⚔️AV debate: 4K, 8K, 16K... Where is the development of resolutions heading?

Johan

Johan is an experienced AV installer who emphasizes the importance of functionality and scalability with current equipment and cabling.

Johan always seeks practical solutions that will be in use for at least the next 5 years and that meet a genuine, predictable need. He is critical of all hype and wants to ensure that AV technology is practical, cost-effective, and user-friendly in all circumstances.

Juha, on the other hand, has a very positive attitude towards AV technology development and closely monitors the industry's advancements.

Juha always seeks a solution that is typically the best on the market for a specific problem or need. He enjoys AV solutions that are at the forefront of the industry and usually include an innovative approach that helps the solution stand out from competitors and meets user needs.

He believes that AV trends will take us towards even more precise and detailed resolutions, and he always aims to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly developing AV industry.

Juha

Johan

The benefits of 8K compared to 4K in terms of image size depend on the viewing distance. The concept of the "golden triangle" is used as a guide, which refers to the relationship between three factors: image size, viewing distance, and required resolution. For example, when considering 8K resolution or image size, pixel density should be taken into account. As cabling and AV equipment continue to improve, we can expect 8K to offer a better viewing experience when viewed up close. However, it is still difficult to perceive the benefits with the naked eye, and the benefits remain largely theoretical.

The greatest benefits of 8K are seen with large screen sizes. The resolution improves, and even large images can be viewed up close. One would definitely notice the difference with an 8K monitor in use, especially for desktop use with a 55-inch screen, for example.

In professional settings, such as in design, the sharpness of 8K is a valuable addition, as it can display large images on a single screen. Ultra-wide monitors are becoming increasingly common in certain professions, where multiple desktops can be displayed on a single screen. In the future, with an 8K or even 16K monitor, the necessary tools for work will be even easier to spread across a single screen, so that multiple windows or desktops can be open at the same time when viewed up close. The role of screen size and viewing distance seems to be important to users, and these resolutions allow for larger image sizes and more detailed examination.

Juha

Johan

I strongly question whether there is a real need to move to 16K technology for a long time, as what advantage would it offer compared to 8K and 4K? While 8K has four times as many pixels as 4K, 16K is four times as sharp as 8K. Although there are a huge number of pixels, it is unclear how useful it is and at what point it is needed.

Before the need is defined, the price-quality ratio may remain weak.

The benefits of 16K resolution are that it provides more information in the image, especially when viewed up close. The biggest benefits of these resolutions may be in professional use with large screen sizes and in the design industry where a lot of information is needed at once.

For example, a 10-meter wide 16K image may not offer more benefits than a comparable 4K image. However, the closer one is to the image and the more applications are found for these technologies, the more benefits they may offer. While 4K resolution may be sufficient for a long time, it is clear that resolution will continue to develop in the future. There are already rumors circulating about testing 32K resolution by manufacturers, but only time will tell how technology will continue to develop in the future.

Juha

Johan

Keeping up with the latest trends in image resolution can be challenging, as investing in the newest technology may lead to buying more than what is actually needed. Why buy an 8K when 4K or Full HD is sufficient? As mentioned, purchasing new equipment can be a costly investment. The key is to consider what you need and what you don't need. You can stay ahead of the curve by making sure to invest only in necessary features and not wasting money on unnecessary ones.

When it comes to image resolution, there is constant development, so staying on top of trends in image resolution requires closely following manufacturers.

As an installer, it's very interesting to see how images will be transferred in the future. While USB-C, for example, can transfer data adequately for demanding needs over short distances, it's still unclear what technologies and transmission lines will be used for long cable runs.

Cabling and AV devices are already evolving rapidly to enable image transport over longer distances. AV over IP is one option, but even with that, network bandwidth limitations will eventually be reached. This means that, even though it may seem far off, there may come a point in the future where fiber optic cables will be needed to transmit AV images.

Juha