Is there a dramatic difference between HD and 4K?
If you?re in the market for a new TV, you probably have thought about getting one with 4K (otherwise known as UltraHD) capabilities. After all, 4K is the word of the year among TV lovers, and major TV manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony have put out 4K TVs. However, once all is said and done, is what you see on a 4K screen any different, any better than what you see on a HD? The answer can be confusing, as HD is a type of 4K. Instead, compare 4K and 1080p TVs.
How to tell the difference
If you?re close enough to the TV screen and are watching 4K content, you can see a difference. 4K TVs have about 8 million pixels, four times the amount of 1080p TVs. In case you?re wondering, 4K TVs are called 4K because their images are about 4,000 pixels wide. More pixels translates to sharper images and a more immersive viewing experience. But again, only if you?re close enough and watching 4K content. The thing is, display size packs more of a punch than enhanced resolution does, and chances are, your current TV is big enough to deliver that punch. 4K screens aren?t bigger.
Why seating proximity matters
If you?re sitting far enough away from a 4K TV, your eyes aren?t able to discern single pixels and the effect of the enhanced resolution diminishes. Click here to see a helpful chart. In short, if your screen size is among the largest, you can sit about 18 feet away and possibly still benefit from the increased number of pixels. If your screen size is among the smallest, stray more than five feet away, and lose the resolution benefits.
Go ahead, sit closer
Even if you have to rearrange your living room furniture, the incredible viewing experience does make sitting closer worthwhile. The difference in detail is astonishing, and you can comfortably watch TV on a large screen even from up close.
