What is 8K - Overview
An 8K resolution offers four times the resolution of 4K and 16 times more pixels than a 1080p full HD resolution. That means 8K users will experience sharper imagery that is more lifelike to the human eye. Additionally, with the increase in pixels, users will still get that high-quality resolution and smooth image processing experience on larger displays.
Main Differences Between 1080P/4K/8K
The main difference between 1080P, 4K, and 8K is the amount of pixels. Display resolution is measured in pixels, specifically how many pixels a display can show horizontally and vertically. Additionally, each resolution will have advantages and disadvantages regarding accessibility and use cases. Let’s get into more detail.
Main Features of 8K
The two main features of 8K are ultra HD lifelike image quality over large displays (65 to 85 inches), and higher refresh rates for competitive gaming and live-action entertainment. This is ideal for those looking to entertain and stand out from the crowd. 8K displays also offer the best contrast, better brightness levels, and an overall viewing experience for larger audiences.
Why use 8K over 4K or 1080P
Quality, speed, and size. 8K is perfect for entertainment applications across various industries. With 8K, users get higher image quality and smoother graphics over larger displays. Most displays in this era are already 1080p or 4K. Having an 8K image can set you apart from the competition significantly.
Tip: Combine your 8K display with immersive audio to create unforgettable experiences for your audience
Color Information Transmission of 8K over HDMI 2.1
One minor downside to 8K is the color information limitations. At 8K30Hz, HDMI 2.1 can transmit the signal at 4:4:4 chroma. However, when transmitting 8K60Hz, HDMI 2.1 can only transmit the signal at 4:2:0 chroma.
- 8K30Hz over HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps): 4:4:4 Chroma
- 8K60Hz over HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps): 4:2:0
Chroma What’s the difference? 4:2:0 records less color information than 4:4:4, which affects color grading and edge transitions. This means 8K30Hz over HDMI 2.1 will offer a lower frame rate and higher color grade while 8K60Hz over HDMI 2.1 will offer a higher frame rate but slightly lower color grade.