8K resolution refers to an image or display resolution with a width of approximately 8,000 pixels. It is the highest resolution defined in the Rec. 2020 standard, and it is four times the number of pixels as 4K, which means its 16 times that of a 1080p TV. 8K UHD has the standard 16:9 aspect ratio used by the majority of modern TVs and computer monitors, and has 7680 x 4320 pixels. The term "K" in 8K stands for Kilo (1000), meaning a TV that has achieved a horizontal resolution of about 8,000 pixels.
While 8K resolution is sharper on paper, whether an 8K picture will look that much better to your eyes remains to be seen. Just as with all TVs and monitors, exactly how visible and distinct each pixel is depends on the size of the screen and the distance it is from the viewer. With 8K resolution, you can sit closer to a massive screen and not see the individual pixels that create the image, which gives you a more realistic, theater-like experience. 8K resolution also means “better circles and curves,” such as a sun setting on the horizon, and color pops off the screen more in 8K too.
However, the feasibility of a fast transition to this new standard is questionable in view of the absence of broadcasting resources. It is predicted that 8K-ready devices will still only account for 3% of UHD TVs by 2023 with global sales of 11 million units a year. In addition to an 8K screen, 8K video requires high-speed channels leading into that screen. Four times as many pixels, each of which carrying various degrees of information, means 8K video takes up a lot of bandwidth. Thats a concern whether youre watching 8K content on an as-yet-uninvented 8K optical disc or streaming it over a Wi-Fi or 5G internet connection.
In summary, 8K resolution is a higher resolution than 4K, with four times the number of pixels of its predecessor. It is the highest resolution defined in the Rec. 2020 standard, and it is four times the number of pixels as 4K, which means its 16 times that of a 1080p TV. While it is sharper on paper, whether an 8K picture will look that much better to your eyes remains to be seen.
