What is 4K?
4K is a resolution standard commonly used in digital displays like smartphones, laptops, and TVs. You get 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is 4x the pixel count of Full HD (1080p). 4K means better quality, sharp images that show all the intricate details of the image.
Important 4K concepts to understand:
- Immersive viewing experience: Since 4K offers higher clarity, especially on a large screen, it makes for a better viewing experience. You’ll often find most movie theaters playing 4K videos.
- Compatible devices: While streaming platforms offer 4K content on their more expensive plans, you need a TV or monitor that supports 4K content, or you won’t see the difference.
- Bandwidth: Playing or streaming content in 4K requires high-speed internet and can slow down the loading experience. If you have a website and plan on using a 4K video on your homepage, weigh the pros and cons of a slow-loading page vs. showing off your product or service in the highest resolution possible.
Is 4K 3840x2160 or 4096x2160?
Both resolutions are 4K but are used in different scenarios:
- What we see on consumer TVs and displays is often 3840x2160, which is often called Ultra HD (UHD).
- In commercial spaces, like movie theaters, the resolution is higher (4096x2160) and has a wider aspect ratio. This resolution is also known as true 4k.
Is 4K really 4K?
Not always. Real 4K is only seen in commercial places like movie theaters. What we see as 4K on TVs and smartphones is usually the 3840x2160 resolution, which is 4000 pixels less wide than real 4K.
What is the difference between 4K and Ultra 4K?
4K is used to refer to both the 3840x2160 (UHD) and 4096x2160 (cinema) resolutions. Ultra 4K (or UHD) is the consumer-grade resolution 3840x2160, which you often find on home entertainment systems like televisions, desktop computers, and laptops.
Can you record 4K video with Riverside?
Yes, Riverside.fm records video in 4K resolution, making it a popular choice for podcasters and content creators who want professional-grade recordings. It allows users to capture high-quality video and audio locally on each participant's device, which ensures that the final recordings are in the best possible quality, regardless of internet connection issues during the session.
With Riverside, you can even turn your smart phone into a 4K webcam.
