Often, when approached with requests from clients for videos, we get a lot of requests for 4K videos and HD videos alike. 

But is there really a difference between 4K and standard HD? Well, of course! Otherwise, they’d both be called the same thing. However, due to many TV manufacturers in the marketplace, what is actually UHD (or ultra high definition) often gets mislabeled as 4K. 

What is 4K video?

A 4K resolution consists approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels on the screen. This resolution also got its name because it is four times the pixel count as its predecessors. 

To be precise, a 4K resolution gives you a resolution of 4,096 by 3,112 pixels. 

What is Ultra HD?

Ultra HD is slightly fewer pixels than 4K and gives you a 3,840 by 2,160 resolution.

But many websites, stores and manufacturers will still label an Ultra HD resolution TV as a 4K TV. 

Can you tell the difference between an Ultra HD TV and a 4K resolution TV?

To your eyes, there will not be much of a difference between Ultra HD resolution and 4K. The primary difference comes in with high dynamic range or HDR. This feature on 4K monitors gives a boost to the contrasting colors on screen – resulting in significantly brighter videos, leading to lifelike images on your screen.

The difference to your eye, however, on a regular 4K and Ultra HD will not be so easily visible unless you are watching the screen from a close range. And if your monitor happens to be smaller than 40 inches, these differences will be negligible.

4K for Video Production

There are a lot of different features available in the marketplace today in terms of television sets. From a video production standpoint, shooting at 4K helps you dial down the resolution. A 4K video is preferable to any other because it’s the highest resolution. It is always possible to shoot at a high rate and then deliver a great visual experience at a lower resolution. For that reason, it is recommended that your next video shoot should be on a 4K camera.