having a huge screen in a small room to convey the feeling of an actual cinema. Other limiting factors may be the capacity of a TV stand or the possibility of wall mounting. 

What’s important to keep in mind is that the TV screens’ measure is taken diagonally, and it doesn’t mark its height or width.  

All TVs come with a recommended angle and distance for the ideal viewing experience. On average, about 40 degrees of the field of view should be taken up by the screen. The perfect distance is measured by the screen size multiplied by 1.2. For instance, a 55-inch UHD TV will deliver its best when watched from 1.7m away. A 100-inch TV needs a 3m distance. 

4K UHD TV Resolution

The resolution of this type of TVs is announced in their name. 4K marks the resolution of almost 4000 horizontal lines (the number is always rounded - in this case, it’s precisely 3,840 lines). Another part of the name - Ultra HD - points to the fact that 4K TVs feature four times higher resolution than their predecessors, 1080p full HD TVs. Together with advanced video processing technology, it delivers the expected: vivid display, brisk detailing, and an almost life-like viewing experience. The difference is particularly prominent while displaying native 4K content. 

Speaking of the content, the amount of it available in 4K is already substantial and growing day by day. At the same time, the competitive resolution of 8K UHD TVs is still behind in the amount of content that will showcase the full potential of the technology. 

HDR Technology

HDR abbreviation stands for “high-dynamic range”, offering a notable, dramatic improvement to overall picture quality. 4K UHD TVs with HDR display a more vibrant image with higher brightness and contrast, in an impressive colour palette.

While almost all 4K TVs feature HDR, not all of them are created equal. Some 4K TVs with HDR are not composed in a way that will provide maximum performance. Also, there is a collection of HDR formats available, from HDR10 and HLG to Dolby Vision, and HDR10 . 

Compatibility is a factor, and there can be vast differences in quality between different entertainment units. For instance, HDR video and 4K TV must support the same HDR format to deliver the best results.

4K UHD Smart TVs

A smart TV features a convenient option of connecting directly to the internet. It can use Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable - or both. Typically, a smart TV comes with built-in streaming apps like Netflix, HBO, YouTube, and others. 

While most 4K UHD TVs are also smart TVs, the difference is in the software that each manufacturer uses. For instance, Samsung employs its Tizen operating system, while LG relies on its own WebOS. Each will provide access to popular streaming services, with some differences in interface and UX. Google has Android TV that offers additional features such as Google’s Play Store apps. This software is used in many Sony, Philips, and 4K TVs. 

Certain Toshiba and Hisense TVs use a simple and convenient Roku interface for all TV’s functions, while Fire TV Edition Smart TVs use Amazon’s Fire TV streaming platform. 

Some of the new TV models feature Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility to be used with Apple devices.

Things to Consider When Buying 4K UHD TVs

4K UHD TVs typically carry a range of different ports on their back or side panels. However, the main concern should be the number of HDMI ports. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the golden standard for connecting external sources, from streaming devices and laptops to gaming consoles, and three ports should be a minimum. 

Depending on devices that need to be connected, it might be good to have a variety of different HDMI ports compatible with 1.4, 2.0b, and 2.1 cables. The TV should feature at least one HDMI 2.1-compatible port. 

A soundbar is designed specifically to sit in front of an HDTV and provide an enhanced sound. It can be worth considering in terms of creating a fuller home audio system.