Q: Do I need 4K to watch TV at home?

A: No, but not having 4K at home will limit your viewing options and offer a less immersive experience. Content in 4K is becoming more and more popular. Streaming services and over-the-air TV broadcasters are bringing entertainment and sports into the home for you to enjoy. Some of that content is backwards compatible with non-4K equipment, meaning you can watch it on displays with lower resolution, though you won’t get the full effect. There is a wide range of 4K UHD TVs available at many price points from leading manufacturers, such as LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, and Panasonic, to name a few. Many of these sets are enabled with Dolby Vision, which will kick up your viewing experience with enhanced colours and contrast.

Q: What do I need to watch 4K?

A: To enjoy 4K content, you’ll need a 4K display. And if that display is enabled with Dolby Vision, that’s even better. Your display could be a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, an external monitor, or a TV. To get the complete 4K experience, you’ll want the following:

A 4K TV or monitor

Soundbar (optional, but this will enhance your experience)

Set-top box, gaming console, or streaming device

Internet connection

Ultra-high-speed HDMI 2.1 cables to connect the devices

Once you have your hardware set up, you’ll need a 4K source. This can be a streaming service – 4K content is offered by Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+, to name a few – or content from a broadcaster.

Q: Are 4K and UHD the same?

A: No, 4K and UHD are not the same. If you’re a professional involved in content creation, then there are some differences where 4K may also refer to the 4096 x 2160 resolution. However, for most consumer products or services, the terms 4K and UHD are used interchangeably.

Q: Can I use a 4K display as a computer monitor?

A: Yes, you can. It’s possible to use a 4K TV as a computer monitor. However, unless you’re seated some distance from the screen, a smaller 4K monitor might be a better option. These are available in DCI 4K or 4K UHD and either one will offer sharp, crisp displays of everything from text documents to 4K video.

Q: Is 4K the same as Dolby Vision?

A: No. Dolby Vision is an advanced form of HDR that provides enhanced contrast – meaning brighter brights and darker darks – and more vibrant colours. Many displays are enabled with Dolby Vision, but there are some displays without Dolby Vision. Some displays are enabled with Dolby Vision IQ, an enhancement layer for standard Dolby Vision. These displays are fully compatible with Dolby Vision content and add an additional capability that adjusts the luminance of the display based on the amount of light in the viewing room.

Q: Is 4K good for gaming?

A: Yes, absolutely! Gaming in 4K (especially in Dolby Vision) creates a more immersive experience, with higher contrast and more vibrant colours. You can enjoy 4K gaming on consoles and computers. Just connect your console or computer to a 4K display and you’re good to go. When every move counts and split seconds matter, having the best possible view of your game world can help you enjoy the experience more and might make the difference between top scores and game over.

Q: Is 4K worth it?

A: Yes! Watching in 4K will give you a crisper, more detailed image. Combined with Dolby Vision, it lets you enjoy a more immersive, engaging experience, whether it’s for watching your favourite film, TV shows, sports, or gaming. There are 4K displays available in a range of sizes – from smartphones to large TVs – and price points. You can have 4K wherever you go and in whatever room you like.

4K resolution demystified: what it is, and whether it’s worth the upgrade

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