What is 4K and which are its advantages and disadvantages?

k has reached television, movie theatres and mobile phones however, it has not been spread enough for us to make the best use out of the possibilities it offers.

4k or UHD (Ultra High Definition), is a standard image of 4000 pixels of horizontal resolution used in cinema, television and mobile devices. Its characteristics may vary depending on the target format:

4K in cinema

4096 2160 Resolution
24 fps (Frames Per Second)
8 Bits colour depth
4k in television

3840 2160 Resolution
50 or 60 frames per second
12 Bits colour depth
The main difference between 4k/UHD and Full HD is the pixel density or quantity of information found in each inch of this new format. The greater the pixel density is, the bigger the images detail will be.

Nowadays, brands such as Panasonic, Sony and Canon have created professional and amateur cameras which record video in 4k. All this regarding video production. Regarding reception, companies such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Sharp are also betting for television able to broadcast contents in Ultra High Definition.

The phone industry is not left out of these 4000 pixels. The Sony Xperia Z5 is one of the first smartphones with the ability to shoot in 4k. It is expected for new devices which include this novelty to be presented at this years edition of the Mobile World Congress.

Up to this point, it is important to clarify what our current situation is and to analyse the main advantages and disadvantages of 4K compared to Full HD, both in the broadcast and in the reception.