View source for 4K resolution

{{Short description|Video or display resolutions with a width of around 4,000 pixels}}

'''4K resolution''' refers to a horizontal [[display resolution]] of approximately 4,000 [[pixel]]s.<ref>{{cite book |last=Goulekas |first=Karen |date=2001 |title=Visual Effects in a Digital World |url=https://archive.org/details/visualeffectsind0000goul |url-access=registration |publisher=[[Morgan Kaufmann]] |page=[https://archive.org/details/visualeffectsind0000goul/page/587 587] |isbn=9780080520711 |author-link=Karen Goulekas |quote=4K resolution: A general term referring to any digital image containing an X resolution of approximately 4096 pixels. }}</ref> [[Digital television]] and [[digital cinematography]] commonly use several 4K resolutions. The [[digital cinema|movie projection]] industry uses 4096{{resx}}2160 ([[Digital Cinema Initiatives|DCI]] 4K). In television, 3840{{resx}}2160 ([[4K UHD]]) with a [[16:9 aspect ratio]] is the dominant standard. Many [[Ultra HD Blu-ray|4K Blu-ray]] releases of [[21:9 aspect ratio|ultrawide]] films use a letterboxed form of this, keeping the horizontal resolution of 3840 pixels while the effective vertical resolution is about 1600–1620 pixels.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}

The 4K television market share increased<!-- by what quantity? --> as prices fell dramatically throughout 2013 and 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Is Now the Time to Buy a 4K TV Set? |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-now-the-time-to-buy-a-4k-tv-set-1399645629 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=11 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106073043/https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-now-the-time-to-buy-a-4k-tv-set-1399645629 |archive-date=6 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=D'Innocenzio |first1=Anne |title=Gigantic TV sales starting to take off |url=https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/money/economy/2014/07/03/big-screen-tvs-takeoff/12195267/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=The Poughkeepsie Journal |date=3 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307121408/https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/money/economy/2014/07/03/big-screen-tvs-takeoff/12195267/ |archive-date=7 March 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Digital video resolutions (VCD to 4K).svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Comparison of common [[broadcast]] resolutions]]
[[File:Vector Video Standards8.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Comparison of [[List of common resolutions|common display resolutions]]]]

==4K standards and terminology==
The term "4K" is generic and refers to any resolution with a horizontal pixel count of approximately 4,000.<ref name="UHD State of the Industry">{{Citation |publisher=Consumer Electronics Association |date=August 2013 |title=CEA Market Research Report—Ultra High-Definition: State of the Industry}}</ref>{{rp|page=2|quote=The term "4K" is generally used by content and production companies to refer to horizontal display resolution of 3,840 pixels or greater. "Ultra HD" and "Ultra High--Resolution" are terms defined by the Consumer Electronics Association to identify displays of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels in resolution, with other requirements as discussed in the section Requirements for Using "Ultra HD".}} Several different 4K resolutions have been standardized by various organizations.

The terms "4K" and "[[Ultra HD]]" are used more widely in marketing than "2160p" (''cf.'' "[[1080p]]"). While typically referring to motion pictures, some [[digital camera]] vendors have used the term "4K photo" for still photographs, making it appear like an especially high resolution even though 3840×2160 pixels equal approximately 8.3 megapixels, which is not considered to be especially high for still photographs.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is 4K Photo? Panasonic's camera tech explained - Pocket-li |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/cameras/news/panasonic/139846-what-is-4k-photo-panasonic-s-camera-tech-explained |website=www.pocket-lint.com |access-date=24 October 2021 |language=en-gb |date=3 January 2017}}</ref>

===DCI Digital Cinema System Specification===
[[File:2160p DCI.svg|thumb|Comparison of DCI and UHD resolutions]]

In 2005, [[Digital Cinema Initiatives]] (DCI), a prominent standards organization in the cinema industry, published the '''Digital Cinema System Specification'''. This specification establishes standardized 2K and 4K container formats for digital cinema production, with resolutions of {{resx|2048x1080}} and {{resx|4096x2160}} respectively.<ref name="DCI v1.2">{{cite web|title=Digital Cinema System Specification Version 1.2 with Errata as of 30 August 2012 Incorporated|url=http://dcimovies.com/specification/DCI_DCSS_v12_with_errata_2012-1010.pdf|publisher=[[Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527180135/http://dcimovies.com/specification/DCI_DCSS_v12_with_errata_2012-1010.pdf|archive-date=2016-05-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|at=§4.3.1}} The resolution of the video content inside follows the SMPTE 428-1 standard,<ref name="DCI v1.2" />{{rp|at=§3.2.1}} which establishes the following resolutions for a 4K distribution:<ref name="SMPTE 428-1">{{Citation |title=SMPTE 428-1-2006: D-Cinema Distribution Master - Image Characteristics|publisher=Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)|date=September 29, 2006}}</ref>{{rp|page=6}}
* 4096{{resx}}2160 (full frame, 256{{ratio}}135 or ≈1.90{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)
* 3996{{resx}}2160 (flat crop, 1.85{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)
* 4096{{resx}}1716 (CinemaScope crop, ≈2.39{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)
2K distributions can have a frame rate of either 24 or 48{{nbsp}}[[Frame rate|FPS]], while 4K distributions must have a frame rate of 24{{nbsp}}FPS.<ref name="DCI v1.2" />{{rp|at=§3.1.4.2}}
Some articles claim that the terms "2K" and "4K" were coined by DCI and refer exclusively to the 2K and 4K formats defined in the DCI standard.<ref name="extech">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/174221-no-tv-makers-4k-and-uhd-are-not-the-same-thing|title=4K vs. UHD: What's the difference? – ExtremeTech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222175730/https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/174221-no-tv-makers-4k-and-uhd-are-not-the-same-thing|archive-date=22 December 2018}}</ref> However, usage of these terms in the cinema industry predates the publication of the DCI standard,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Swinson|first1=Peter|title=DCI and Other Film Formats|url=http://www.edcf.net/edcf_docs/DCI%20and%20OTHER%20Film%20Formats.pdf|publisher=Peter Swinson Associates, Limited|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=November 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222175725/http://www.edcf.net/edcf_docs/DCI%20and%20OTHER%20Film%20Formats.pdf|archive-date=22 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Defining 2K & 4K|url=http://www.cinematography.net/edited-pages/Defining_2K_and_4K.htm|website=Cinematography Mailing List|access-date=April 29, 2018 |date=March 25, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222175652/https://www.cinematography.net/edited-pages/Defining_2K_and_4K.htm |archive-date=22 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.cgsociety.org/archive/index.php?t-71619.html|title=2K Film Resolution|website=CGSociety|date=June 6, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222175833/http://forums.cgsociety.org/t/2k-film-resolution/694549 |archive-date=22 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://forums.creativecow.net/docs/forums/post.php?forumid=19&postid=182104&univpostid=182104&pview=t&archive=T|title=what resolution/ratio/frame rate?|website=CreativeCOW.net|date=September 25, 2002|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430113916/https://forums.creativecow.net/docs/forums/post.php?forumid=19&postid=182104&univpostid=182104&pview=t&archive=T|url-status=dead}}</ref> and they are generally understood as casual terms for any resolution approximately 2000 or 4000 pixels in width, rather than names for specific resolutions.<ref name="UHD State of the Industry" />{{rp|page=2|quote=The term "4K" is generally used by content and production companies to refer to horizontal display resolution of 3,840 pixels or greater. "Ultra HD" and "Ultra High-Definition" are terms defined by the Consumer Electronics Association to identify displays of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels in resolution, with other requirements as discussed in the section Requirements for Using "Ultra HD".}}<ref>{{cite web |title=WEAPON/EPIC-W 8K S35 Operation Guide v7.0 |publisher=[[Red Digital Cinema Camera Company]] |url=http://docs.red.com.s3.amazonaws.com/955-0138_v7.0/REV-G/955-0138_v7.0%20Rev-G%20%20%20RED%20PS%2C%20WEAPON-EPIC-W%20Operation%20Guide.pdf |access-date=May 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528193817/http://docs.red.com.s3.amazonaws.com/955-0138_v7.0/REV-G/955-0138_v7.0%20Rev-G%20%20%20RED%20PS%2C%20WEAPON-EPIC-W%20Operation%20Guide.pdf |archive-date=May 28, 2018}}</ref>{{rp|page=109}}

===SMPTE UHDTV standard===
In 2007, the [[Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers]] published '''SMPTE ST 2036-1''', which defines parameters for two UHDTV systems called '''UHDTV1''' and '''UHDTV2'''.<ref name="SMPTE OV 2036-0">{{cite book|publisher=Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) |date=March 27, 2015|doi=10.5594/SMPTE.OV2036-0.2015 |title=OV 2036-0:2015: Ultra High Definition Television — Overview for the SMPTE ST 2036 Document Suite }}</ref><ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1">{{citation | title=Ultra High Definition Television — Image Parameter Values for Program Production |publisher=Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) |date=October 13, 2014 | isbn=978-1-61482-835-8 | doi=10.5594/smpte.st2036-1.2014 | page=| doi-access=free }}</ref> The standard defines the following characteristics for these systems:
* A resolution of {{resx|3840|2160}} (UHDTV1) or {{resx|7680|4320}} (UHDTV2)<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§5.2}}
* Square ({{ratio|1|1}}) pixels, for an overall image aspect ratio of {{ratio|16|9}}<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§5.1}}
* A framerate of 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60, 100, 119.88, or 120{{nbsp}}Hz with [[progressive scan]]<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§1.2}}
* RGB, {{YCbCr}} 4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 pixel encoding<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§7.7}}
* 10{{nbsp}}bpc (30{{nbsp}}bit/px) or 12{{nbsp}}bpc (36{{nbsp}}bit/px) color depth<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§1.2}}
* Colorimetry characteristics as defined in the standard, including color primaries, quantization parameters, and the electro-optical transfer function. These are the same characteristics later standardized in [[ITU-R BT.2020]]. UHDTV1 systems are permitted to use [[BT.709]] color primaries up to 60{{nbsp}}Hz.<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" />{{rp|at=§6.2}}

===ITU-R UHDTV standard===
In 2012, the [[ITU-R|International Telecommunication Union, Radiocommunication Sector]] published [[Rec. 2020|Recommendation ITU-R BT.2020]], also known as the '''Ultra High Definition Television''' ('''UHDTV''') standard.<ref name="Rec. 2020 PR">{{cite web|title=Ultra High Definition Television: Threshold of a new age|url=https://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2012/31.aspx|publisher=[[ITU-R]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=May 24, 2012|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328135502/https://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2012/31.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> It adopts the same image parameters defined in SMPTE ST 2036–1.<ref name="ITU-R BT.2020">{{cite web|title=ITU-R Recommendation BT.2020-2: Parameter values for ultra-high definition television systems for production and international programme exchange|url=https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/bt/R-REC-BT.2020-2-201510-I!!PDF-E.pdf|publisher=[[ITU-R]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=October 2015}}</ref>

Although the UHDTV standard does not define any official names for the formats it defines, ITU typically uses the terms "4K", "4K UHD", or "4K UHDTV" to refer to the {{resx|3840x2160}} system in public announcements and press releases ("[[8K resolution|8K]]" for the {{resx|7680x4320}} system).<ref>{{cite web|title=New ITU reports help shape next TV revolution: High Dynamic Range (HDR)|url=http://news.itu.int/next-revolution-television-hdr/|website=ITU News|publisher=ITU-R|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> In some of ITU's other standards documents, the terms "UHDTV1" and "UHDTV2" are used as shorthand.<ref name="ITU-R BT.2077">{{cite web|title=ITU-R Recommendation BT.2077-2: Real-time serial digital interfaces for UHDTV signals|url=https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/bt/R-REC-BT.2077-2-201706-I!!PDF-E.pdf|publisher=ITU-R|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=June 2017|archive-date=2018-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430120449/https://www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/bt/R-REC-BT.2077-2-201706-I!!PDF-E.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===CEA Ultra HD===
In October 2012, the [[Consumer Electronics Association]] (CEA) announced their definition of the term '''Ultra High-Definition''' (or '''Ultra HD''') for use with marketing consumer display devices.<ref>{{cite web|title=Consumer Electronics Industry Announces Ultra High-Definition|url=https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7695547320/cea-confirms-ultra-high-definition-4k-video-spec-with-3480-2160-pixel-minimum|website=Digital Photography Review|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=October 19, 2012}}</ref> CEA defines an ''Ultra HD'' product as a TV, monitor, or projector with the following characteristics:<ref name="CEA UHD Definition">{{cite web|title=CEA Updates Characteristics for Ultra High-Definition Displays|url=https://www.cta.tech/News/Press-Releases/2014/June/CEA-Updates-Characteristics-for-Ultra-High-Definit.aspx|publisher=[[Consumer Technology Association|Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=June 24, 2014}}</ref>
* A resolution of {{resx|3840x2160}} or larger
* An aspect ratio of 1.{{overline|77}}{{ratio}}1 ({{ratio|16|9}}) or wider
* Support for color depth of 8{{nbsp}}bpc (24{{nbsp}}bit/px) or higher
* At least one HDMI input capable of supporting {{resx|3840x2160}} at 24, 30, and 60{{nbsp}}Hz progressive scan (though not necessarily with RGB / {{YCbCr}} 4:4:4 color), and HDCP{{nbsp}}2.2
* Capable of processing images according to the color space defined in [[ITU-R BT.709]]
* Capable of upscaling HD content (i.e. 720p / 1080p)

The CEA definition does allow manufacturers to use other terms—such as ''4K''—alongside the Ultra HD logo.<ref name="UHD State of the Industry" />{{rp|page=9|quote=Since the CEA announcement of "Ultra HD" and "Ultra High-Definition", the terms have quickly become standard, but there are still some variations in usage. Some brands are adding "4K" to the name, as is allowed by the CEA definition.}} Since the resolution in CEA's definition is only a minimum requirement, displays with higher resolutions such as {{resx|4096x2160}} or {{resx|5120x2880}} also qualify as "Ultra HD" displays, provided they meet the other requirements.

===2160p resolution===
Some 4K resolutions, like {{resx|3840|2160}}, are often casually referred to as ''2160p''.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Nick Pino, Jon Porter |title=4K and Ultra HD: Everything you need to know about the hot new resolution |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/television/ultra-hd-everything-you-need-to-know-about-4k-tv-1258884 |website=Tech Radar |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819192631/https://www.techradar.com/news/television/ultra-hd-everything-you-need-to-know-about-4k-tv-1258884 |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |date=March 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Alexander |last1=Thomas |title=Just how useful is 2160p aka 4K? |url=https://www.dr-lex.be/info-stuff/ultrahighdef.html |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126053552/https://www.dr-lex.be/info-stuff/ultrahighdef.html |archive-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Morrison|first=Geoffrey|title=Resolution confusion: What do 2K, 4K, 1080p, UHD all mean?|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/4k-1080p-2k-uhd-8k-tv-resolutions-explained/|access-date=2020-07-13|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref> This name follows from the previous naming convention used by [[HDTV]] and [[SDTV]] formats, which refer to a format by the number of pixels/lines along the vertical axis (such as "1080p" for {{resx|1920|1080}} progressive scan, or "480i" for the 480-line interlaced SDTV formats) rather than the horizontal pixel count (≈4000 or "4K" for {{resx|3840|2160}}).

The term "2160p" could be applied to any format with a height of 2160 pixels, but it is most commonly used in reference to the 4K UHDTV resolution of {{resx|3840|2160}} due to its association with the well-known 720p and 1080p HDTV formats. Although {{resx|3840|2160}} is both a 4K resolution and a 2160p resolution, these terms cannot always be used interchangeably since not all 4K resolutions are 2160 pixels tall, and not all 2160p resolutions are ≈4000 pixels wide. However, some companies have begun using the term "4K" to describe devices with support for a 2160p resolution, even if it is not close to 4000 pixels wide. For example, many "4K" dash cams only support a resolution of {{resx|2880|2160}} (4{{ratio}}3);<ref>{{cite web |title=STERIO 4K 2880x2160/P24 Dash Cam |url=https://www.amazon.com/STERIO-2880x2160-Dashboard-Recording-Detection/dp/B07439HNFT/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901182521/https://www.amazon.com/STERIO-2880x2160-Dashboard-Recording-Detection/dp/B07439HNFT/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |website=Amazon.com |quote=Super HD 4K 2880x2160P Resolution and 170 Degree A+ Ultra Wide Angle---Record every detail with the latest technique of car video shooting.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AUKEY 4K Dash Cam |url=https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-Wide-Angle-Dashboard-Recording-Additional/dp/B0771DYFTZ/ |website=Amazon.com |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901181959/https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-Wide-Angle-Dashboard-Recording-Additional/dp/B0771DYFTZ/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |quote=An advanced image sensor and super-wide field of view capture everything in ultra-sharp 4K(2880 x 2160 @24fps) video with HDR.}}</ref> although this is a 2160p resolution, it is not a 4K resolution. Conversely, Samsung released a {{resx|5120|2160}} ([[21:9 aspect ratio|64{{ratio}}27]]) TV, but marketed it as a "4K" TV despite its [[5K resolution|5K-class resolution]].<ref>{{cite web |title=105" CLASS 105S9 CURVED 4K UHD SMART TV |url=https://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/tvs/4k-uhd-tvs/uhd-105s9-series-curved-smart-tv-105-class-104-6-diag-un105s9wafxza/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909062151/http://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/tvs/4k-uhd-tvs/uhd-105s9-series-curved-smart-tv-105-class-104-6-diag-un105s9wafxza/ |website=samsung.com |archive-date=2017-09-09 |quote=Type: Curved 4K UHD TV; Resolution: 5120 x 2160 |access-date=2018-09-01 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Mike |last1=Wheatley |title=Samsung & LG Begin Sales of 105" 21:9 4K, Nay, 5K TV |url=http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk:80/news/samsung-5k-201407303870.htm |website=HDTVtest |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909040759/http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/samsung-5k-201407303870.htm |archive-date=2017-09-09 |date=July 30, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== M+ or RGBW TV controversy ====
In 2015, [[LG Display]] announced the implementation of a new technology called M+ which is the addition of white subpixel along with the regular RGB dots in their IPS panel technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A whole new world of colour with LG's RGBW technology|url=https://m.engineeringnews.co.za/article/a-whole-new-world-of-colour-with-lgs-rgbw-technology-2015-08-19/rep_id:4433|access-date=2020-07-12|website=m.engineeringnews.co.za|language=en}}</ref> The media and internet users later called this "RGBW" TVs because of the white sub pixel.

Most of the new M+ technology was employed on 4K TV sets which led to a controversy after tests showed that the addition of a white sub pixel replacing the traditional RGB structure would reduce the resolution by around 25%. After tests done by [[Intertek]] in which the technical aspects of LG M+ TVs were analyzed and they concluded that "the addressable resolution display is 2,880 X 2,160 for each red, green, blue", in other words, the LG TVs were technically 2.8K as it became known in the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is RGBW TV?|url=https://news.samsung.com/global/what-is-rgbw-tv|access-date=2020-07-13|website=news.samsung.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-26|title=Some LG 4K LCD TVs still deliver only 2.8K resolution|url=https://www.techhive.com/article/3240976/some-lg-4k-lcd-tvs-deliver-only-28k-resolution.html|access-date=2020-07-13|website=TechHive|language=en}}</ref> Although LG Display has developed this technology for use in notebook display, outdoor and smartphones, it is more popular in the TV market due to the supposed 4K UHD marketed resolution but still being incapable of achieving true 4K UHD resolution as defined by the CTA as 3840x2160 active pixels with 8-bit per color. This negatively impacts the rendering of text, making it a bit fuzzier, which is especially noticeable when a TV is used as a PC monitor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is the Resolution?|url=https://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/what-is-the-resolution|access-date=2020-07-12|website=[[RTINGS.com]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-21|title=How LG uses fuzzy math to label some of its LCD TVs as 4K|url=https://www.techhive.com/article/3104880/how-lg-uses-fuzzy-math-to-label-some-of-its-lcd-tvs-as-4k.html|access-date=2020-07-12|website=TechHive|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-27|title=LG 4K LCD TVs Continue Controversial RGBW Tech|url=https://hdguru.com/lg-4k-lcd-tvs-continue-controversial-rgbw-tech/|access-date=2020-07-12|website=HD Guru|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The difference between 4K and UHD, and the arrival of UHD Premium certification : Buying a 4K TV: What you need to know about HDCP 2.2, HDMI 2.0, HEVC & UHD|url=https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-4k-tv-buying-guide-singapore/difference-between-4k-and-uhd-and-arrival-uhd-premium-certification|access-date=2020-07-12|website=www.hardwarezone.com.sg|date=4 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Faux-K: RGBW LED TV Spoils 4K UHD Resolution & Colour|url=https://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/rgbw-201510084189.htm|access-date=2020-07-13|website=HDTV Test}}</ref>

===CinemaWide 4K===
In 2019, [[Sony]] was granted the CinemaWide trademark by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in which the trademark covers 'Class 9' electronic devices, including smartphones.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Xperia XZ4 to Sport 'CinemaWide' Display, Trademark Filing Tips|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/sony-xperia-xz4-cinemawide-display-trademark-filing-alleged-tenaa-listing-1989441|access-date=2021-07-28|website=gadgets.ndtv.com|date=6 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref> According to Sony and SID,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Xperia 1 III(エクスペリア ワン マークスリー) {{!}} Xperia(エクスペリア)公式サイト|url=https://xperia.sony.jp/xperia/xperia1m3/|access-date=2021-07-28|website=xperia.sony.jp|language=ja}}</ref> the standard defines a CinemaWide 4K product with the following characteristics:
* A resolution of {{resx|3840x1644}} or larger
* An aspect ratio of {{ratio|21|9}}
* Capable of playing back 4K resolution video (2160p) in an aspect ratio of {{ratio|21|9}}
* Capable of upscaling non-4K content (i.e. 720p / 1080p)<ref>{{Cite web|title=How does the 4K display work in Xperia 1 or Xperia 1 II ?|url=https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/SX906801|access-date=2021-07-28|website=sony.com|language=en}}</ref>

Sony [[Xperia]] smartphones are the most widely known products that equipped with CinemaWide 4K display, such as [[Xperia 1]], [[Xperia 1 II]], [[Sony Xperia 1 III|Xperia 1 III]], [[Xperia 1 IV]] and [[Xperia 1 V]].

==Adoption==
Video sharing website [[YouTube]] and the television industry have adopted 3840{{resx}}2160 as their 4K standard.<ref name="ce_press">{{Cite press release | url = http://www.ce.org/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2014/Leading-Television-Industry-Players-Line-Up-To-Sup.aspx | title = Leading Television Industry Players Line Up To Support '4K Ultra HD' | access-date = 18 December 2014 | date = 11 November 2014 | publisher = Consumer Electronics Association | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923201806/http://www.ce.org/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2014/Leading-Television-Industry-Players-Line-Up-To-Sup.aspx | archive-date = 23 September 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="cnet4k">{{Cite news | url = http://www.cnet.com/news/youtube-now-supports-4k-resolution-videos/ |title= YouTube now supports 4k-resolution videos | access-date = 18 December 2014 | date = 9 July 2010|first = Josh | last = Lowensohn |work=Tech Culture | publisher =CNET}}</ref> {{as of|2014}}, 4K content from major broadcasters remained limited.<ref name="cbslocal4k">{{Cite news | url = http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/good-question-when-will-we-see-broadcasts-in-4k/ |title= Good Question: When Will We See Broadcasts In 4K? | access-date = 18 December 2014 | date = 16 October 2014 |first = Heather | last = Brown |work=Local | publisher = CBS Minnesota}}</ref> By late 2014, 4K content was becoming more widely available online, including on Apple TV, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.<ref name="time_amazon">{{Cite news | url = https://time.com/3581899/amazon-4k-streaming-prime-instant-video/ |title= Amazon Will Stream in Ultra-High Def 4K by January | access-date = 18 December 2014 | date = 12 November 2014 |first = Victor| last = Luckerson|work=Tech Companies | publisher = Time}}</ref><ref name="4K_YouTube">{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OYBEDwDhkw | title = 4K Ultra HD, High Quality: Red | first = Jim | last = Anderson | publisher = YouTube | date = 17 December 2014 | access-date = 18 December 2014}}</ref>

By 2013, some UHDTV models were available to general consumers in the range of US$600.<ref name="sl39">{{Cite news | url = http://www.whathifi.com/news/seiko-launches-39in-4k-tv-for-699 |title= Seiki launches 39in 4K TV for $699 | first =Joe | last = Cox |access-date = 21 January 2014 | date = 27 June 2013 |work=What Hi-Fi | publisher =Haymarket}}</ref><ref name = "se39">{{Cite news |url = https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2421100,00.asp | title =Seiki SE39UY04 | first =Will | last = Greenwald | access-date = 21 January 2014 | date = 28 June 2013 | work = PC Mag | publisher = Ziff Davis}}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, prices on smaller computer and television panels had dropped below US$400.<ref name="newegg price">{{cite web|url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116705 |title=Viewsonic monitor |website=[[Newegg]].com |access-date=21 November 2015}}</ref>

===ATSC===
On March 26, 2013, the [[Advanced Television Systems Committee]] announced new proposals of a new standard called [[ATSC 3.0]] which would implement UHD broadcasts at resolutions of up to {{resx|3840|2160}} or {{resx|7680|4320}}.<ref name=AtscPDFMarch20134ATSC3PhysicalLayer>{{cite news|title=Call for Proposals for ATSC-3.0 Physical Layer |publisher=[[Advanced Television Systems Committee]] |url=http://www.atsc.org/cms/standards/ATSC-3-PHY-CFP.pdf |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509105751/http://www.atsc.org/cms/standards/ATSC-3-PHY-CFP.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name=AtscPRMarch20134ATSC3PhysicalLayer>{{cite news|title=Advanced Television Systems Committee Invites Proposals for Next-Generation TV Broadcasting Technologies |publisher=Advanced Television Systems Committee |url=http://www.atsc.org/cms/index.php/communications/press-releases/315-advanced-television-systems-committee-invites-proposals-for-next-generation-tv-broadcasting-technologies |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401051516/http://www.atsc.org/cms/index.php/communications/press-releases/315-advanced-television-systems-committee-invites-proposals-for-next-generation-tv-broadcasting-technologies |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name=BroadcastMarch20134ATSC3PhysicalLayer>{{cite news |title=ATSC seeks proposals for ATSC 3.0 physical layer |publisher=Broadcast Engineering |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/standards/atsc-seeks-proposals-atsc-30-physical-layer |date=March 27, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name=TVTechnologyMarch20134ATSC3PhysicalLayer>{{cite news |title=ATSC Seeks Next-Gen TV Physical Layer Proposals |author=Doug Lung |publisher=[[TV Technology]] |url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/atsc-seeks-next-gen-tv-physical-layer-proposals/218643 |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520070147/http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/atsc-seeks-next-gen-tv-physical-layer-proposals/218643 |archive-date=2013-05-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The standard would also include framerates of up to 120{{nbsp}}Hz, [[HEVC]] encoding, [[wide color gamut]], as well as [[High-dynamic-range video|high dynamic range]].<ref name=ATSCTechGroup>{{cite news |title=Technology Group 3 |publisher=[[Advanced Television Systems Committee]] |url=http://atsc.org/subcommittees/technology-group-3/ |access-date=October 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=GatesAir: Are you ready for ATSC 3.0?|url=http://www.gatesair.com/solutions/are-you-ready-for-atsc-3.0|publisher=GatesAir|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Atsc3VideoPDFMay2017ATSC">{{cite news|url=https://www.atsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/A341-2019-Video-HEVC.pdf|title=ATSC Standard: Video|date=February 14, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2019|publisher=Advanced Television Systems Committee}}</ref>

===DVB===
In 2014, the [[Digital Video Broadcasting]] Project released a new set of standards intended to guide the implementation of high resolution content in broadcast television. Dubbed '''DVB-UHDTV''', it establishes two standards, known as '''UHD-1''' (for 4K content) and '''UHD-2''' (for 8K content). These standards use resolutions of 3840{{resx}}2160 and 7680{{resx}}4320 respectively, with framerates of up to 60{{nbsp}}Hz, color depth up to 10{{nbsp}}bpc (30{{nbsp}}bit/px), and [[HEVC]] encoding for transmission.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rivington|first1=James|title=4K TV channels on the way as DVB-UHDTV standard is approved|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/television/tv/4k-tv-channels-on-the-way-as-dvb-uhdtv-standard-is-approved-1256181|website=TechRadar|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=July 7, 2014}}</ref> DVB is currently focusing on the implementation of the UHD-1 standard.<ref name="DVB Phasing in UHD">{{cite web|title=Phasing in Ultra High Definition|url=https://www.dvb.org/resources/public/factsheets/dvb_-_phasing_in_uhd.pdf|website=www.dvb.org|publisher=DVB Project Office|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222175820/https://www.dvb.org/resources/public/factsheets/dvb_-_phasing_in_uhd.pdf|archive-date=December 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

DVB finalized '''UHD-1 Phase 2''' in 2016, with the introduction of service by broadcasters expected in 2017. UHD-1 Phase 2 adds features such as [[High-dynamic-range video|high dynamic range]] (using [[Hybrid log–gamma|HLG]] and [[Perceptual quantizer|PQ]] at 10 or 12 bits), wide color gamut ([[Rec. 2020|BT. 2020]]/[[Rec. 2100|2100]] colorimetry), and [[high frame rate]] (up to 120{{nbsp}}Hz).<ref>{{cite web|title=DVB On Course for Future UHDTV System|url=https://www.dvb.org/resources/public/pressreleases/dvb_pr254_dvb_on_course_for_future_uhdtv_system.pdf|website=www.dvb.org|publisher=DVB Project Office|access-date=April 29, 2018|location=Geneva|date=November 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="DVB Phasing in UHD"/>

===Video streaming===
As of February 2025, both YouTube and Vimeo support high-resolution video uploads, with maximum resolutions of 4096 × 2304 pixels (approximately 9.4 megapixels) and 4096 × 2160 pixels (approximately 8.8 megapixels), respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restrictions and requirements for publishing to social |url=https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/articles/12427445401361-Restrictions-and-requirements-for-publishing-to-social |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Vimeo Help Center |language=en-US}}</ref> The growing availability of 4K content across streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube has made it more accessible to consumers. Vimeo's 4K content is currently limited to mostly nature documentaries and tech coverage.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ohannessian|first1=Kevin|title=Where Can You Get 4K Video?|url=http://www.tomsguide.com/us/4k-video-source-faq,news-18021.html|work=Toms's Guide|publisher=Purch, Inc.|access-date=26 November 2014|quote=YouTube and Vimeo already stream 4K content. Most of the videos are of the nature/documentary variety, with some tech media coverage thrown in the mix. However, Google recently announced plans to make a much larger selection of 4K video available on YouTube, using its new compression technology, called VP9. If your computer has a powerful graphics card that supports 4K and HDMI version 1.4 or higher, you can connect your computer to a 4K television via an HDMI cable. You will likely need high bandwidth to stream the video without any issues, though neither YouTube nor Vimeo has specified the minimum data speed needed for 4K streaming. Asus, Dell, Sharp, and others make 4K computer monitors.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Jim|title=4K Ultra HD Test, High Quality BLUE|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5RAMjrVM70|publisher=YouTube |access-date=1 April 2015 }}</ref>

[[High Efficiency Video Coding]] (HEVC or H.265) facilitates streaming of 4K content at bitrates between 20 to 30 [[Mbit/s]], offering efficient compression without significant quality loss.<ref name="ngvf">{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/25/h265-is-approved/ |title=Next-Gen Video Format H.265 Is Approved, Paving The Way For High-Quality Video On Low-Bandwidth Networks |first=Ryan |last=Lawler |access-date=30 May 2014 |date=25 January 2013 |work=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL }}</ref>

In January 2014, [[Naughty America]] launched the first adult video service streaming in 4K.<ref>{{Citation | newspaper = Pocket lint | url = http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/126497-naughty-america-4k-porn-is-coming-trailer-released | title = Naughty America: 4K porn is coming, trailer released| date = 2014-01-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| magazine = [[Adult Video News]] | url = http://business.avn.com/company-news/Payserve-Launches-4k-Ultra-HD-Site-Sindrive-com-554338.html | title = Payserve Launches 4k Ultra-HD Site, Sindrive|access-date=23 January 2016}}</ref>

In February 2025, Super Bowl LIX was broadcast in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound for the first time. Fox aired the game, and it was also available for free streaming in 4K on Tubi, marking a significant milestone in sports broadcasting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archer |first=John |title=Super Bowl LIX To Be Shown With Dolby Vision HDR And Dolby Atmos Sound For The First Time Ever |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnarcher/2025/02/05/super-bowl-lix-to-be-shown-with-dolby-vision-hdr-and-dolby-atmos-sound-for-the-first-time-ever/ |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-09 |title=How to watch Super Bowl 2025 in 4K: What to know about Chiefs vs. Eagles HDR live stream broadcast {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/watch-super-bowl-2025-4k-broadcast-stream-hdr-chiefs-eagles/59a70b70988827e0f1b36f35 |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

=== Mobile phone cameras ===
{{see also|:Category: Mobile phones with 4K video recording}}

The first mobile phones to be able to record at 2160p ({{resx|3840|2160}}) were released in late 2013, including the [[Samsung Galaxy Note 3]], which is able to record 2160p at 30 frames per second.

In the year 2014, the [[OnePlus One]] was released with the option to record [[#DCI|DCI 4K]] ({{resx|4096|2160}}) at 24 frames per second, as well as [[LG G3]] and [[Samsung Galaxy Note 4]] with [[optical image stabilization]].

In the year 2015, [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] announced the [[iPhone 6s]] was released with the 12{{nbsp}}megapixel camera that has the option to record 4K at 25 or 30 frames per second.

In the years 2017 and 2018, mobile phone chipsets reached sufficient processing power that mobile phone vendors started releasing mobile phones that allow recording 2160p footage at [[Frame rate|60 frames per second]] for a smoother and more realistic appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gadgetstouse.com/blog/2018/06/02/4k-video-recording-smartphones/|title=4K Video Recording at 60fps on phones is here but it comes with a catch|date=2 June 2018|access-date= June 2, 2018}}</ref>
=== Personal computers ===
iMac with Retina Display (2014) is one of the earliest computers that utilise 4K widescreen.<ref> {{Cite web |title=iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) - Technical Specifications – Apple Support (UK) |url=https://support.apple.com/en-gb/112436 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Apple Support |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Samsung UN105S9 20140127.jpg|thumb|[[Samsung]] UN105S9 {{convert|105|in|adj=on}} [[ultra-high-definition]] 4K television]]

In 1981, the [[NEC μPD7220]] computer [[graphics processor]] supported [[monochrome]] resolutions up to 4096×1024p ([[progressive scan]]) or 4096×2048i ([[interlaced]]).<ref name=":51">{{Cite book |title=μPD7220/7220A Graphics Display Controller |date=Dec 1985 |publisher=[[NEC]] |pages=6–1 |chapter=Video Timing |chapter-url=https://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/misc/bitsavers/components/nec/uPD7220-uPD7220A_User_Manual_Dec85.pdf#page=65}}</ref> In 1984, [[Hitachi]]'s [[ARTC HD63484]] graphics processor supported monochrome resolutions up to 4096×2048p (progressive scan) or 4096×4096i (interlaced), targeted at the [[Bit-mapped graphics|bit-mapped]] [[desktop publishing]] market.<ref name="computer.org">{{cite web |last=Peddie |first=Jon |date=2018-10-07 |title=GPU History: Hitachi ARTC HD63484 |url=https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/chasing-pixels/gpu-history-hitachi-artc-hd63484 |website=IEEE Computer Society}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Marian |date=2018-10-07 |title=GPU History: Hitachi ARTC HD63484 |url=https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/chasing-pixels/gpu-history-hitachi-artc-hd63484/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=IEEE Computer Society}}</ref> 

In 2000, [[JVC]] introduced the first 4K [[digital cinema]] [[video projector]] using [[D-ILA]] technology.<ref name=":200">{{Cite web |date=2012-10-24 |title=50 Years of SID Symposia – Nurturing Progress in Projection Technology |url=https://www.sid.org/Portals/sid/Files/pdf/20121024%202.a.1.a%20Projection%20DTMC%20%20(Display%20Technology%20Milestone%20Chart)%20.pdf |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=[[Society for Information Display]] (SID)}}</ref> The first commercially available 4K camera for cinematographic purposes was the [[Dalsa Origin]], released in 2003.<ref name="cfd">{{cite book |last=Frost |first=Jacqueline B |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3aALmAEACAAJ |title=Cinematography for Directors: A Guide for Creative Collaboration |publisher=Michael Wiese Productions |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-932907-55-1 |page=199 |oclc=263978424}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What is 4K resolution for Cameras and Video Cameras |url=http://epfilms.tv/4k-resolution/ |access-date=19 June 2016 |website=epfilms |quote=Dalsa Origin was the very first commercially obtainable 4K Resolution}}</ref> [[Sony]] began offering 4K digital cinema projectors in 2004.<ref name="spr">{{cite web |date=June 3, 2004 |title=Sony Unveils New "4k" Digital Cinema Projector |url=http://www.projectorcentral.com/news_story_674.htm |access-date=24 May 2014 |publisher=Projector Central |type=press release}}</ref> 4K digital projectors were introduced to [[movie theaters]] in 2005, but most theaters continued using analog [[movie projectors]] until 4K digital projectors eventually replaced them by 2011.<ref name="4kiap">{{cite web |last=Truong |first=Alice |date=August 6, 2013 |title=4K is already playing at a theater near you, but you probably didn't even notice |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/4k-is-already-playing-at-a-theater-near-you-but-you-probably-didnt-even-notice/ |access-date=24 May 2014 |work=Digital Trends |publisher=Designtechnica}}</ref> 

4K [[streaming]] technology was developed during the mid-to-late 2000s by several research groups in universities around the world, such as [[University of California, San Diego]], [[CALIT2]], [[Keio University]] and [[Naval Postgraduate School]].<ref name="CineGrid">{{cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Doug |date=Aug 24, 2009 |title=Film Premiere in Cyberspace Links Brazil, U.S. and Japan |url=http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/archive/newsrel/science/08-09Film4K.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128223659/ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/archive/newsrel/science/08-09Film4K.asp |archive-date=2014-11-28 |access-date=May 24, 2018}}</ref> They realized several demonstrations in venues such as IGrid in 2004 and [[CineGrid]].

[[YouTube]] began supporting 4K for video uploads in 2010 as a result of leading manufacturers producing 4K cameras.<ref name="yuad">{{cite web | url =http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/youtube-2160p-201312253535.htm |title = YouTube Adds "2160p 4K" Option To Video Quality Settings | first =Vincent | last = Teoh |date = 25 December 2013 | work = HDTVTest | access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> Users could view 4K video by selecting "Original" from the quality settings until December 2013, when the 2160p option appeared in the quality menu.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.neowin.net/news/youtube-puts-in-new-2160p-4k-option-for-video-settings | title = Youtube puts in new 2160p 4K option for video-settings | publisher = Neo win | access-date =24 July 2014}}</ref> In November 2013, YouTube began to use the [[VP9]] video compression standard, saying that it was more suitable for 4K than [[High Efficiency Video Coding]] (HEVC). [[Google]], which owns YouTube, developed VP9.<ref name="yuad" />

The first 4K [[home theater]] projector was released by [[Sony]] in 2012.<ref name="srwf">{{cite web |last=Quick |first=Darren |date=May 31, 2012 |title=Sony releases world's first 4K home theater projector |url=http://www.gizmag.com/sony-vpl-vw1000es-4k-projector/22760/ |access-date=24 May 2014 |work=Gizmag}}</ref> Despite this, there's not many finished films with 4K resolution as of 2023. Even for movies and TV shows shot using 6K or 8K cameras, almost all finished films are edited in HD resolution and enlarged to fit a 4K format.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schodt |first1=C. |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Why your Avengers UHD Blu-rays aren't actually 4K |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-06-19-upscaled-uhd-4k-digital-intermediate-explainer.html |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=Engadget}}</ref>

Sony is one of the leading studios promoting UHDTV content, {{as of|2013|lc=y}} offering a little over 70 movie and television titles via digital download to a specialized player that stores and decodes the video. The large files (≈40{{nbsp}}GB), distributed through consumer broadband connections, raise concerns about data caps.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/sony-launches-4k-video-unlimited-download-service-with-70-titles/ |title = Sony feeds starving 4K early adopters with over 70 titles of 4K movies and TV shows | first = Caleb | last = Denison |date=September 4, 2013 |work = Digital Trends |access-date=31 May 2014 }}</ref>

In 2014, [[Netflix]] began streaming ''[[House of Cards (U.S. TV series)|House of Cards]]'', ''[[Breaking Bad]]'',<ref>{{Citation | newspaper = Gizmodo | title = Breaking Bad is now streaming in 4K on Netflix | date = 17 June 2014 | url = https://gizmodo.com/breaking-bad-is-now-streaming-in-4k-on-netflix-1591610250}}</ref> and "some nature documentaries" at 4K to compatible televisions with an HEVC decoder. Most 4K televisions sold in 2013 did not natively support HEVC, with most major manufacturers announcing support in 2014.<ref name = "nb4">{{cite web |url= http://www.cnet.com/au/news/netflix-begins-4k-streams/ |title = Netflix begins 4K streams | first =David | last = Katzmaier |access-date=30 May 2014 | date=8 April 2014 |website=[[CNET]] }}</ref> [[Amazon Studios]] began shooting their full-length original series and new pilots with 4K resolution in 2014.<ref name="ast">{{cite web |url= http://www.cnet.com/au/news/amazon-studios-to-begin-shooting-original-series-in-4k/ |title = Amazon Studios to begin shooting original series in 4K | first =Dara | last = Kerr | access-date =30 May 2014 |date= 17 December 2013 |website=[[CNET]] }}</ref> They are now currently available through [[Amazon Video]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hd-report.com/list-of-4k-ultra-hd-movies-tv-shows-titles-on-amazon-video/|title=List of 4k UHD Movies & TV Shows on Amazon Video – HD Report|website=hd-report.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-25}}</ref>

In March 2016 the first players and discs for [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]]—a physical optical disc format supporting 4K resolution and [[high-dynamic-range video]] (HDR) at 60 frames per second—were released.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/8/10936792/uhd-4k-blu-ray-samsung-player-on-sale|title=The first ever Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray player has gone on sale a little bit early|work=The Verge|access-date=2017-11-25}}</ref>

On August 2, 2016, Microsoft released the [[Xbox One S]], which supports 4K streaming and has an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, but does not support 4K gaming.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Machkovech|first1=Sam|title=Microsoft hid performance boosts for old games in Xbox One S, told no one|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/08/surprise-new-xbox-one-s-gpu-smooths-out-some-older-games/|access-date=June 17, 2019|work=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|date=August 2, 2016}}</ref> On November 10, 2016, Sony released the [[PlayStation 4 Pro]], which supports 4K streaming and gaming,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Layden |first1=Shawn |title=PlayStation 4 Pro Launches Today |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/11/10/playstation-4-pro-launches-today/ |website=blog.us.playstation.com |access-date=November 10, 2016|date=2016-11-10 }}</ref> though many games use [[checkerboard rendering]] or are upscaled 4K.<ref name="engadget-prointerview">{{cite web |title=The PS4 Pro, as explained by the man who designed it |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/20/ps4-pro-mark-cerny-interview-hardware/ |website=Engadget |date=20 October 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> On November 7, 2017, Microsoft released the [[Xbox One X]], which supports 4K streaming and gaming,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/3/16599756/microsoft-xbox-one-x-review|title=Xbox One X review|work=The Verge|access-date=2017-11-25}}</ref> though not all games are rendered at native 4K.<ref name=":8">{{cite web|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-one/xbox-one-x-enhanced-list|title=Xbox One X Enhanced Games List {{!}} HDR, Ultra HD, & 4K Gaming|website=Xbox.com|access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref>

===Home video projection===
{{section rewrite|date=July 2024}}

Though the price of home cinema viewing devices began to drop rapidly from 2013, the digital video projector market saw limited expansion as very few manufacturers had fully 4K-capable lineups. Native 4K projectors remained priced in the five-figure range well into 2015, only falling below US$10,000 later that year. Sony was the sole major manufacturer offering a comprehensive 4K projection solution as of 2015.<ref name="CNET350es">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/products/sony-vpl-vw350es/ |title=Sony VPL-VW350ES review |website=CNET |date=March 30, 2015 |first= David |last=Katzmaier |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref> Critics argue that, at typical direct-view panel sizes and viewing distances, the extra pixels of 4K are unnecessary for [[Human vision|normal human vision]].{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}  In contrast, home cinema projectors use larger screens without necessarily increasing the viewing distance to match the scale. One technique to provide a more affordable 4K experience in home cinema projectors is "e-shift." Developed by some manufacturers, e-shift extrapolates additional pixels from 1080p sources to either upscale to 4K or display 4K from native 4K sources at a much lower price point than native 4K projectors. This technology reached its fourth generation in 2016.<ref name="cnet2013jvc">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/jvc-debuts-cheaper-pseudo-4k-projectors/ |title=JVC debuts cheaper pseudo-4K projectors |website=CNET |first=Ty |last=Pendlebury |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name="jvc1stparty">{{cite web|url=http://procision.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL029571 |title=DLA-X550R Overview |publisher=JVC |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name="HTabout">{{cite web |url=http://hometheater.about.com/od/hometheaternewsandtrends/fl/JVC-Intros-4th-Generation-e-Shift-4K-Projectors-at-CEDIA-2015.htm |title=JVC Intros 4th Generation e-Shift 4K Projectors at CEDIA 2015 |publisher=[[About.com]] |first=Robert |last=Silva |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=December 7, 2015 |archive-date=December 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211072828/http://hometheater.about.com/od/hometheaternewsandtrends/fl/JVC-Intros-4th-Generation-e-Shift-4K-Projectors-at-CEDIA-2015.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="digest2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/JVC/Projectors/4K/Ultra_HD/hdr/high-dynamic-range/hdcp-22/HDMI_2.0/jvc-readies-new-eshift-4k-dila-projectors-with-hdr/26904 |title=JVC Readies New eShift 4K D-ILA Projectors with HDR |first=Steven |last=Cohen |publisher=High-Def Digest|date= October 19, 2015 |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref> JVC applied this technology to create an 8K flight simulation system for Boeing, meeting the visual acuity limits of 20/25.<ref name="shephard">{{cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/training-simulation/iitsec-2015-new-training-approaches-boeing/ |title=I/ITSEC 2015: New training approaches for Boeing |date=November 25, 2015|publisher=Shephard Media |first=Grant |last=Turnbull |access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref>

The first pixel-shifted 4K UHD projectors adopted by the market are Optoma, BenQ, Dell, et al., for those adopt a 2718×1528 pixel structure. The amount of data these projectors process is true 4K, but they overlap the pixels, which is what pixel shifting is. In fact, each of those pixels is far larger. In fact, each one has 50% more area than true 4K. Pixel shifting projectors. This way, they project a pixel and shift it up to the right by a half diameter and project it again with modified data—the second pixel overlaid on the first. This would result in adjacent red and green pixels effectively forming yellow, with a fringe on one side of red, on the other of green—except that the fringe takes on another color as the next line of pixels overlaps too. 4K UHD or 1080p pixel shifting cannot reveal the fine detail of a true 4K projector such as those Sony ships in the business, education, and home markets. JVC has one true 4K at $35,000 (in mid-2017) and another for $120,000.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

While projecting UHD, it might look as though the pixel structures would have 1/4 the area of 1080p; it just doesn't happen with pixel shifting. That much resolution is only carried by a true 4K projector. This is why "true" 4K costs so much more than 4K UHD projectors that have more or less similar feature sets. They produce smaller pixels, finer resolution—no loss of detail or color from the overlapping pixels. This is in stark contrast to the small variation in the aspect ratio difference, which would be capable of being noticeable in a few companies, such as [[Kaleidescape]], offering media servers that enable 4K UHD Blu-ray movies with a wide dynamic range in a home theater.<ref>{{Cite web|title=4K Ultra HD: Into the Vaults—Prepping Films for 4K Ultra HD is a Journey of Discovery – Media Play News|date=28 September 2020 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/4k-ultra-hd-into-the-vaults/|access-date=2020-10-28|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Broadcasting==
In November 2014, American satellite provider [[DirecTV]] (owned by AT&T) became the first pay-TV provider to offer access to 4K content, although limited to selected video-on-demand films.<ref name="cnet-4kdirectv">{{cite web|title=DirecTV launches 4K exclusive to Samsung TVs|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/directv-launches-4k-exclusively-to-samsung-tvs/|website=CNET|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> In August 2015, British sports network [[BT Sport]] launched a 4K feed, with its first broadcast being the [[2015 FA Community Shield]] football match. Two production units were used, producing the traditional broadcast in high-definition, and a separate 4K broadcast. As the network did not want to mix 4K footage with upconverted HD footage, this telecast did not feature traditional studio segments at pre-game or half-time, but those hosted from the stadium by the match commentators using a 4K camera. BT envisioned that if viewers wanted to watch studio analysis, they would switch to the HD broadcast and then back for the game. Footage was compressed using [[H.264]] encoders and transmitted to [[BT Tower]], where it was then transmitted back to BT Sport studios and decompressed for distribution, via 4K-compatible [[BT TV]] set-top boxes on an eligible [[BT Infinity]] internet plan with at least a 25&nbsp;Mbit/s connection.<ref name=gizmodo>{{cite web|title=BT Sport Ultra HD Made Even My Mum Want to Watch 4K Football|url=http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2015/08/bt-sport-ultra-hd-made-even-my-mum-want-to-watch-4k-football/|website=Gizmodo UK|access-date=24 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="techradar-btsport4k">{{cite web|title=Behind the scenes of BT Sport's 4K Ultra HD revolution|url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/behind-the-scenes-of-bt-sport-s-4k-ultra-hd-revolution-1301138|website=Techradar|access-date=23 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129202408/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/behind-the-scenes-of-bt-sport-s-4k-ultra-hd-revolution-1301138|archive-date=29 January 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In late 2015 and January 2016, three of Canada's television providers{{snd}}including [[Quebec]]-based [[Vidéotron]], Ontario-based [[Rogers Cable]], and [[Bell Fibe TV]], announced that they would begin to offer 4K compatible set-top boxes that can stream 4K content to subscribers over gigabit internet service.<ref name="torstar-4kreality"/><ref name="gandm-4kcanada">{{cite news|title=Why you should add a 4K television to your holiday shopping list|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gadgets-and-gear/why-you-should-add-a-4k-television-to-your-holiday-shopping-list/article27889576/|website=The Globe and Mail|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> On October 5, 2015, alongside the announcement of its 4K set-top box and gigabit internet, Canadian media conglomerate [[Rogers Communications]] announced that it planned to produce 101 sports telecasts in 4K in 2016 via its [[Sportsnet]] division, including all [[Toronto Blue Jays]] home games, and "marquee" [[National Hockey League]] games beginning in January 2016. Bell Media announced via its [[The Sports Network|TSN]] division a slate of 4K telecasts to begin on January 20, 2016, including selected [[Toronto Raptors]] games and regional NHL games.<ref name="tsn-4kraptors">{{cite web|title=TSN delivers live 4K broadcast of Raptors-Celtics|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-delivers-live-4k-broadcast-of-raptors-celtics-1.422478|website=TSN.ca|date=13 January 2016|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="gandm-rogers4k">{{cite news|title=Rogers leveraging sports ownership to push 4K TV|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-leveraging-sports-ownership-to-push-4k-tv/article26672645/|access-date=6 October 2015|work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref><ref name="cbc-4krogers">{{cite news|title=Rogers announces Ignite Gigabit internet, 4K sports broadcasts|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rogers-internet-1.3256745|website=CBC News|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>

On January 14, 2016, in cooperation with BT Sport, Sportsnet broadcast the first ever [[NBA]] game produced in 4K{{snd}}a [[Toronto Raptors]]/[[Orlando Magic]] game at [[O2 Arena (London)|O2 Arena]] in [[London]], [[England]]. On January 20, also during a Raptors game, TSN presented the first live 4K telecast produced in North America.<ref name="torstar-4kreality">{{cite news|title=4K content becomes a reality in Canada|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2016/01/18/4k-content-becomes-a-reality-in-canada.html|access-date=21 January 2016|work=Toronto Star}}</ref><ref name="tsn-4kraptors"/><ref name="svg-canada4k">{{cite web|title=4K Sports Descend on Canada: First-Ever Live 4K NBA Game From London Kicks Off Parade of 4K Content|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/01/13/4k-sports-descend-on-canada-live-4k-nba-game-from-london-more-on-the-way-from-tsn-sportsnet/|website=Sports Video Group|date=13 January 2016|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> Three days later, Sportsnet presented the first NHL game in 4K.<ref name="sn-first4kgame">{{cite web|title=Sportsnet to produce first NHL game in 4K|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/4k-nhl-rogers-sportsnet-television-hd-toronto-maple-leafs-blue-jays-raptors-montreal-canadiens-playoffs-scott-moore-bettman/|website=Sportsnet.ca|publisher=Rogers Media|access-date=24 January 2016}}</ref>

Dome Productions, a joint venture of Bell Media and Rogers Media (the respective owners of TSN and Sportsnet), constructed a "side-by-side" 4K mobile production unit shared by Sportsnet and TSN's first 4K telecasts; it was designed to operate alongside a separate HD truck and utilize cameras capable of output in both formats.<ref name="svg-dome4k">{{cite web|title=Dome Productions Preps for Arrival of Live 4K Sports in Canada|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/01/15/dome-productions-preps-for-arrival-of-live-4k-sports-in-canada/|website=Sports Video Group|date=15 January 2016|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> For the opening game of the [[2016 Toronto Blue Jays season]], Dome constructed "Trillium"{{snd}}a production truck integrating both 4K and 1080i high-definition units.<ref name="svg-jays4k">{{cite web|title=Dome, Rogers Sportsnet Develop Single Production Solution for UHD/HD|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/04/12/dome-rogers-sportsnet-develop-single-production-solution-for-uhdhd/|website=Sports Video Group|date=12 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016}}</ref> Bell Media's [[CTV Television|CTV]] also broadcast the [[Juno Awards of 2016|2016 Juno Awards]] in 4K as the first awards show presented in the format.<ref name="cbc-junos16">{{cite news|title=Juno Awards 2016: The Weeknd, Bieber, Dean Brody among winners|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082|website=CBC News|access-date=21 April 2016}}</ref>

In February 2016, Spanish-language [[Univision]] trialed 4K by producing a closed-circuit TV broadcast of a football friendly between the national teams of [[Mexican national football team|Mexico]] and [[Senegal national football team|Senegal]] from [[Miami]] (America) in the format. The broadcast was streamed privately to several special viewing locations. Univision aimed to develop a 4K streaming app to publicly televise the final of [[Copa América Centenario]] in 4K.<ref>{{cite web|title=SVG Exclusive: Univision to produce Copa América Centenario final in 4K|url=http://svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/svg-exclusive-univision-to-produce-copa-america-centenario-final-in-4k/|website=Sports Video Group Europe|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312133346/http://svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/svg-exclusive-univision-to-produce-copa-america-centenario-final-in-4k/|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="engadget-4kunivision">{{cite web|title=How Univision is beating the competition to 4K sports streaming|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/02/12/univision-deportes-live-4k-sports-streaming/|website=Engadget|date=12 February 2016 |access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="techradar-uni4k">{{cite web|title=Mexico vs Senegal friendly is a test for 4K|url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/tomorrow-s-mexico-vs-senegal-friendly-is-a-test-for-4k-1314654|website=TechRadar|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312123634/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/tomorrow-s-mexico-vs-senegal-friendly-is-a-test-for-4k-1314654|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2016, [[DirecTV]] and [[CBS Sports]] announced that they would produce the "Amen Corner" supplemental coverage from the [[Masters Tournament|Masters]] [[golf]] tournament in 4K.<ref name="engadget-directv4k">{{cite web|title=DirecTV's first live 4K show is the Masters golf tournament|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/09/directv-first-live-4k-show/|website=Engadget|date=9 March 2016 |access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="svg-masters4k">{{cite web|title=The Masters in 4K: DirecTV, CBS Sports Tee Up First Live 4K UHD Broadcast in U.S.|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/03/09/directv-tees-up-first-live-4k-production-at-the-masters/|website=Sports Video Group|date=9 March 2016|access-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>

In late 2016, [[Telus TV]] announced that they would begin to offer 4K compatible set-top boxes.<ref name="Telus">{{cite web|title=Telus clears up picture with new 4K offerings|url= https://www.pressreader.com/canada/vancouver-sun/20161101/281509340740988 |website=Press Reader}}</ref>

After having trialed the technology in limited matches at the [[2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/fifa-confederations-cup-testing-4k-565612|title=FIFA Confederations Cup Testing 4K; Might Lead to World Cup 'Ultra HD' Broadcast|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-11-24|language=en}}</ref> and the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] (via private tests and public viewings in the host city of [[Rio de Janeiro]]),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/5/5782382/why-cant-you-watch-the-world-cup-in-4k|title=4K TV misses its World Cup goal|work=The Verge|access-date=2018-11-24}}</ref> the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] was the first [[FIFA World Cup]] in which all matches were produced in 4K. Host Broadcasting Services stated that at least 75% of the broadcast cut on each match would come from 4K cameras (covering the majority of main angles), with instant replays and some camera angles being upconverted from 1080p sources. These broadcasts were made available from selected rightsholders, such as the [[BBC]] in the UK, and selected television providers in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fox-telemundo-offer-a-clearer-view-of-fifa-world-cup-russia|title=Fox, Telemundo Offer a Clearer View of FIFA World Cup Russia|work=TV Technology|access-date=2018-11-24|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44305845|title=World Cup 2018: BBC to show tournament in Ultra HD & virtual reality|date=2018-05-30|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2018-11-24|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fubotv-streaming-world-cup-4k-resolution|title=FuboTV streaming World Cup in 4K resolution|work=SportsPro|access-date=2018-11-24|language=en}}</ref>

Technical limitations in distributing 4K broadcasts (including the increased cost of 4K-compatible production equipment)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-12 |title=Why aren't sports in 4K? It's complicated |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/why-sports-arent-in-4k/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Digital Trends |language=en}}</ref> have led to some broadcasters deciding against the format in favour of emphasizing 1080p/HDR broadcasts instead. After having broadcast [[UEFA Euro]] and the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] final in the format, [[UEFA]] discontinued 4K coverage for both in 2024, as broadcasters elected to put resources behind HDR and other on-air features instead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UEFA relegates UHD for Euro 2024 and Champions League Final |url=https://www.ibc.org/features/uefa-relegates-uhd-for-euro-2024-and-champions-league-final/10918.article |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=IBC |language=en}}</ref> Some U.S. broadcasters, such as [[CBS Sports]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerschbaumer |first=Ken |date=February 1, 2024 |title=Super Bowl LVIII: CBS Sports To Field 165 Cameras for Massive Production |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/02/01/165-cameras-at-center-of-massive-cbs-sports-super-bowl-lviii-production/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202033136/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/02/01/165-cameras-at-center-of-massive-cbs-sports-super-bowl-lviii-production/ |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=Sports Video Group}}</ref><ref name="ath-deitsch-24">{{cite news |last1=Deitsch |first1=Richard |date=February 10, 2024 |title=Super Bowl Sunday viewers' guide: CBS' plans, Taylor Swift, Nickelodeon and more |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5251862/2024/02/10/super-bowl-cbs-taylor-swift-nickelodeon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210170326/https://theathletic.com/5251862/2024/02/10/super-bowl-cbs-taylor-swift-nickelodeon/ |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |access-date=February 11, 2024 |work=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref> [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dachman |first=Jason |date=2023-02-02 |title=Super Bowl LVII: Comcast Will Be First to Air 4K Coverage of 'The Big Game' in Dolby Vision HDR |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2023/02/02/super-bowl-lvii-comcast-will-be-first-to-air-4k-coverage-of-the-big-game-in-dolby-vision-hdr/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Sports Video Group |language=en}}</ref> and [[USA Network]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dachman |first=Jason |date=2024-07-11 |title=Paris 2024: NBCUniversal to Present 400+ Hours of 4K HDR/Dolby Atmos Coverage on USA Network |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/07/11/paris-2024-nbcuniversal-to-present-400-hours-of-4k-hdr-dolby-atmos-coverage-on-usa-network/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Sports Video Group |language=en}}</ref> have broadcast events promoted as having "4K" feeds, but are actually 1080p/HDR broadcasts upconverted to 4K. For the [[2024 Summer Olympics]], USA Network's "4K" coverage was sourced from host broadcaster [[Olympic Broadcasting Services]] (OBS) in 4K, but downconverted to 1080p when received by [[NBC Sports]]' studios, and then upconverted to 4K for distribution.<ref name=":0" />

==Resolutions==
{| class="wikitable sortable floatright"
|+ Examples of some 4K resolutions used in displays and media
|-
! Format !! Resolution !!colspan=2| [[Display aspect ratio|Aspect ratio]] !! [[Pixel]]s
|-
| - || {{resx|4096|3072}} || 1.{{overline|33}} || {{ratio|4|3}} || style="text-align:right;"| 12,582,912
|-
| - || {{resx|4096|2560}} || 1.6 || {{ratio|16|10}} || style="text-align:right;"| 10,485,760
|-
| - || {{resx|4096|2304}} || 1.{{overline|77}} || {{ratio|16|9}} || style="text-align:right;"| 9,437,184
|-
| [[Digital Cinema Initiatives|DCI]] 4K (full frame) || {{resx|4096|2160}} || ≈1.90 || {{ratio|256|135}} || style="text-align:right;"| 8,847,360
|-
| DCI 4K ([[CinemaScope]] cropped) || {{resx|4096|1716}} || ≈2.39 || {{ratio|1024|429}} || style="text-align:right;"|7,020,544
|-
| DCI 4K ([[Arnoldscope|flat]] cropped) || {{resx|3996|2160}} || 1.85 || {{ratio|37|20}} || style="text-align:right;"|8,631,360
|-
| WQUXGA || {{resx|3840|2400}} || 1.6 || {{ratio|16|10}} || style="text-align:right;"|9,216,000
|-
| [[4K UHD]] || {{resx|3840|2160}} || 1.{{overline|77}} || {{ratio|16|9}} || style="text-align:right;"|8,294,400
|-
| - || {{resx|3840|1920}} || 2.0 || {{ratio|2|1}} || style="text-align:right;"|7,372,800
|-
| - || {{resx|3840|1620}} || 2.370 || {{ratio|64|27}} || style="text-align:right;"|6,220,800
|-
| - || {{resx|3840|1600}} || 2.4 || {{ratio|12|5}} || style="text-align:right;"|6,144,000
|-
| DFHD || {{resx|3840|1080}} || 3.{{overline|55}} || [[Ultrawide formats#Ultra-Widescreen 3.6|{{ratio|32|9}}]] || style="text-align:right;"|4,147,200
|}

===3840{{resx}}2160===
The resolution of {{resx|3840|2160}} is the dominant 4K resolution in the consumer media and display industries. This is the resolution of the '''UHDTV1''' format defined in SMPTE ST 2036–1,<ref name="SMPTE ST 2036-1" /> as well as the '''4K UHDTV''' format defined by ITU-R in [[Rec. 2020]],<ref name="Rec. 2020 PR" /> and is also the minimum resolution for CEA's definition of ''Ultra HD'' displays and projectors.<ref name="CEA UHD Definition" /> The resolution of {{resx|3840|2160}} was also chosen by the [[DVB]] project for their 4K broadcasting standard, '''UHD-1'''.<ref name="DVB Phasing in UHD" />

This resolution has an aspect ratio of 16{{ratio}}9, with 8,294,400 total pixels. It is exactly double the horizontal and vertical resolution of 1080p ({{resx|1920|1080}}) for a total of 4 times as many pixels, and triple the horizontal and vertical resolution of 720p ({{resx|1280|720}}) for a total of 9 times as many pixels. It is sometimes referred to as "2160p", based on the naming patterns established by the previous 720p and 1080p [[HDTV]] standards.

In 2013, televisions capable of displaying UHD resolutions were seen by [[consumer electronics]] companies as the next trigger for an upgrade cycle after a lack of consumer interest in [[3D television]].<ref name="fbc">{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/4k-ultra-hd-tv-faces-bandwidth-challenge-to-get-into-homes-1200570763/ |title=Ultra-HD TV Faces Bandwidth Challenge to Get Into Homes |first=David S. |last=Cohen |access-date=30 May 2014 |date=1 August 2013 |work=Variety }}</ref>

===4096{{resx}}2160 {{anchor|DCI}}===
This resolution is used mainly in digital cinema production, and has a total of 8,847,360 pixels with an aspect ratio of 256{{ratio}}135 (≈19{{ratio}}10). It was standardized as the resolution of the 4K container format defined by [[Digital Cinema Initiatives]] in the Digital Cinema System specification, and is the [[native resolution]] of all DCI-compliant 4K [[digital projector]]s and [[computer monitor|monitors]].<ref name="DCI v1.2"/> The DCI specification allows several different resolutions for the content inside the container, depending on the desired aspect ratio. The allowed resolutions are defined in <span style="white-space:nowrap">SMPTE 428-1</span>:<ref name="DCI v1.2" />{{rp|at=§3.2.1}}<ref name="SMPTE 428-1" />{{rp|at=p. 6}}
* 4096{{resx}}2160 (full frame, 256{{ratio}}135 or ≈1.90{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)
* 3996{{resx}}2160 (flat crop, 1.85{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)
* 4096{{resx}}1716 (CinemaScope crop, ≈2.39{{ratio}}1 aspect ratio)

The DCI 4K standard has twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of DCI 2K ({{resx|2048|1080}}), with four times as many pixels overall.

Digital movies made in 4K may be produced, [[motion picture film scanner|scanned]], or stored in a number of other resolutions depending on what [[storage aspect ratio]] is used.<ref name="rsta">{{cite web |url=http://renderman.pixar.com/view/resolution-table |title=Resolution Table |publisher=Pixar |access-date=21 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="pcmag">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=4K+resolution&i=57419,00.asp |title=4K resolution Definition from PC Magazine Encyclopedia |magazine=PC Magazine |date=1994-12-01 |access-date=2010-05-28 |archive-date=2010-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326183838/http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0%2C2542%2Ct%3D4K+resolution%26i%3D57419%2C00.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the digital cinema production chain, a resolution of 4096 × 3112 is often used for acquiring "open gate" or anamorphic input material, a resolution based on the historical resolution of scanned Super&nbsp;35&nbsp;mm film.<ref name="diffv">{{cite book |title=Digital Intermediates for Film and Video |last=James |first=Jack |year=2006 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=0240807022 |page=125 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qMYR00OxN8EC |access-date=21 January 2014}}</ref>

===Other 4K resolutions===
Various other non-standardized 4K resolutions have been used in displays, including:
* '''4096{{resx}}2560''' (1.60:1 or [[16:10]]); this resolution was used in the [[Canon Inc.|Canon]] DP-V3010, a {{convert|30|in|cm|adj=on}} 4K reference monitor designed for reviewing cinema footage in [[post-production]], released in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canon DP-V3010 4K Reference Display|url=http://downloads.canon.com/nw/brochures/pdf/brochures/canon-dp-v3010-4k-reference-display-brochure.pdf|publisher=Canon|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref>
* '''4096{{resx}}2304''' (1.{{overline|77}}:1 or [[16:9]]); this resolution was used in the {{convert|21.5|in|cm|adj=on}} LG UltraFine 22MD4KA 4K monitor, jointly announced by [[LG]] and [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] in 2016<ref>{{cite web|first1=Brandon|last1=Chester|title=LG Introduces New UltraFine 4K and 5K Monitors|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/10798/lg-introduces-new-4k-and-5k-ultrafine-monitors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029112742/http://www.anandtech.com/show/10798/lg-introduces-new-4k-and-5k-ultrafine-monitors|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2016|website=Anandtech|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=October 27, 2016}}</ref> and used in the 21.5" 4K [[Retina display|Retina]] [[iMac]] computer.
* '''3840{{resx}}2400''' (1.60:1 or 16:10); this resolution was used in the {{convert|22.2|in|cm|adj=on}} [[IBM]] [[IBM T220|T220 and T221]] monitors, released in 2001 and 2002 respectively. This resolution is also referred to as "WQUXGA", and is four times the resolution of WUXGA (1920{{resx}}1200).<ref>{{cite web|first1=Nebojsa|last1=Novakovic|title=IBM T221 - the world's finest monitor?|url=https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1012426/ibm-t221-world-finest-monitor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914114750/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1012426/ibm-t221-world-finest-monitor|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 14, 2009|website=The Inquirer|publisher=Incisive Business Media (IP) Limited|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=March 28, 2003}}</ref> More recently, this resolution has returned in the Dell XPS Laptop series, under the name "UHD+".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-02 |title=XPS 13 Plus Laptop : Dell XPS Laptop Computers |url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/xps-13-plus/spd/xps-13-9320-laptop |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115031422/https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/xps-13-plus/spd/xps-13-9320-laptop |archive-date=2023-01-15 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Dell USA}}</ref>
* '''3840{{resx}}1920''' (2:1 or 16:8); this resolution is largely used by 360° videos<ref>{{Cite web |title=VR Video Formats Explained |url=https://360labs.net/blog/vr-video-formats-explained |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=360 Labs |language=en}}</ref> as they largely use a 2:1 aspect ratio. The reason is to represent a 360° on the horizontal axis and a 180° on the vertical.
* '''3840{{resx}}1600''' (2.40:1 or [[21:9 aspect ratio|12:5]]); a number of computer monitors with this resolution have been produced, the first being the {{convert|37.5|in|cm|adj=on}} LG 38UC99-W released in 2016. This resolution is equivalent to WQXGA (2560{{resx}}1600) extended in width by 50%, or 3840{{resx}}2160 reduced in height by ≈26%.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Jim|last1=Tanous|title=3840x1600 Ultrawide Monitors: How 160 Lines Can Make All the Difference|url=https://www.pcper.com/reviews/Displays/3840x1600-Ultrawide-Monitors-How-160-Lines-Can-Make-All-Difference|website=PC Perspective|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> LG refers to this resolution as "WQHD+" (Wide Quad HD+),<ref>{{cite web|title=LG 38UC99-W Ultrawide Monitor|url=http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-38UC99-W-ultrawide-monitor|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref> while Acer uses the term "UW-QHD+" (Ultra-wide Quad HD+)<ref>{{cite web|title=Acer XR382CQK bmijqphuzx (UM.TX2AA.001) |url=https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/UM.TX2AA.001}}</ref> and some media outlets have used the term "UW4K" (Ultra-wide 4K).<ref>{{cite web|title=Dell's latest ultrawide monitor is a 38-inch curved beast|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/6/14/15800204/dell-ultrawide-monitor-u3818dw-38-inch-curved|website=The Verge|last1=Singleton|first1=Micah|date=June 14, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Thacker|first1=Jim|title=HP announces new 37.5-inch curved Z38c display|url=http://www.cgchannel.com/2017/09/hp-announces-new-37-5-inch-curved-z38c-display/|access-date=April 29, 2018|website=CG Channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112080534/http://www.cgchannel.com/2017/09/hp-announces-new-37-5-inch-curved-z38c-display/|date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>
* '''3840{{resx}}1080''' (3.{{overline|55}}:1 or 32:9); this resolution was first used in the Samsung C49HG70, a {{convert|49|in|cm|adj=on}} curved gaming monitor released in 2017. This resolution is equivalent to dual 1080p displays (1920{{resx}}1080) side-by-side, but with no border interrupting the image. It is also exactly one half of a 4K UHD (3840{{resx}}2160) display. Samsung refers to this resolution as "DFHD" (Dual Full HD).<ref>{{cite web|first1=Paul|last1=Lilly|title=Samsung launches insanely wide 32:9 aspect ratio monitor with HDR and FreeSync 2|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/samsung-launches-a-massive-49-inch-ultrawide-hdr-monitor-with-freesync-2/|website=PC Gamer|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>

==Recording==
[[File:Taipei IT Month Sony FDR-AX1 20131130 2.jpg|thumb|Sony Handycam FDR-AX1]]
{{see also|List of 4K video recording devices}}

=== Detail benefit ===
The main advantage of recording video at the 4K standard is that fine spatial detail is resolved well.<ref name = "apgvac">{{cite book | title = A Practical Guide to Video and Audio Compression: From Sprockets and Rasters to Macroblocks |last=Wootton |first=Cliff | year =2005 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn = 0-24080630-1 |page=47 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kJUczzCvkdgC | access-date =21 January 2014}}</ref> Individual still frames extracted from 3840×2160-pixel video footage can act as 8.3 [[megapixel]] still photographs, while only 2.1 megapixels at 1080p and 0.9 megapixels at 720p. If the final video resolution is reduced to 2K from a 4K recording, more detail is apparent than would have been achieved from a native 2K recording.<ref name="apgvac"/> Increased fineness and [[contrast (vision)|contrast]] is then possible with output to [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]].<ref name="cish">{{cite book |title = Video Shooter: Storytelling with HD Cameras | last =Braverman |first=Barry |year=2013 | publisher =CRC Press |isbn= 978-1-13605885-1 | pages =4–18 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RRhmAQAAQBAJ |access-date=21 January 2014}}</ref> Some cinematographers record at 4K with the [[Super 35]] film format to offset any resolution loss that may occur during [[video processing]].<ref name = "ftf">{{cite book |title=Filming the Fantastic: A Guide to Visual Effects Cinematography |last=Sawicki |first=Mark | year =2007 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn = 978-1-13606662-7 |page=114 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yNZ5AgAAQBAJ | access-date =21 January 2014}}</ref>

=== Chroma subsampling ===
[[File:Colorcomp.jpg|thumb|In [{{filepath:Colorcomp.jpg}} full size,] this image shows the difference between four subsampling schemes. The color images appear similar. The lower row shows the resolution of the color information.]]
Many consumer electronics such as [[mobile phone]]s store video footage in {{YCbCr}} format with 4:2:0 [[chroma subsampling]], which records color information at only one quarter the resolution as the brightness information.<ref name="plea">Poynton, Charles. "YUV and ''luminance'' considered harmful: A plea for precise terminology in video" [http://www.poynton.com/PDFs/YUV_and_luminance_harmful.pdf]</ref> For {{resx|3840|2160}} video, this means that the color information is only stored at {{resx|1920|1080}}.<ref name="rtings-chroma">{{cite web |last1=Babcock |first1=Adam |title=Chroma Subsampling: 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:2:0 |url=https://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/chroma-subsampling |website=RTINGS.com |access-date=2 August 2020 |date=2019-03-04}}</ref>

=== Bit rates ===
Consumer cameras and mobile phones record 2160p footage at much higher [[bit rate]]s (usually 50 to 100{{nbsp}}Mbit/s) than 1080p (usually 10 to 30{{nbsp}}Mbit/s). This higher bit rate reduces the visibility of [[compression artifact]]s, even if viewed on monitors with a lower resolution than 2160p.

==See also==
{{Portal|Film|Television}}
* [[1080p|1080p Full HD]] {{ndash}} digital video format with a resolution of {{resx|1920|1080}}, with vertical resolution of 1080 lines
* [[1440p]] (WQHD) – vertical resolution of 1440 lines
* [[List of 4K video recording devices]]
* [[2K resolution]] {{ndash}} digital video formats with a horizontal resolution of around 2,000 pixels
* [[5K resolution]] {{ndash}} digital video formats with a horizontal resolution of around 5,000 pixels, aimed at non-television computer monitor usage
* [[8K resolution]] {{ndash}} digital video formats with a horizontal resolution of around 8,000 pixels
* [[10K resolution]] {{ndash}} digital video formats with a horizontal resolution of around 10,000 pixels
* [[16K resolution]] {{ndash}} experimental VR format
* [[32K resolution]]
* [[Aspect ratio (image)]] {{ndash}} proportional relationship between an image's width and height
* [[Digital cinema]]
* [[Display resolution standards]]
* [[High Efficiency Video Coding]] (HEVC) {{ndash}} video standard that supports 4K & 8K UHDTV and resolutions up to {{resx|8192|4320}}
* [[Rec. 2020]] {{ndash}} ITU-R recommendation for UHDTV, defining formats with resolutions of 4K ({{resx|3840|2160}}) and 8K ({{resx|7680|4320}})
* [[Ultrawide formats]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{TV resolution}}
{{High-definition}}
{{Video formats}}

[[Category:Digital imaging]]
[[Category:Film and video technology]]
[[Category:Ultra-high-definition television]]