FAQs
Yes, 8K TVs support a high-speed HDMI 2.1 interface to allow 8K at 60 frames per second delivery.
To pass 8K signals at 60 frames per second or 4K signals at 120 frames per second from an external device you will need an Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cable. The new game consoles expected to arrive by the end for 2020 (PlayStation 5 and Xbox X) are expected to offer support for these signals so look for Certified versions of this cable as this means it has been tested to be sure it will work properly. HDMI 2.0 cables will support 8K at up to 30 frames per second.
Playback of 8K content from a hard drive or USB memory stick may be possible, but it depends on the type of USB port. USB-A ports are not fast enough for 8K content. USB-C ports can support may support playback of 8K content at up to 30 frames per second (if the memory stick or hard drive support DisplayPort 1.2a in the Alt. mode). Since is it unlikely the 8K TV has a USB-C connector, a dongle to convert the output of the USB-C connector to HDMI 2.0 is needed.
Yes. Hard drives with HDMI 2.0 interfaces can support 8K at up to 30 frames per second (fps). Hard drives with an HDMI 2.1 interface can support 8K at 60 fps. Hard drives with USB-C should use a dongle to convert to HDMI. Hard drives with a USB-A connector are not fast enough for 8K signals.
Newer Wi-Fi protocols offer a maximum theoretical data rate of 54 Mbps. That means consumers need to stream a compressed version (in HEVC or AV1) of the 8K content. The speed between the source device and the 8K TV will vary based upon separation distance and other competing traffic on the network, which will impact smoothness of the playback. Plus, the 8K TV must be able to decode HEVC or AVI encoded videos.
PCs may offer outputs over an HDMI, DisplayPort, ThunderBolt or USB-C connector. 8K TVs typically only have HDMI input ports. HDMI 2.0 is supported today in PCs, allowing 8K at up to 30 fps. To receive 8K at 60 frames per second, PCs will need to offer an HDMI port with 2.1 bandwidth. These are not currently available.
According to Sony and Microsoft, the new PS5 and Xbox Series X will support output at 8K. Details on exact modes have not been released yet.
The Blu-ray Disc Association has an 8K Recordable specification specifically for Japan market, but there are no known further plans for 8K at this time.
Yes. These have been the vehicles for the adoption of 4K and we expect this to also be the case for 8K adoption. YouTube and Vimeo already have a number of 8K videos that can be streamed to your 8K TV (using the YouTube App, for example).
It is true that initially there will be little native 8K content except in Japan where NHK is now broadcasting 12 hours per day via satellite. New sources of 8K content are emerging from professionals and even consumers as some smartphones now offer 8K video capture and many digital still cameras can capture at 8K resolution and higher.
New AI-assisted upscaling in 8K TVs will do an impressive job of making lower resolution content look very good to outstanding on 8K TVs. So, even without native 8K content, consumers can enjoy a wide range of high-quality images on their 8K TVs.
8K TVs offer a higher pixel density than comparably-sized 4K TVs, so there is more detail in the picture. This extra detail reduces artifacts, increases the sharpness and dimensionality of the image while also creating more emotional impact. Our perception of images are created by a combination of what is displayed on the screen and how those images are interpreted by the brain.
Yes, the new 8K TVs will have HDR support, but which types of HDR (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision or HLG) will be included in any TV will be a brand and model decision, just as it is with 4K TVs today. Some of the new 8K TVs will also seek to increase the peak luminance for better reproduction of bright highlights. 8K TV sets with peak luminance up to 4000 nits are already available.
As for color gamut, most 8K TVs will offer the same color coverage as is popular with top-of-the-line 4K TVs. However, the extra luminance will make the rendition of colors even more vibrant.
The reality is that upscaled 2K and 4K content will be the best option for viewing on 8K TVs. Upscaling algorithms are quite good and they are getting better. For example, some TV brands are already using artificial intelligence (AI) to restore high-fidelity images from lower resolution sources. The fidelity of this upscaling will be one differentiating factor among 8K TVs and is mostly found only in the best products that TV brands offer – typically 8K TVs.
Consumers considering the purchase of an 8K TV are encouraged to do research on the features and performance of these TVs to aid in their buying decision as performance levels will vary. The 8K Association has developed a 8K TV Certification program that sets certain picture quality and interface levels that will insure a high quality experience. Consumers can look for this Certified logo at retail or on TV brand’s web site as one way to narrow down their purchasing choices.
The initial 8K TVs are expensive, but we expect a rapid decline in prices, just as 4K TVs saw a rapid decline is prices after their introduction.
The 8K Association (8KA) is an organization of display panel, TV manufacturers, technology providers, content creators and service providers who have banded together to help move the 8K market forward. This includes education of consumers as well as professionals on the benefits of 8K and ways to overcome challenges in adoption of 8K. More information is available at www.8kassociation.com.
The 8K Association has developed a TV certification program to aid in the consumer buying process. Consumers can now have confidence that 8K TVs Certified by 8KA will offer a great consumer experience. To be certified, the TV manufacturer must pass a number of picture quality and interface specifications. This testing is backed by market audit process to ensure compliance.
