Sharp recently launched the world’s first consumer-grade 8K TV, a 70-inch model priced at 68,888 yuan. However, the high price hasn't been the main topic of discussion. Many people in China are still struggling with 4K content, even after buying 4K TVs. The question arises: is it too early for 8K TVs to come into the market? Despite owning 4K TVs for years, many users still don’t have access to real 4K content. It's quite sad. To truly make the most of a 4K TV, finding proper content is essential.
First review the 4K concept
4K refers to a resolution standard. Depending on the application area, 4K can be defined as 4096×2160 or 3840×2160. In general, if the horizontal pixel count is around 4000, it's considered 4K. Compared to Full HD (1920×1080), 4K offers stronger visual impact and greater clarity and detail.
1. In fact, your home TV has 4K content
Before we dive deeper, let’s ask: Is online 4K really true 4K video? (The 4K marked on your TV is often online 4K.)
Online 4K content
You might have noticed that some TV dramas, like “That’s the Time of the Month,†can reach 4K quality when you’re a member. The sharpness of the 4K version of “The Moon is Perfect†is better than 1080P, though not dramatically so. Some movies, however, don’t look much clearer in 4K.
Why is that? These 4K contents are limited by network bandwidth and usually only reach around 2K, which is better than 1080P but not true 4K. Still, it’s an improvement over lower resolutions.
TV built-in 4K area
4K area of third-party video APP
Smart TVs are increasingly focusing on content, so many now feature dedicated 4K sections. Most of these are documentaries, nature videos, and similar content. Some third-party apps also offer 4K content, and there are even apps designed specifically for watching 4K videos, with large libraries available.
If your home network has sufficient bandwidth, set the default resolution to 4K
Many smart TVs have a default resolution setting in their system. It’s recommended to set it to 4K to ensure that whenever you watch content that supports it, you don’t need to switch manually. But this requires a stable and fast internet connection; otherwise, you may end up with buffering issues.
2. The most familiar way – download 4K content
While online 4K content isn’t always satisfying, downloading 4K sources locally gives a much better experience.
After buying my first 4K TV in 2014, I tried to find 4K content online. All I found were short clips, like “Beauty and Roast Duck.†They looked clear, but there was nothing more. That was frustrating.
“Smurf 2†is the first UHD 4K disc to be cracked
UHD 4K disc download
Over time, the number of downloadable 4K videos, especially movies, has increased. In May 2024, the first UHD 4K disc of “Smurf 2†appeared online. Unlike earlier 4K capture cards, this release offered better quality. More 4K UHD Blu-ray movies are now available, suggesting the real 4K era is approaching.
However, note that a 4K Blu-ray movie is typically 50GB or more. Besides internet speed, you’ll also need large storage devices. Your TV must support 4K playback, and there’s a certain level of technical requirements involved.
3. A good alternative: 4K Blu-ray player + 4K Blu-ray disc
While local 4K content looks great, finding and downloading it takes time and effort. Consider using a 4K Blu-ray player and physical discs instead. Although expensive, this option provides the best viewing experience.
Ultra HD Blu-ray Logo
In May 2015, the Blu-ray Disc Association officially announced the Ultra HD Blu-ray standard. This marked a major step forward for 4K. Since then, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and others have released UHD Blu-ray players, and content providers have started releasing discs en masse.
4K Blu-ray player
4K Blu-ray Disc
Currently, 4K Blu-ray players are still relatively rare and not widely available in retail stores. You might need to order them via platforms like Taobao. Prices range from 3,000 to 4,000 yuan. 4K Blu-ray discs are also expensive, typically around 200 yuan each.
Besides true 4K resolution, Blu-ray players also support advanced technologies like HDR, BT.2020 wide color gamut, and 10-bit color depth. However, this means your TV must meet higher standards. Ordinary HDR TVs won’t fully utilize the potential of 4K Blu-ray, and audio equipment should also match the quality.
4. Create your own 4K video!
Although the availability of 4K content is still limited, you can create your own. With cameras offering higher resolution, shooting 4K video is no longer difficult.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, released in 2013, already had 4K recording capabilities. Today, many flagship phones support 4K, including the iPhone X and 8 series, which even support 4K@60fps. While mobile phone footage may not match professional cameras in terms of sampling rate, compression, and encoding, it’s still a viable option for casual use.
Mobile phone can shoot 4K video
Cameras that support 4K video capture
More and more cameras now support 4K recording. Even entry-level models often include this feature. Compared to smartphones, professional cameras produce significantly better 4K video, making them a great choice for home use.
Additionally, cable TV may eventually offer 4K content in the future. However, considering that even HD channels aren’t fully adopted yet, 4K programming seems far off.
4K TVs have become popular in a short time, but 4K content has not kept up. Now, the industry is moving toward 8K. The road to 4K is long, but it’s not too bleak. 4K content is growing, and the methods to access it are becoming easier. These options can help you enjoy 4K sooner rather than later.
Our time watching TV is limited, so why not treat our eyes well? If possible, go for 4K!
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