The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced new resources designed to educate retailers, integrators, and sales associates about the features and benefits of 4K and 8K Ultra HD televisions to enhance sales and knowledge of the latest Ultra HD technology.
The content includes an in-depth glossary of 4K and 8K terms, and feature comparisons to demonstrate the picture quality of Ultra HD TVs to customers. The glossaries cover the essential features defining the latest TVs, such as resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), and wide color gamut (WCG), providing a useful resource for industry professionals.
“With rapidly advancing television technology, including on-device AI, the retail and integration sectors need to know about the latest features and benefits of 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs,” says Steve Koenig, vice president, market research, CTA. “Our new resources are designed to equip frontline workers with the knowledge they need to share with consumers the clear advantages of these cutting-edge products.”
Key features of 4K Ultra HD TVs include a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of Full HD, and support for HDR, which enhances the contrast and color accuracy of the display. 8K Ultra HD TVs take it a step further with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels, offering an even more immersive viewing experience with greater detail and clarity.
“The introduction of 8K televisions into the home environment has redefined the level of immersion and super realism possible for consumer entertainment,” comments Juan Reyes, director of operations for the 8K Association. “Thanks to 8K’s exceptional resolution and clarity, viewers can experience a depth and detail that was previously unattainable, making every scene feel more lifelike and captivating. The 8K Association is committed to ensuring that our industry fully grasps the transformative nature of this technology.”
Consumer preferences and AI are driving the need for these resources. According to CTA Research:
- U.S. streaming services continue to add content with enhanced features, including 4K UHD, HDR and object-based/spatial surround audio capabilities.
- The fastest growth will occur among extra-large LED TVs (75″ and up), where unit sales will approach five million in 2024.
- With 4K Ultra HD TVs now the dominant format in more than 50 percent of U.S. households, CTA predicts growth in 8K sales for 2025 as a new upgrade cycle and preference for extra-large screens deliver welcome growth.
“The volume of content intended for home viewing, sometimes only for home viewing, makes the developments in display technology very meaningful for consumers, and education is an essential mission of all of us in the industry,” adds UHD Alliance Promotions Chair, Michael Hoog. “Features like HDR, WCG and Filmmaker Mode are integral to bringing the director’s intent out of the editing bay and into living rooms.”
