4K Ultra High Definition (4K UHD) is a revolution in resolution. It has delivered a quantum leap forward in picture quality when it comes to video projection.
But what is 4K and is it really as good as it’s cracked up to be? This guide explains the key benefits of 4K UHD and what to consider when choosing a 4K projector.
How does Full HD1080p compare to 4K?
The first thing you need to know is that 4K UHD is that technically and visually it is a huge jump up from Full HD. Offering 3840 x 2160 pixels (or 4096 x 2160 in the case of DCI 4K) compared to Full HD’s 1920 x 1080, UHD images are potentially four times sharper than those you’ll see from a 1080p Full HD projector. The difference between 4K and HD is incredible; a 4K image is hyper-realistic and crisp, packed full of data and detail.
The benefits of 4K UHD
The advantages of 4K UHD are truly remarkable, particularly when it comes to picture quality. The pixel density is so impressive that when viewing content, you won’t be able to distinguish individual pixels, no matter how close or large the screen is. This means you have the flexibility to sit closer to the screen or choose a bigger screen size than you might typically do with a regular 1080p Full HD projector.
When using a 4K projector, the images are incredibly clear and appear more natural than those from a 1080p device. This results in a more soothing and immersive visual experience. Additionally, details and subtleties that may have gone unnoticed suddenly become glaringly apparent.
For optimal viewing with a 4K projection, it is recommended to sit at a distance of between 1 and 1.5 times the screen height. This mirrors the ideal seating position in a 4K commercial cinema, typically around 1.5 screen heights away from the screen.
How much does a 4K projector cost?
The cost of a 4K projector can vary significantly based on factors like brand, features, and performance. Here’s a general breakdown:
Entry-Level 4K Projectors
Typically priced between £700 and £1,200. They offer good picture quality and are a great starting point for those new to 4K projection, though they may lack some advanced features of higher-end models.
Mid-Range 4K Projectors
Usually priced between £1,200 and £3,000. They generally offer better brightness and contrast and additional features like HDR 10 / HDR10+ support, lens shift, and better zoom capabilities. These projectors are suitable for dedicated home theatre setups.
High-End 4K Projectors
Range from £3,000 to £10,000 or more. These projectors offer superior image quality, brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy. They often have advanced features like motorised lens controls, better HDR performance, and more connectivity options such as optional lenses or anamorphic lens support
Ultra-High-End and Professional 4K Projectors
These can cost £10,000 to over £50,000. They are typically used in private cinemas, post production film grading or for high-end home cinema systems. These projectors deliver the best possible picture quality with extremely high brightness, advanced processing, and exceptional colour fidelity.
Is there enough 4K content to make it worth the investment?
So, what can you watch in 4K right now? The amount of available 4K content is on the rise and growing rapidly.
Increasingly, moviemakers are favouring 4K production and filming techniques. Blockbusters such as Oppenheimer and Ghost Busters Frozen Empire are just a few of the movies that have recently been shot in 4K, and many classic films, such as Silence of the Lambs and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, are now also being remastered in the format.
Here are some other places you will find 4K content readily available:
4K UHD BluRay Disc: An update to the Blu-ray format has ushered in 4K UHD movie discs with next-generation 4K UHD BluRay players from the likes of Panasonic, Samsung and Sony now available.
Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ all offer subscription-based streaming 4K services. However, due to the huge amount of bandwidth required for 4K transmissions, the signal received is usually compressed. If your broadband speed isn’t up to their minimum spec, expect to see compression artefacts on the screen, along with frequent picture dropouts and buffering.
To watch Sky TV in ultra-high definition (UHD) and HDR, you’ll need Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream.
Pseudo 4K – The alternative to native 4K UHD
Do 4K projectors tempt you but can’t quite afford the cost? There are some 4K alternatives out there that will get you close. Ideal for those on a smaller budget looking to raise their image quality to above Full HD, these devices use upscaling Full HD to create the illusion of 4K.
4K upscaling is the process where the projector enhances the original input resolution. The input quality must be Full HD (1920×1080) for the process to function. The player will upscale the original resolution from 1920×1080 to 3840×2160.
Although both native and upscaled offer the same resolution, native 4K is better as the picture contains more detail and natively produces 3840×2160 pixels on screen. For more information of NAtive vs Upscaled 4K, check our guide, 4K resolution : native vs upscaled.
Popular choices in the ‘pseudo-4K’ bracket include models from BenQ, Optoma, ViewSonic and Epson,
These projectors use technology to shift each pixel of an image up or down by half a pixel, which is not detectable by the naked eye but results in a seamless image of almost 4K. It’s a remarkable technical achievement and worth considering if your budget isn’t stretching to a true, native 4K panel.
These projectors will improve your image quality a step above Full HD, but as impressive as these pseudo options are, they’re different from the real thing.
What kit do I need to enjoy 4K UHD?
If you’re investing in a 4K projector, make sure everything else in your audiovisual setup meets 4K standards.
If you are adding a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray DVD player, gaming console or projector to your setup, the parts of the chain in between will need reviewing and possibly replacing. Pay particular attention to devices such as Audiovisual Receivers and HDMI splitters and cabling to ensure they are 4K compliant. It’s also essential to ensure you have a suitable 4K projection screen to help elevate your images to the next level.
To take advantage of the new era of Ultra High Definition, the whole chain needs to be 4K UHD compliant. Your content, source device, cabling and display device – whether projector or TV – all need to support 4K UHD resolution and HDMI v2.0 standard. If you want to take advantage of HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, then the HDMI connections on all of your kit need to be HDCP Version 2.2 (This will be labelled on the HDMI input of the device; if it is not, then it’s highly likely its Version 2.0 and will not support HDR)
Popular 4K Projectors
Take a look at our most popular 4K projectors which contains a selection of both upscaled and native 4K UHD models.