What is 16K resolution?

4K TVs are just starting to gain popularity in households around the world. Discovery lovers can experience TVs up to 8K resolution for an additional price of several million dong. However, tech companies were thinking about the next generation after that: 16K resolution.

Now, there's a lot we don't know about 16K monitors, other than that they'll have incredible pixel density and benefit super-large TVs. However, it will be a long time before we can access this new technology.

So, what is 16K resolution, when will it launch and what can we expect from it?

What is 16K resolution?

16K is a screen resolution of about 16,000 pixels across. Most 16K TVs (after it becomes standard) will probably not have exactly 16,000 pixels. The most talked about resolution is 15,360 x 8,640 pixels - basically, 4 times the number of pixels compared to the 8K standard and 16 times the number of pixels compared to the 4K standard.

No true consumer 16K monitors are on sale at the time of writing. 16K resolution can be run on computers using a multi-monitor setup - popular YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips tried to run the game at 16K in video by running a multi-monitor setup consisting of 16 4K screen. This can also be done using 4 8K monitors.

However, for the actual 16K display, prototypes have already been released. For example, Innolux showcased a 100-inch 16K display at Touch Taiwan Display 2018, while Sony showcased a giant 783-inch display at NAB 2019.

However, there are no commercial products yet. Why so?

Why isn't there a 16K resolution screen yet?

In the case of 8K, the first commercial TV was released in 2015. Reportedly, back then, it cost up to 133,000 USD and the price has plummeted since then. However, if display manufacturers have been working on the 16K concept for years now (16K prototypes were launched in early 2018), what's stopping them from starting to commercialize this device when they're not? have we entered the year 2022?

The short answer is that someone will do this (the technology is still evolving anyway), but don't rush to bring it to market, because the new resolution probably won't. game changer for most people.

The problem with screen resolution is that pixel density that increases past a certain point will gradually begin to diminish the difference, due to a limitation on the actual resolution that the human eye can perceive. Try putting a 50-inch 4K monitor alongside a 50-inch 8K monitor and unless you're really picky, chances are you won't notice the difference in quality. That's also why 8K monitors are often sold in sizes from 70 inches to 100 inches.

With that said, unless you're going to buy a super large TV the size of an entire wall, you probably won't notice a huge difference with 16K resolution. These types of super-large monitors will really benefit from having a resolution of 16K or higher. That can be useful for a replacement projector screen in a movie theater, digital billboard, or a display set in a large office.

16K screens will come out sooner or later. But even when they're out, don't rush to throw away your new 100-inch 8K TV. Chances are you won't notice a difference when compared to a 16K TV of the same size.

Currently, TV manufacturers are focusing on other ways to improve picture quality than just focusing on resolution. For example, introducing a screen with better color accuracy or reproduction and improved power consumption are two things that can help make a better TV, even if the resolution is still the same. 4K/8K.

Jessica Tanner

Update 08 July 2022