1080p TV Vs. 4K TVs

It’s interesting to find out how 1080p TVs compare with 4K TVs in the current market. 4K TVs have the best clarity in terms of picture perfect quality. 1080p TVs on the other hand provide satisfying content, only that they are not as clear when compared to the 4K TV. However, for a normal person who’s never heard about 4K and its merits, it can be hard to sell them the idea that there’s another TV that has more clarity than normal 1080p TVs (see reasons why you should buy a 4K TV).

This is because normal 1080p TVs still have a crisp level of quality that anyone can be satisfied with.

Here are some of the comparisons between 4K TVs and 1080p TVs and our overall conclusion on which technology is better.

“When it comes to screen resolution, 4K TVs top the table.”

Screen Resolution

4k TVs generally have 4 times as many pixels as 1080p TVs. What does this mean? This means that pictures in 4K TVs are more detailed considering the presence of many pixels that can generate it. These pictures are generally smoother and have more detail than those rendered on 1080p sets. Furthermore, the pixels in 4K TVs are self-emitting. Their self-emitting nature allows pixels to be able to be turned off, hence no spills to the neighbouring pixels (this is a common problem in LCD panels that are used in 1080p TVs). This has the effect of deepening your TV’s black levels and enhancing picture quality.

Therefore, when it comes to screen resolution, 4K TVs top the table.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

This is a new format of transmitting video signals to TVs in order to enhance overall image quality by allowing them to use a wider range of colours. The end product of a HDR capable TV is that the images displayed tend to look more life-like. HDR is a common feature in 4K TVs. In as much as it can also be incorporated into 1080p TVs, this is yet to happen.

Therefore, when it comes to HDR picture quality, 4K TVs take the day.

‘This means that you are better off watching 1080p content on your current 1080p TV.”

4K Up-Scaling Feature Vs. Native 1080p Content

4K content is not that common currently, therefore 4K TVs come with a feature that allows them to upscale content to 4K standards. The concept of up-scaling content was definitely well intended, however the results are not exactly what the manufacturers had in mind. When comparing native 1080p content to that rendered on 4K TVs, there is hardly any difference between the two.

This means that you are better off watching 1080p content on your current 1080p TV.

Viewing Distance

For you to be able to view 4K TV in all its splendour, there are two important requirements that you’ll have to fill. You should play 4K content on your set and ensure that the viewing distance to the set is short. This is because of your eye’s limits when it comes to perceiving objects. When you sit far away from the set, you won’t be able to see all the detail. You’ll perceive the image quality to be the same as that of normal 1080p TVs.

1080p TVs on the other hand don’t depend on the distance. Whether you are far or near, the image displayed will still be the same. Therefore, it all depends on how you want to setup in your home. If you want to have the couch close to the TV set, then purchasing the 4K TV will make a lot of sense.

Conclusion

4K TVs are better off when compared to 1080p TVs especially if you are thinking of buying a TV set. They have all the features of a 1080p set plus more. Major production companies are also tipped to start producing their content in 4K compatible format starting from 2017 (there are already a number of movies and series in 4K formats on Netflix and Amazon).

This means that even if you don’t make the switch now, you’ll eventually have to do so in the near future.The good thing is that even budget sets are becoming 4K compatible so you don’t have to shelve out a few thousand as was the norm when they first hit the stores.

Therefore, if you are looking for something that will last you for the next 10 years, then get yourself a 4K set (See top 10 4K TVs of 2017). At least with one you are quite sure that it won’t depreciate as much as the 1080p ones will once 4K content hits mainstream media.