Revolution In Resolution Why So Many Pixels

Revolution In Resolution Why So Many Pixels Image from Engadget.com What is 4K? According to CNET.com, 4K or ultra high definition denotes the resolution being four times higher than that of typical high definition screens.  This leads to greater detail and better quality picture.  Unfortunately, technology giveth and technology taketh away! With all the extra detail, 4K streaming requires more bandwidth and storage space that most software cannot support at this time.  The major companies want to dive into the deep end of the technological pool without filling it with water.  Yes, there is very little availability to take advantage of all those extra pixels, but before the software becomes up-to-date the hardware must be glitch free.  Theyre building an infrastructure to survive this massive pixel tsunami heading for family living rooms. Is this going to be another fad like 3D? Thankfully, not in the slightest.  Unlike 3D, 4K actually exists for a reason.  More pixels mean better clarity that does not dwindle with an increase in screen size.  Digital photographers typically view their images on an HD screen.  4K exposes small nuances in images previously unseen in regular HD systems.  The viewing of sports will forever be changed once this technology seeps into broadcasting.  Small close up shots will not be needed; players facial expressions can be seen from across the field. How much is one of these new newfangled TVs going to cost? At the moment, prices hover around the $2,000-$3,000 range.  Samsung offers a 55 ridiculously thin one that is on Amazon.com for $2,300.   Not all are that relatively well priced, though.  Sonys KD-84X9005 retails for north of $20,000.  Yes, you read correctly.  $24,999.99 to be exact.  Granted, the TV is absolutely massive, at a whopping 84.  Unless youre on Pimp My Ride with a 1987 Chevy Astro, I have no idea why youd need a TV that big. Forget that, Ill stick with my plasma TV. Smart decision, at least for now.  It wont be long into the second quarter of 2014 until prices for these digitized displays start dropping.  At the moment, the only players in the 4K game are Sony, Panasonic, LG, and Samsung.  Buying a 4K TV right now will increase the quality of regular BlueRay discs and digital photographs, but will not be fully supported with content until later in the year. Image from Engadget.com But seriously, why should I bother? Some may argue that with the technology currently available, publicly available or not, 4K will be the pinnacle of screen displays.  Quite unsurprisingly enough, development of the next revolution has already taken shape. Japan broadcaster NHK successfully completed a stream in 8K, also known as Super Hi Vision.  Back in 2012, they attempted to record the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics.  A year later, NHK released the first short film Beauties A La Carte recorded using this technology. 8K will not be released for a while.  The smallest size TV for the full 8K experience is 84 with 4K being 55.  Wanting to be insanely ahead of the curve, Japans NHK aims for a public broadcast date of 2016.  Will the madness ever end? The days of lousy high definition are finally coming to a close!  Technologys future continues to exponentially grow in possibilities.  With the developing world continuing to tear itself apart, a question of necessity arises in the race to better resolution.  Why should we as a society be pushing the envelope further while Syria, Turkey, Phillipines, and most recently Kiev and Venezuela become war zones?  A percentage of 8K research effort and money spent could easily be utilized elsewhere.  As plausible as the question remains, thats an article for another day. The progression of technology is way beyond our control.  All this just to see rain droplets fall from Kate Uptons hair more clearly?  Wait, this doesnt seem too bad after all.  I wonder how the Victoria Secret Fashion Show would look in 8K?