What is TV Resolution? Everything You Need to Know

TV Resolution: The Basics

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that compose the image on your TV screen. Think of pixels as tiny dots of light; the more pixels there are, the more detailed and clear your image becomes.

With more pixels packed into the same screen size, each pixel becomes smaller, making the individual pixels less visible to the naked eye. As a result, the images become smoother and more lifelike.

Imagine your TV screen as a mosaic; the pixels are tiny squares of light and color, and together, they form the mosaic (or the image you see).

It's also crucial to understand that resolution isn't just a matter of pixel quantity but also relates to the physical size of your TV screen; the same number of pixels spread over a larger screen will appear less sharp than on a smaller screen. Therefore, when considering a TV's resolution, you should consider the screen size to ensure the best possible image quality, like having a 75-inch 4K TV, to get an excellent size-resolution balance.

Different TV Resolutions

Navigating the world of TV resolutions can feel like exploring a vast galaxy of pixels and numbers. But fear not! Understanding the different types of resolutions helps you choose the right TV for your viewing pleasure. Let's dive into the various resolutions available in the market today:

For quite some time, the gold standard in TV resolution was 1920 x 1080 pixels, more commonly known as 1080p Full HD TVs. The '1920 x 1080' here signifies that these TVs have 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels. This level of resolution has been the benchmark for clear, crisp images for a good part of the digital TV era.

There's a close relative in the Full HD family, often called 2K. Technically, 2K displays have a width in the 2000-pixel range. The most common 2K resolution you'll encounter is 2560 x 1440, often abbreviated to 1440p.

What is 4k resolution? 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) is currently one of the most popular high-resolution formats and the favorite of the DCI. It has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as 2160p.

4K UHD TVs have four times more pixels than 1080p Full HD TVs. This results in an incredibly detailed and realistic image that can make you feel like you're looking out a window instead of watching a screen.

At the pinnacle of current TV technology is 8K UHD, so what is 8k resolution? 8K resolution quadruples the resolution of 4K, boasting a staggering 7680 x 4320 pixels; this translates to around 33 million pixels in total, compared to the 8 million pixels found in 4K TVs.

8K resolution brings a new depth and accuracy, making colors more saturated and precise.

What is the Best Resolution for TV?

While 8K may be the latest and most advanced TV resolution available, it's important to consider whether it's the best choice for your needs. The allure of 8K is undeniable, with its excellent image quality. However, there are practical considerations to keep in mind, as the availability of 8K content is still limited.

The world of content creation is rapidly evolving; more and more professional filmmakers are using 8K cameras to capture their work, ensuring the highest resolution possible. This 8K content is expected to become more prevalent in the market over time, alongside an increase in 8K TV products.

So, while 8K may not be the most practical choice for everyone today, it is poised to play a significant role in the future of television and home entertainment.

Is TV Resolution the Defining Factor in Good or Bad TV?

While resolution is a significant aspect of a TV's performance, other elements are crucial in shaping the overall viewing experience. For instance:

Each display technology contributes to how the image is rendered on your screen, affecting everything from how dark the blacks appear to how vibrant and true-to-life the colors look; these include:

● Contrast ratios

● Color accuracy

● Brightness levels

● Panel types (like OLED, QLED, etc.)

● Audio Quality

A TV with excellent picture quality but poor sound can diminish the overall experience. Many modern TVs feature advanced audio technologies and sound systems, but we recommend using external sound systems like soundbars or home theater setups for a more immersive audio experience.

How to Determine Your TV's Resolution

If you're unsure about the resolution of your TV, there are a few ways to find out:

The simplest way is to consult the manual that came with your TV. It should list all the specifications of your TV, including its native resolution.

If you don't have the manual, you can find the model number on the back of the TV; search this number on the internet to find the manufacturer's sales page, which will provide detailed information about your TV, including its resolution.

Many TVs have a system information page within their settings menu; this page typically includes various TV specs, such as its resolution.

Can You Change the TV Resolution?

While the native resolution of your TV is fixed and determined by its physical pixel count, you can adjust the resolution of the video content you are watching.

It's important to note that the TV will perform upscaling if you're watching lower-resolution content on a high-resolution TV, like an old film on a 4K TV.

Upscaling multiplies the original content's pixels to fit the TV's higher resolution. However, some low-resolution content may only sometimes upscale perfectly on modern TVs, particularly if it hasn't been digitally remastered.

This feature can be helpful when the resolution of the source content doesn't match your TV's native resolution. Follow these steps to change your video content resolution:

Note: you can go back and change the settings whenever you want. For the best picture quality, it's generally advisable to set your TV to the highest available resolution that matches your content and leave it there, especially for regular TV viewing.