4K resolution
Encyclopedia
4K is an emerging standard for resolution in digital film
and computer graphics. The name comes from its approximately 4,000 pixels of horizontal resolution. The fact that it describes the horizontal resolution is contrary to the standard resolutions 720p
and 1080p
, which represent the number of vertical pixel
s. 4K represents the horizontal resolution because there are numerous aspect ratios used in film — so while the horizontal resolution stays constant, the vertical resolution depends on the video source (a.k.a. letterbox
ing). There are several different resolutions that qualify as 4K.
(announced in 2003 and released in 2006 as the first commercially available 4K digital cinema camera), the Red One (announced in 2006 and released in 2007), the Red Epic (released in early 2011), and the Sony
CineAlta F65 (announced in April 2011). The Dalsa Origin system records images at a resolution of 4096 × 2048 and the Red One records images at 4096 × 2304.
high-definition television
standard in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. However, it has often been debated if this resolution should be classified as 4K since it is fewer than 4000 pixels horizontally.
began streaming certain videos at 4096 × 2304 pixels (in the 16:9
aspect ratio
) to 4096 x 3072 (4:3). Registered users at YouTube are allowed to upload videos with a resolution higher than 1080p.
Digital cinematography
Digital cinematography is the process of capturing motion pictures as digital images, rather than on film. Digital capture may occur on video tape, hard disks, flash memory, or other media which can record digital data. As digital technology has improved, this practice has become increasingly common...
and computer graphics. The name comes from its approximately 4,000 pixels of horizontal resolution. The fact that it describes the horizontal resolution is contrary to the standard resolutions 720p
720p
720p is the shorthand name for 1280x720, a category of High-definition television video modes having a resolution of 1080 or 720p and a progressive scan...
and 1080p
1080p
1080p is the shorthand identification for a set of HDTV high-definition video modes that are characterized by 1080 horizontal lines of resolution and progressive scan, meaning the image is not interlaced as is the case with the 1080i display standard....
, which represent the number of vertical pixel
Pixel
In digital imaging, a pixel, or pel, is a single point in a raster image, or the smallest addressable screen element in a display device; it is the smallest unit of picture that can be represented or controlled....
s. 4K represents the horizontal resolution because there are numerous aspect ratios used in film — so while the horizontal resolution stays constant, the vertical resolution depends on the video source (a.k.a. letterbox
Letterbox
Letterboxing is the practice of transferring film shot in a widescreen aspect ratio to standard-width video formats while preserving the film's original aspect ratio. The resulting videographic image has mattes above and below it; these mattes are part of the image...
ing). There are several different resolutions that qualify as 4K.
Digital film
In digital film, the pixel resolution varies by aspect ratio. Examples of 4K digital recording devices are the Dalsa OriginDalsa Origin
The Dalsa Origin was the first camera designed and built by Dalsa Corporation to be used specifically for digital cinematography.- Overview :...
(announced in 2003 and released in 2006 as the first commercially available 4K digital cinema camera), the Red One (announced in 2006 and released in 2007), the Red Epic (released in early 2011), and the Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
CineAlta F65 (announced in April 2011). The Dalsa Origin system records images at a resolution of 4096 × 2048 and the Red One records images at 4096 × 2304.
| Standard | Resolution | DAR | Pixels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Aperture 4K | 4096 × 3112 | 1.32:1 | 12,746,752 |
| Academy Academy ratio The Academy ratio of 1.375:1 is an aspect ratio of a frame of 35mm film when used with 4-perf pulldown. It was standardized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as the standard film aspect ratio in 1932, although similar-sized ratios were used as early as 1928.The Academy ratio is... 4K |
3656 × 2664 | 1.37:1 | 9,739,584 |
| Digital cinema Digital cinema Digital cinema refers to the use of digital technology to distribute and project motion pictures. A movie can be distributed via hard drives, optical disks or satellite and projected using a digital projector instead of a conventional film projector... 4K |
4096 × 1714 | 2.39:1 | 7,020,544 |
| Digital cinema 4K | 3996 × 2160 | 1.85:1 | 8,631,360 |
| Standard | Resolution | DAR | PAR | Pixels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Aperture 4K | 4096 × 3112 | 4:3 | 1:1 | 12,746,752 |
| Academy Academy ratio The Academy ratio of 1.375:1 is an aspect ratio of a frame of 35mm film when used with 4-perf pulldown. It was standardized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as the standard film aspect ratio in 1932, although similar-sized ratios were used as early as 1928.The Academy ratio is... 4K |
3656 × 2664 | 1.37:1 | 1:1 | 9,739,584 |
QFHD (3840x2160)
Quad Full High Definition (QFHD), at 3840 x 2160 pixels, doubles the 1080p1080p
1080p is the shorthand identification for a set of HDTV high-definition video modes that are characterized by 1080 horizontal lines of resolution and progressive scan, meaning the image is not interlaced as is the case with the 1080i display standard....
high-definition television
High-definition television
High-definition television is video that has resolution substantially higher than that of traditional television systems . HDTV has one or two million pixels per frame, roughly five times that of SD...
standard in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. However, it has often been debated if this resolution should be classified as 4K since it is fewer than 4000 pixels horizontally.
| QFHD (3840x2160) | |
|---|---|
| 1080p (1920x1080) |
1080p (1920x1080) |
| 1080p (1920x1080) |
1080p (1920x1080) |
YouTube formats
In July 2010, YouTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
began streaming certain videos at 4096 × 2304 pixels (in the 16:9
16:9
16:9 is an aspect ratio with a width of 16 units and height of 9. Since 2009, it has become the most common aspect ratio for sold televisions and computer monitors and is also the international standard format of HDTV, Full HD, non-HD digital television and analog widescreen television ...
aspect ratio
Aspect ratio (image)
The aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon. That is, for an x:y aspect ratio, no matter how big or small the image is, if the width is divided into x units of equal length and the height is measured using this...
) to 4096 x 3072 (4:3). Registered users at YouTube are allowed to upload videos with a resolution higher than 1080p.
List of 4K monitors and projectors
The following monitors and projectors support 4K resolution:| Manufacturer | Device Type | Model | Resolution | Diagonal | DPI | Launch date | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barco Barco Barco N.V. is a display hardware manufacturer specialising in video projectors, LCD projectors, DLP projectors, LCoS projectors, LED displays, video walls, flat panel displays, automated luminaires, digital lighting and lighting controls.... |
monitor projector |
LC-5621 DP4K-23B DP4K-32B SIM 10 Galaxy 4K-12 Galaxy 4K-23 Galaxy 4K-32 |
3840x2160 4096x2160 4096x2160 4096x2400 4096x2160 4096x2160 4096x2160 |
56 inch Up to 23m/75ft Up to 32m/105ft Up to 23m/75ft Up to 23m/75ft Up to 32m/105ft |
78 varies varies varies varies varies varies |
Apr 16, 2007 Mar 24, 2011 Mar 24, 2011 Nov 29, 2010 Jun 11, 2011 Jun 11, 2011 Jun 11, 2011 |
|
| Eizo Nanao | monitor | DuraVision FDH3601 | 4096x2160 | 36.4 inch | 127.2 pixel/inch | $34,844 USD | |
| Sharp Sharp Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that designs and manufactures electronic products. Headquartered in Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan, Sharp employs more than 55,580 people worldwide as of June 2011. The company was founded in September 1912 and takes its name from one of its founder's first... , Eyevis |
monitor | EYE-LCD6400-4K | 4096x2160 | 64 inch | 72.4 pixel/inch | $53,000 USD | |
| Toshiba Toshiba is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and... |
monitor (television); 3D (autostereoscopic) |
Regza 55X3 | 3840x2160 (QFHD) | 55 inch | 80.1 pixel/inch | Dec 2011 in Japan | $11,730 USD |
| Christie Christie (company) The Christie group of companies are part of the Ushio group of companies, the ultimate parent of which is Ushio Inc., a publicly traded Japanese company, Japan... |
DLP projector | D4K35 | 4096x2160 | up to 30.5 m | varies | ||
| Sony Sony , commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues.... |
projector | VPL-VW1000ES | 4096x2160 | varies | varies | Dec 2011 | <$25,000 USD |
| Panasonic Panasonic Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd... |
monitor (television); 3D (active shutter glasses) |
TH-152UX1 | 4096x2160 | 152 inch | 30.5 pixel/inch | July 1, 2010 | $500,000 USD |
| TVLogic | monitor | LUM-56W | 3840x2160 | 56 inch | 78.4 pixel/inch |
See also
- 2K resolution
- 8K8K Video Format8K is a digital video format standard. It is used as a master format for movies shot with digital cameras, or sometimes used for high quality master transfers from analog to digital....
- Digital cinemaDigital cinemaDigital cinema refers to the use of digital technology to distribute and project motion pictures. A movie can be distributed via hard drives, optical disks or satellite and projected using a digital projector instead of a conventional film projector...
- Ultra High Definition Television