Difference Between 4K and 8K: Which One Is Better?

You might have heard of 4K and 8K when shopping for a new TV. These are the two standards for ultra high-definition video resolution, and they make watching videos on a bigger screen amazing. Videos that are 4K or 8K have so much detail and quality that they look almost like real life. You can enjoy these standards on many large screen TVs, gaming consoles, and movie theaters. But what is the difference between 4K and 8K? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about these standards, so keep reading.

What Is 8K Resolution?

8K resolution is the ultimate video resolution today. It has 33.2 million pixels, which is fourfold more than 4K and sixteenfold more than Full HD. More pixels mean sharper and clearer images. With 8K, you can see every detail, even on a large screen or close up. You can also enjoy a wider viewing angle, as the pixels are smaller.

But can you tell the difference between 4K and 8K? It depends on your screen size, distance, content quality, and eyesight. Generally, the bigger, closer, better, and sharper your screen is, the more likely you are to notice the difference.

What Is The Difference Between 4K and 8K Resolution?

While both 4K and 8K resolutions offer a vast improvement over their predecessors, the differences between them are noteworthy. Read more about the difference between 4K and 8K resolution below:

•  Resolution: 4K has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels for TV or 4096 x 2160 pixels for cinema. It is four times the resolution of Full HD. 8K has a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels for both TV and cinema. It is sixteen times the resolution of Full HD.
•  Frame Rate: 4K has a frame rate of 50 to 60 frames per second (fps), while 8K has a frame rate of 120 fps. Higher frame rate means smoother motion and less blur.
•  Audio Channel: 4K has an audio channel of 5.1, while 8K has an audio channel of 22.2. More audio channels mean more immersive sound and realism.
•  Viewing Angle: 4K has a viewing angle of 55 degrees, while 8K has a viewing angle of 100 degrees. This means that 8k viewers can sit closer to the screen or view it from more extreme angles without experiencing visible pixelation or image degradation.

What Do You Need To Stream 8K On Your TV?

If you want to stream 8K on your TV, you will need several things:

8k-Compatiable Devices

To watch 8K content in its original state, you will need an 8K TV, an 8K monitor, or an 8K projector. Then you will need an 8K-compatible source, such as a Blu-ray player, a gaming console (Xbox or PS5), or a custom-built PC with Nvidia RTX graphics card. You can connect these devices to enjoy 8K content.

Sufficient Bandwidth

Secondly, to stream 8K online, you need enough bandwidth. Netflix says you need an internet connection of 25 Mbps or higher to stream 4K content. So, for 8K, you need at least 100 Mbps internet connection. These numbers may change depending on the platform, the content, and the compression.

HEVC Support

Another thing you will need to stream an 8K video online is HEVC support. HEVC stands for High Efficiency Video Coding: a video compression standard. It can shrink the size of an 8K video file by up to 50% without compromising much quality. This way, you can stream an 8K video online faster and smoother, and use less bandwidth and data.

But not all devices support HEVC. Most of the newer devices, such as the latest TVs, monitors, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles, have an integrated HEVC decoder. But some of the older devices, such as some laptops, tablets, smartphones, and computers, may have a restricted HEVC decoder that can only handle lower resolutions.

HDCP-Compliant Adapters

Lastly, you will need an HDCP-compliant adapter to stream an 8k video online. HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a way to keep digital content safe from copying. To stream an 8k video online, you will need a device that works with HDCP 2.2 or higher, the latest kind of HDCP that can show 8K resolution.

One of the adapters that supports HDCP 2.2 or higher is the Anker 518 USB-C Adapter (8K HDMI). This adapter can connect your USB-C device to an HDMI display and support up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz or 4K resolution at 144 Hz. Another adapter that supports HDCP 2.2 or higher is the Anker 518 USB-C Adapter (8K DisplayPort). This adapter can connect your USB-C device to a DisplayPort display and support up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz or 4K resolution at 144 Hz, too.

Conclusion

When it comes to video resolution, 4K and 8K are the two standards that stand out. They both offer stunning images that look almost like real life. But how do they compare? The difference between 4K and 8K is mainly the number of pixels they have and the data they need. 8K has four times more pixels than 4K, which means more detail and clarity. But it also needs more bandwidth and storage. These may be challenging or costly for some users, but worth it for some who want the best viewing experience.

FAQ

Is 8K That Much Better Than 4K?

Yes! If you’re viewing 8K content on a 65+ inch screen, 8K will prove to be much better than 4K. However, if you view 4K and 8K content on a smaller screen, you won't notice any significant difference.

What Are The Benefits Of 8K Resolution?

Some of the benefits of 8K resolution are:

• More realistic and immersive images.
• More detail and depth perception.
• More flexibility and creativity in editing and cropping.

What Is The Difference Between 8K and 8K HDR?

8K is the resolution of the video, which refers to the number of pixels it has. 8K HDR is the quality of the video, which refers to the contrast and color it has. 8K HDR enhances 8K resolution with more brightness and vibrancy.

What Is The Refresh Rate Of 8K Displays?

The refresh rate of 8K displays typically varies from 60Hz to 120Hz. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion and less blur, enhancing the overall viewing experience.