Watching on a 4K TV (showing pictures at four times higher resolution than HD) is like a revelation. In a cityscape video shown at a Samsung press conference earlier this month, one could see separate windows in most buildings, as well as individuals entering and exiting skyscrapers. Composed of eight million pixels, it's very difficult to see the grid structure (unless you're looking at it very close), and the image itself looks like a sharp photograph, but only in motion.
However, the world seen on 4K TV screens is largely an illusion - perhaps created from a few clips shot with high-end cinema cameras.
Price is the key factor holding us back from immediately buying a 4K TV (so called because its screen is about 4,000 pixels diagonally). Typically, such a TV costs at least twice as much as an HD TV of similar class and capabilities (same size, high-quality panel, Internet access, and the same set of functions). However, even if you imagine that money does not play a role for you, or that prices suddenly dropped unexpectedly (and this is not fantasy - small companies are already selling models at more low prices), there are still four reasons that should make you put off buying a 4K TV.

Lack of 4K content

Currently not on the market Blu-ray discs, video streaming platforms, TV channels and even more or less easy-to-use video cameras that would support a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. And this is the first reason to hold off on buying a 4K TV and wait a little. However, the wait can be quite long.
Currently, companies producing TV equipment are trying to provide some limited quantity 4K video on players containing hard disks. Sony, for example, offers 4K/UltraHD Media Player, on the hard drive of which 10 films are recorded in 4K format. The device retails for $700. Sony also promises to provide the ability to download up to 100 additional films to the player from the network by the end of the year (one can only dream about streaming viewing for now - the file sizes are quite impressive). However, $700 is too much money to spend on a device that can only show a small selection of movies.
Similar media player with hard drive Samsung also plans to present inside in the near future.

Few additional benefits
for regular HD content

Currently, 4K TVs can upscale any HD video to 4K by "building" the image with extra pixels based on assumptions about their content (much like what happens when you watch a regular old DVD video on an HD screen). standard definition). The results look quite acceptable on the screens of some TV models, in particular, such as Sharp's AQUOS Ultra HD LED TV with a diagonal of 69.5 inches (1.8 meters). This model has a certification from the THX laboratory confirming the quality of the scaling, and costs $8,000. However, if you move closer to the screen (as far as the pixels will allow you), you'll notice a grainy texture to the upscaled video.
Even upscaled video on a 4K screen will allow you to comfortably sit closer to the screen than with an HDTV, but not so close that it's worth talking about. The Chamber of Standards at the International Telecommunication Union recommends looking at a 4K screen from a distance of at least one and a half times its height (so as not to see individual pixels), and in the case of HDTV, it is advisable to sit at a distance that is at least three times the height of the screen times.
So, if you have a 55-inch (1.4 meter) TV, which is what the launch models from Sony and Samsung have, you should sit 1 meter from the screen if it's a 4K TV, or about 2 meters from screen if it is an HD TV. So, if you don’t want to sit closer than 2 meters from the TV screen, you shouldn’t spend the extra money. Samsung, for example, only recently began selling 55-inch 4K TV models, and they cost $5,600. At the same time, the most best model An HD TV produced by the same company with the same diagonal costs $2,800 (in addition, there are cheaper models in the line of models with a 55-inch screen from Samsung).

4K video may be choppy

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see even that in perfect quality on your 4K screens. a large number of 4K video that is available in the market today. This is because even the most latest models HDMI cables (version 1.4) are not capable of transmitting such a large amount of data without problems. The signal coming into most HDTVs from devices like a Blu-ray player is transmitted at 60 frames per second. However, when transmitting video at four times higher resolution via an HDMI cable the only way out will cut the frame rate in half. But you must admit that at 30 frames per second the video will not be that smooth.

4K video may suffer from lack of colors

Another compromise is in the color details. Due to restrictions bandwidth channel, an HDMI 1.4 connection can transmit a 4K signal, in which color data is reduced to 8 bits (256 shades) for each of the three pixel components (red, green and blue). Combinations of these primary colors produce a spectrum of 16.7 million color shades. This may seem good at first glance, but modern liquid crystal panels are capable of displaying a 10-bit color palette (about a billion shades). Thus, ultra-high video resolution will coexist with a relatively poor color palette.
However, engineers and scientists are already working to solve these problems. A new version HDMI interface, which will be called HDMI 2.0, will be capable of transmitting 4K video at 60 frames per second. However, improvements in transmission color palette, most likely, will not be expected until the next interface standard updates.

Here are some basic facts about the new HDMI 2.0 standard:

• Resolution 4K@50/60, (2160p), which is 4 times higher in picture quality than 1080p/60.
• Up to 32 audio channels will help you achieve the effect total immersion into a multifaceted sound spectrum.
• Audio sampling rates up to 1536 kHz will help achieve of the highest purity sound.
• Possibility of simultaneous transmission of dual video stream for multi-user screen.
• Simultaneously transmit multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to four).
• Supports wide-angle theatrical video with an aspect ratio of 21:9.
  Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams.
• Enhanced CEC bus offers greater control and monitoring capabilities from a single point various devices consumer electronics.

The prospect of a new HDMI interface standard is a warning for those who buy televisions and other electronics today that contain HDMI ports standard type. Although some companies will be ready to upgrade the port block of equipment produced today. For example, all 4K TVs made by Samsung have an external unit that contains video input ports and does some processing given signal. If new input interface standards appear, the user will only have to purchase a new unit.
However, this is not such a good way to force the consumer to pay at least twice as much for a TV for which there is not much native content available today, which shows this content with some "twitching" and lack of colors, so that over time, with the advent of new and improved technologies, pay again - this time for an upgrade of your model. Moreover, by that time the 4K TVs on the market will in any case cost much less.

Tricolor TV company, being the largest satellite operator, regularly launches new services. Thus, 4K channels on Tricolor TV became available to subscribers. To date, six channels with the highest definition have already been launched. The 4K Ultra HD format significantly exceeds the quality of standard Full HD, the picture is clearer, richer, almost with the effect of presence.

Features of the new format

The Ultra HD package contains six channels with a maximum high-quality image. Complete absence advertising only best movies and exciting programs. While watching, you feel like a spectator in the hall, and not in front of regular TV. The ultra format provides a similar effect. The following channels are available in the package:

1. "Fashion One4K».
   Shows the latest trends in fashion and style. Teaches the viewer how to dress correctly and demonstrates the lives of famous people.
2. "CINEMA UHD".
   The first channel that allows you to watch 4K movies. The broadcast features not only famous foreign films, but also the best domestic ones.
3. « Ultra HD Cinema».
   The most popular new films in the Action genre. The channel also offers viewers quality sound in the format Dolby Digital 5.1, which makes viewing even more realistic.
4. "UHD SERIES".
   A channel that will fully satisfy the needs of fans of modern TV series.
5. "INSIGHT UHD".
   Reality shows, documentaries about extreme travel, sports.
6. "Russian Extreme Ultra".
   All fans of extreme sports are familiar with this TV channel. It is now available in higher quality.

Considering that great amount users want to watch Ultra HD on Tricolor, the list presented will be expanded in the near future.

How to connect to these channels

To watch 4k, you will need to first acquire the following elements:

1. TV.
   To fully enjoy this format, you need a TV equipped with a satellite tuner. Often these are models with a 48-inch UHD 4K Flat Smart TV HU8500 Series 8 screen. They are found in the LG and Samsung lines.
2. Receiver.
   This format is not supported. Of course, you can activate and configure it, but you won’t feel much change.
3. Satellite dish and necessary elements for connection and installation.

You will also need the Conditional Access Module CI+ in combination with a smart card and the Unified package. It is this kit that will provide access to the necessary channels.

Which receivers support Ultra HD

On this moment Receivers supporting 4K Ultra HD are available in a limited range. The company offers its users the GS AC790 model. It supports the required format, although outwardly it is an unremarkable set-top box. However, if you carefully read the characteristics, the user gets quite functional device with a wide range of possibilities. At the same time, the GS AC790 is very inexpensive and very easy to set up.

You can get a similar model on favorable terms, with a decent discount. Tricolor TV, both before and now, is carrying out a promotion on. Other models include Gigablue HD Ultra UE and VU+ Solo 4K. Also quite powerful consoles that support the desired format.

Making the connection

If you have everything necessary equipment, now you can figure out how to connect required package channels. You will need to do the following:

• go to the settings and install the Eutelsat 36B satellite, and also set the following parameters - 12360 R SR 27500 and DVB-S2 8PSK FEC ¾;
• let's go to Personal Area, where we activate the desired Tricolor Unified package. Its connection will cost 1,200 rubles per year;
• Now we leave the equipment in working condition for 8 hours.

After all these manipulations, the user will have access to the clearest television broadcast at the moment.

In conclusion

Figuring out how to watch Ultra HD TV is not difficult. The first thing you need to do is acquire all the equipment - a TV and a receiver. Subsequent settings are carried out as usual; you only need to set the necessary parameters. In a few hours you will be able to enjoy a flawless picture on your TV screen.

As soon as you type into a search engine a question about events related to the field of video, an incredible number of “super specialists” will pour out at you a tub of terms related to new technologies. And information about streaming, 4K, quantum dots, HDR and much more. But if you try to find out which of them had to use at least some of this, then the majority will prefer to remain silent.

Or there will be excuses about the lack of content. But is this statement true? After all, the sale of 4K TVs has been going on for many years. Surprising as it may be, we have to agree that it simply could not have been any other way. Justify? Please.

To start, let’s remember the information that everyone has access to. On the vast expanses of the Internet today, of course, it is possible to find content with 4K resolution (UHD). But in very small quantities. Despite the fact that the first UHD TVs were released 6 years ago, the production of films with similar resolution began no more than a year ago.

Of the total available number, only 35 such films are in Russian. If this figure is multiplied by a factor of 4.5, we get the total quantity of this product. And none of them can be officially implemented on Russian territory. They can only be ordered abroad.

4K UHD movies available on disc

It must be said that many users do not understand the point of purchasing this product at all. However, even in World Wide Web a film with the required resolution is slightly larger. And 95% of them posted on torrent trackers are ordinary fakes! Video capture is used to make these rips HDMI output on a UHD player.

The resourceful authors of such films, so to speak, even have access to programmatically adding HDR tags to their products. The existence of these offers can be explained very simply: they are generated by the presence of demand. That's just with original discs it has nothing in common. For this reason, these rips look like high-quality aspscale Full HD video.

Is there any hope of getting enough movies in 4K resolution? We think so. And if so, then it’s time to purchase the most sophisticated TV model. That is, regular 4K will not work. It must have a Smart TV, otherwise you won’t be able to see 4K content.

Moreover, it was Smart TV that served as the impetus for the appearance of 4K video on TV screens. And you should definitely pay attention to it when choosing a TV model. This is the cornerstone on which the development of progress in this area rests, capable of ensuring its future. Therefore, the next conversation will be about him.

Smart TV as a source of 4K UHD video content

The Smart TV project was destined to play the role of a panacea for the crisis, the wave of which began to overwhelm both individual manufacturers and television as such in the final stage of the 2000s. The latter lost his status operational means obtaining information, and this applied not only to news.

Using a computer, the user not only had access to the choice of any point of view, but he could now familiarize himself with it at any time convenient for him. There was an active outflow of film and video products to the Internet. To prevent this, they tried to ban torrents, but nothing came of it.

Recipient of income instead of owners cable networks Companies such as Netflix, VooDoo and TiVo were emerging. This led to the fact that users began to treat an ordinary TV as an anachronism that could push-button telephone, ensure the execution of only one function.

That's when the concept of Smart TV came into being. A lot has been said about how to use it and what it looks like. We will repeat only the main points. The TV has a main menu. Thanks to its availability, users are provided with access to online broadcasts, programs and libraries of films provided by online cinemas or providers.

Some of the films offered are paid. You can choose the video quality, subscribe and much more. To eliminate problems with the speed of the hardware, everything is based on cloud technologies.

That is, the TV does not download the program, but only a hyperlink to video services, games and everything else. To avoid limiting the capabilities of TVs, they were translated into full-fledged OS WebOS, Tizen, Firefox, Android.

Where to get 4K UHD content?

For those who have already purchased a 4K TV, this question is very popular. Therefore, let's try to figure out what is available now, and what should be expected soon.

Online cinemas with films in 4K resolution

Online media services and programs for viewing 4K cannot lag behind the demands of the times, and for this they need to constantly increase the list of offered content. Next we will list those that actually offer material. High Quality.

YouTube

If it is not the largest media portal (Google), it is certainly one of them. On it, the appearance of Ultra HD television receivers on the market was marked by the addition of support for 4K resolution. Viewing videos in ultra-high definition becomes available after selecting 2160p resolution in the settings. Immediately after this, an incredibly detailed picture is reflected on the screen. To be honest, this cannot be called real 4K, since the service compresses the video. This is justified by the real need to reduce the size, as well as increase the streaming speed.

Netflix

This is also a well-known service to users, despite the fact that it became available in our country only recently. They are offered a fairly extensive selection of video content in Ultra format HD. There are popular TV series and films here. Its video library is ready to provide everyone with content that can demonstrate the power and beauty of the latest technology.

The service is paid, and the cost is quite high. To be able to watch 4K films, a subscription is offered. You will have to pay eleven dollars every month for it. But for this money, all restrictions on the amount of material viewed are removed.

In addition, a potential user is offered a free trial period to determine whether or not to subscribe.

Okko

Domestic services are also trying to keep up. Today you can already find a number of 4K films on Okko, and development in this direction continues. The service is paid.

Ivi

This is an online cinema, the repertoire of which is constantly updated with material with cutting-edge resolution. Its difference from the previous service is that there is no fee for watching a certain number of films in Ultra HD.

Megogo

This media resource has a section that contains free content very high definition. Viewers with TVs from LG and Samsung that use Tizen and WebOS can access it. The library currently has more than twenty online films in UHD format with HDR support.

Briefly about other sources of 4K UHD content

Of course, video cameras, action cameras and cameras used in smartphones should be considered one of the significant suppliers of UHD content. Almost all of them today have access to shooting with a resolution of 3840 by 2160.

UHD television

INSIGHT – new satellite channel in Ultra HD format

In today's Russian realities, 4K television is offered by Tricolor TV. True, the number of channels on it is not very large, but when did we implement something so quickly? So this looks encouraging.

Android TV set-top box as a source of 4K UHD content

The modern market is increasingly filled with Ultra HD TV set-top boxes. This phenomenon can be explained very simply if you pay attention to the cost of Blue-ray discs with 4K UHD films. Let's take, as an example, Its operation is provided by Android TV 7.1. Everyone is supported popular formats and easily handles UltraHD movies as well as HDR-enabled videos. That is, this can be a good solution for everyone who does not have good hardware that can provide access to display capabilities highest definition. And its cost does not exceed sixty dollars.

The NTV-PLUS company began broadcasting in the Ultra HD standard in the European part of Russia. Ultra-high-definition television from NTV-PLUS is now available throughout the country, thus making the company the first federal UHD satellite operator. NTV-PLUS subscribers can watch channels in ultra-high resolution FASHION ONE (4K) and HOME 4K already in Basic package, no extra charge.

Earlier in April 2017, NTV-PLUS services, including ultra-high-definition television, became available to residents of the Far East, including Kamchatka, Chukotka, Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, which made the company the largest satellite operator in the world by territory confident reception signal. At the same time, broadcasting in Ultra HD format began in Siberia, and the content and thematic offer for subscribers living in this territory was significantly expanded.

This was made possible thanks to consistent actions management of the company to optimize the use of existing and commissioning of new satellite capacities. In September 2016, a large-scale program was completed to completely transfer broadcasting to the modern and technological MPEG-4 format, and in January 2017, based on the results of the competition, the company received the right to broadcast on Far East using eight transponders of the Express-AT2 satellite with a position of 140 degrees east longitude. The operator also received the right to use three more transponders of the Express-AT1 satellite with a position of 56 degrees east longitude, which made it possible to increase the number of channels and the quality of the television “picture” for viewers of the Siberian Federal District. Long-term contracts were concluded with the leading operator satellite communications in Europe - by Eutelsat.

“We were the first to decide to start broadcasting TV channels in ultra-high definition format with an identical and transparent tariff system throughout our country, from Kaliningrad to the Kuril Islands. Ensuring that subscribers in all regions can watch television of the same high quality Russian Federation remains a strategic priority for NTV-Plus. For us, this is not only a business task, but also an important social mission,” emphasized CEO NTV-PLUS Mikhail Demin.

The growing popularity of TVs and monitors capable of playing ultra-high definition video is driving the production of UHD content. The television park is going through another renewal cycle, which is reflected in the demand for UHD content both in Russia and in the world. In 2016, 7.4 million UHD TVs were sold in Russia, which is 13% more than in 2015, and their share increased from 6.1% to 9%. At the same time, sales of UHD TVs are growing faster than TV panels capable of displaying images in Full format HD. Between 2015 and 2020, the number of households worldwide with a 4K TV will grow from 28 million to 335 million*.

Today NTV-PLUS offers viewers two UHD channels: FASHION ONE (4K) and HOME 4K. FASHION ONE (4K) is the first channel about fashion and the world of entertainment, broadcast across most of the planet. The creators of the channel have been actively developing the production of television products in the Ultra HD standard for more than two years and have an extensive library of UHD content. The motto of the HOME 4K channel is “Look at the world differently.” The channel represents a new direction for Russia, “relax TV,” which is gaining more and more fans. It was created for viewers who are tired of information aggression and need psychological relief after a busy day at work. Considering the pace of development technical base and changes in audience preferences, NTV-PLUS intends to increase the number of UHD channels to three in the near future.

Channels in ultra-high definition standard are available to subscribers in the Basic package for 100 rubles per month (with a one-time payment for an annual subscription). This special offer for the Russian market.

* according to Tele-Sputnik magazine and the IHS research company.

Today you won’t surprise anyone with TV equipment models supporting Full HD. After all, a new standard has appeared with more high resolution and realistic image – 4K. Of course, the price of a device that supports this format, noticeably higher. Therefore, it is not surprising that all users are interested in the answer to the question of whether it is worth buying a 4K TV.

To understand this, you need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this standard. Let's look at the main features, advantages and disadvantages of 4K. Based on this information, we will make an objective conclusion regarding the advisability of such a purchase.

What is 4K TV

The first prototype of a 4K TV was presented by Japanese company NHK back in 2004. Developments regarding screen resolution were the basis for Ultra HD, a standard adopted in the summer of 2012 by the International Union ITU, which works in the field of telecommunications.

The minimum resolution of a device created using Ultra HD technology is 3840x2160 pixels. Aspect ratio – 16:9. This is the most common standard today. Why is it called 4K? The fact is that the horizontal frame is approximately 4000 pixels.

Sony KD-43XD8088B

The developers of TV equipment do not plan to stop there. There is now active discussion about the possible emergence of the 8K or Super Hi-Vision standard. The base resolution will increase to 7680x4320 pixels. The aspect ratio will remain unchanged. However, this format is still being tested, so it is not available to regular users.

Consumers are actively buying UHD TVs for clearer, richer pictures. 4K provides richer color scheme compared to Full HD. There are many more pixels, and their size, on the contrary, is reduced, so a dense, realistic image with maximum detail appears on the screen.

Samsung UE50MU6102K

The screen resolution has increased 4 times, but others have also been improved technical specifications. For example, developers have improved frame rate, color gamut, depth of dark and light shades. Ultra HD TV models have frame rates ranging from 23 to 120 fps. Color gamut – 75%. Such screens are capable of reproducing about 69 billion different colors. Full HD TVs have more modest performance:

• 8-bit color;
• 35% coverage;
• 60 fps.

To fully enjoy a high-quality image, you need to comply with some conditions. The main requirement is the appropriate diagonal of the TV screen. To view 4K content, you will need a TV with a screen diagonal of at least 55 inches. On a small screen it is impossible to notice the superiority of the new format.

Philips 43PUT6101

Developers continue to improve existing technologies. Modern models TVs support the improved 4K HDR format (extended range television). The idea is that an image with a maximum level of contrast is transmitted to the screen. The technology allows you to improve color twice as much. These TVs show optimal black color. The difference is very noticeable. 4KHDR – lively, three-dimensional picture.

Advantages and disadvantages of 4K TVs

A high resolution screen and high-quality color reproduction are not the only advantages of 4K. This standard has several other significant positive properties.

First, we need to note scaling (interpolation). A Full HD movie on a 4K TV screen has a lot of details; a traditional device is not able to display them all fully. Quadruple resolution increases fine details in images. Tonal transitions are smoothed out.

Sony kd 49xe7096

One of the main disadvantages of 4K is the lack of content. For example, owners satellite dishes or subscribers digital television will not be able to tune channels in this format. However, the situation is gradually improving. Every day new videos appear on YouTube in maximum quality. On specialized websites you can download films in 4K format.

More significant drawback– cost of 4K TVs. The most modest model in 2018 costs approximately 25 thousand rubles. For Premium segment devices, consumers will have to pay more than 1 million rubles. Don't forget that buying a TV with a screen size smaller than 55 inches is a waste of money. Therefore, after comparing all the pros and cons, users still find it difficult to answer whether such a TV is needed. In theory, devices should become cheaper in the near future. However, it is not known for certain how events will develop further.

Sony KD-43XE8096

What to watch on 4K TV

There really is more and more 4K content every day. Pace terrestrial television leave much to be desired. In free multiplexes you absolutely will not find channels broadcasting images in this format. This applies not only to Russia, but also to more developed countries technically countries: Japan, USA.

Provider satellite television Tricolor broadcasts 4K, the package includes 6 TV channels. Experts believe that television in this format will become ubiquitous only closer to 2020.

Many modern sports competitions will be broadcast in 4K. For example, the popular tennis tournament taking place in Wimbledon.

The issue of lack of appropriate content for 4K TVs is easily resolved if you have access to the Internet. Vimeo and YouTube services provide the ability to download and view videos in Ultra HD format.

Streaming Netflix service has already created a special section where you can find films in 4K format. Access will be given to users with a subscription and a TV with Smart TV support. Company representatives assure that the section will be regularly updated with new products.

What is the situation with connecting game consoles? Sony actively promoted Blu-Ray media because game console PS4 Pro should have played such discs. However, the idea was never realized. However, Play Station 4 Pro can handle 4K video streaming.

4K DEXP U40B9000H

Does it make sense to buy a 4K TV?

Is it worth buying a 4K TV today, in 2018? This format remains the leading technology for the coming years, but purchasing a device with 4K support by spending a colossal amount of money is not at all necessary. If your TV is less than 2-3 years old, then don’t rush. High resolution and maximum detail are tangible advantages, but is there any point in paying such a significant overpayment? On at this stage No. In the near future, the amount of content will increase, and the cost of devices will decrease.