What Is an 8K TV & Do I Need One?
Staying in? Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your home entertainment. After all, in-person sports aren’t an option, and concerts have been canceled indefinitely. If you’re looking for the most lifelike TV experience, that would be in 8K resolution.
While 4K used to reign supreme, 8K TVs now offer what The Verge calls “likely the clearest digital picture the human eye will ever see.” Brands like Sony now offer 8K screens with High Dynamic Range (HDR), dazzling anyone who gazes at it.
But how does 8K work, and do you really need it for your Austin, TX home? Find out below.
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What Does 8K Mean?
How did we jump from 4K to 8K? Let’s start with standard HD screens, which display 1080 pixels vertically. Moving up, 4K TVs typically include 3,840 pixels horizontally and 2,160 pixels vertically, giving it the shortened nickname 4K. 8K quadruples the total number of pixels in 4K screens, with 7,680 pixels across and 4,320 vertically for a total thirty-three million pixels.
5K-definition screens do exist but only suit 27-inch monitors and computers. Similarly, 6K is rarely seen besides a 31-inch computer screen. Television-sized screens make more sense to display in 8K, the highest resolution available.
What Will My TV Look Like?
A screen like Sony’s Z9G in 8K offers “lens to living room” image quality—just as detailed as filmmakers intended. You’ll see deeper blacks, brighter lights, and more vibrant colors than ever. Remember the Game of Thrones episode that viewers struggled to see in the dark? With a screen like this, you would have felt like you were really at the nighttime battle.
You’ll also experience a smoother, more natural TV picture without “banding,” the unrealistic solid stripes of colors that can appear on the screen. Any action in sports games will flow smoothly as it does in real life, never pixelated.
Why Should I Get 8K Now?
8K TVs like Sony’s provide home theater-sized displays, from 85 to 98 inches in breathtaking realism. 8K is the future of television, and years from now, it will be the highest standard like 4K is now. 8K content is certainly not mainstream yet, but directors are already starting to film in 8K for their ability to capture 4K footage better.
If you want to upgrade your TV now and enjoy it for years to come, then 8K would be a forward-thinking choice. If you don’t mind being outdated in a few years, then stick with a 4K resolution, which is also incredible quality.
What About Sound?
Sony’s 8K TV includes the Acoustic Multi-Audio feature—four front-facing speakers built into the device. But don’t be afraid to expand your sound system for true immersion. Add rear speakers to the corner of your room, a center channel, and a subwoofer. Until you look away from the screen, you’ll feel like you’re part of the action.
Are you ready to boost your home entertainment? Want to experience 8K for yourself? Contact Relative Home Systems in Austin, Texas. We look forward to speaking with you!
