With purchases of 4K TVs on the increase, the demand for crisp, detailed picture quality has never been stronger. However, while customers are only just becoming acclimatised to the benefits of 4K, the next step in ultra-high definition television is already upon us, in the form of 8K TV.

What is 8K TV and how does it differ to 4K?

Put simply, an 8K television has four times the number of pixels offered by a 4K TV (the numbers refer to the approximate number of horizontal pixels on-screen), allowing for far greater picture detail.

Despite 4K models already boasting the title ‘Ultra HD’, the increased resolution of 8K provides a significantly higher definition picture. In fact, the difference between 4K and 8K is roughly the same as the difference between HD and 4K, which was seen as a huge step forward when 4K was first introduced – and 8K is likely to be similarly well-received when it reaches the mass market.

With a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320, the newly-unveiled 8K TVs feature an astonishing 33,177,700 pixels, allowing for a truly incredible amount of detail and increasing the viewer’s sense of immersion in what they are watching.

Are 8K TVs already available?

After much anticipation, 8K TVs are now available to order through many high-street suppliers and tend to be priced somewhere between £5000 and £7000. Samsung and LG are leading the way in the promotion of this new wave of ultra-HD television.

Samsung’s Q900R has enjoyed favourable reviews from experts and customers alike, while last year’s unveiling of the Q9S was met with great interest. Likely to be available in 2019 in 65, 75 and 85 inch models, the Q9S received particular praise for its upscaling capabilities; the model boasts impressive AI which automatically smooths the occasional jagged edges found in SD, HD and 4K video for a clearer, sharper picture.

Details about LG’s ground-breaking 88-inch 8K OLED have mostly been kept under wraps ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019, the industry’s yearly global showcase event, which takes place between 8-11 January. While little is known about the model just yet, the expansive 88-inch screen is sure to draw admiring glances – although it’s likely to have an equally eye-catching price tag.

What can I watch on 8K?

As has been the case with next-generation televisions of the past, 8K TVs have arrived on the scene before there is any content available to make the most of their impressive picture quality.

However, history suggests that 8K content will follow in the near future. When 4K televisions were introduced, there was no content to support them, but the likes of Amazon Prime and Netflix soon began offering a host of 4K streams, and it’s reasonable to assume a similar trajectory with 8K. In the meantime, the upscaling capabilities of the Samsung and LG models means you can still enjoy an improved clarity of picture with your 8K television.

Will it be worth upgrading from 4K to 8K?

In the long-term, the answer is undoubtedly yes. The improved picture quality is sure to enhance your enjoyment of your programs as more 8K content is launched, and should prove particularly beneficial to sports fans who want to feel closer to the action.

That said, in the short-term, the limited content available and sky-high prices mean it might be better to go with a 4K model. We’re unlikely to see what 8K television is truly capable of for a few years, and high-end 4K models provide excellent picture quality and a range of content at a much lower price. At least for the time being, 4K may be a better, more cost-effective choice.

Call in the experts

Whether you’re looking to invest in a 4K TV or have your heart set on a state-of-the-art 8K model, you’ve come to the right place. Digital Dimensions is East Anglia’s premier provider of home entertainment and digital TV services, offering hassle-free installation in a quick and efficient manner. So why not give us a call today?