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What is a 4k TV? And is i t that much better for how much more it costs?

Mitch Avatar By: Mitch | Last updated September 8, 2022

4k tv on a stand


Introduction

If you're looking to upgrade your television, you may wonder if a 4k TV is the right choice. 4k TVs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they significantly improve picture quality over traditional HD TVs. A 4k TV has a 3840 x 2160, but what does that mean? This FAQ will provide some basic information about 4k TVs so you can make an informed decision as we review the most common questions related to these TVs.

And if you just want to know which 4k tvs we like, just check out our reviews of the top 4k tvs available today!

What is a 4K TV?

First things first, let's get down to the most basic of questions. WHAT is a 4k TV?

4K TVs are the latest in television technology. They have a resolution of 4,000 pixels, four times that of a standard HDTV. What does this mean for you? That means sharper images, more detailed pictures, and a better viewing experience. These TVs also come with other features like HDR and OLED display technology. If you're thinking about getting a new TV, here's everything you need to know about 4K TVs.

How are 4K TVs different than past technologies?

4K TVs have four times as many pixels as a 1080p TV, which means they can display much more detail. Most 4K TVs also support HDR, improving image quality even further.

4K TVs are still relatively new, so there aren't many of them on the market yet. However, prices are falling quickly, and, likely, 4K will eventually replace 1080p as the standard resolution for new TVs.

If you're looking for a new TV, a 4K TV is probably the way to go. Just be aware that you won't see a massive difference in picture quality if you don't have a 4K source to watch.

The Quality: Are 4K TVs better?

4K TVs are becoming increasingly popular, but are they worth the extra money? Many experts say yes – 4K TVs offer a significantly higher quality picture than their 1080p counterparts. Here's what you need to know about 4K TVs:

What is 4K?

In a world where acronyms are thrown around without much concern it can be hard to keep up to even a letter and a number couplded together. YOLO, ROFL, LOL, and whatever else is the cool bunch of letters today happily invited 4k to the hangout where you might be able to figure out what it means but not really understand what it means.

4K refers to the number of pixels in a display. A standard 1080p HDTV has 1920x1080 pixels, while a 4K TV has 3840x2160 pixels. That means there are over 8 million pixels in a 4K TV – four times as many as a 1080p TV. Alright, maybe that one we could figure out 4... as in the number after 3 and before 5, and K as in thousand. 

Why does that 4K matter?

More pixels mean more detail, and that's why 4K TVs can offer such stunning picture quality. Every image is incredibly sharp and clear, with incredible detail and depth, and colors are also more vibrant and realistic on a 4K TV.

But, and this is a significant BUT; if your source isn't coming in with 4k quality, you will not see the value in these television sets. This is because the TV can only work with what it is given. If you get one of these TVs with standard cable, you won't see much difference. The screen might be a bit clearer when compared to older models, but that will be due to the brighter lights and darker darks that the TVs provide.

So you can't go halfway into the 4k world; it is either 4k or not 4k. So if you don't see yourself paying the premium for access to 4k sources, we wouldn't suggest this type of TV set.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 4k TVs are an excellent option for anyone in the market for a new television. They offer four times the resolution of standard HD TVs and come with several other features that can enhance your viewing experience. If you're looking for the best possible picture quality, a 4k TV is the way to go. 

But , and this is where you have to be honest with yourself. If you don't want to be spending more on a consistant basis to get the high quality source you will need to enjoy every single one of those 4 thousand pixels, we would suggest looking elsewhere. 4k tvs need that high quality, and usually premium priced, source to really shine. So if you are adverse to spending more , then this type of tv probably isn't for you.

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