4K, HDR, and OLED: Understanding the Latest TV Technology

Everything You Need to Know When Buying a New Television

Though we can help you get the most out of your brand new television with the right mounting and video distribution solutions, you still need to start by investing in the best equipment on the market. That’s easier said than done with new TV technology coming out every day. HD is out, and 4K is in. LED is out, and OLED is in. Wait, now you need to dump everything for HDR? Ever feel like your local AV store is trying to drown you in all the latest acronyms to get you to make a purchase? Researching what all of them mean before buying a TV for your New York home will ensure you get the best quality possible.

SEE MORE: Why You Should Hire a Professional for Your TV Installation

Are 4K and Ultra HD the same thing?

Every new television on the market is promoting itself as either 4K, Ultra HD or both to signal an upgrade from the traditional high definition you likely have in your home right now. Though technically there’s some differences in the exact amount of pixels, 4K and Ultra High Definition (UHD) are typically used interchangeably. They offer four times the pixels of a standard 1080p (high definition) display. While the change in image sharpness is not overwhelming, one of the primary benefits of 4K is that you can sit closer to the screen without noticing any pixilation.

What is High Dynamic Range?

While 4K may get most of the attention, ultimately what you want to focus on is high dynamic range (HDR). HDR is all about creating better color contrast, resulting in brighter whites and deeper blacks. It’ll create a noticeable change in your image quality compared to just upgrading to a 4K television, though most high-end televisions from the likes of Samsung and LG also include HDR technology. By offering more colors and a greater contrast between them, you can get more natural images.

How does OLED improve your picture quality?

OLED stands for organic light emitting diode. It’s the evolution of the traditional LED TVs which use light-emitting diodes to light up your display. OLED TVs have the ability to turn each pixel on and off resulting in really deep blacks. Though this comes at the expense of overall brightness, many people prefer this option since it offers color contrast without developing the unnatural brightness found in other models.

What About All the Other Stuff?

Typically differences in aspect ratio, bit rate, and refresh rate are minimal between different televisions (unless you’re comparing an off-brand TV with a brand-new Samsung TV).

With Blu-ray discs, Netflix, and Amazon Video offering great 4K and HDR content, it’s the perfect time to upgrade the television in your media room, bedroom or patio. Feel free to contact us for help buying, installing, or mounting your new TV.