4K Ultra HD

4K is a new, state-of-the-art digital video resolution standard developed for the film, animation and computer graphics industries. The main advantage of this standard is that it provides much higher image quality and a significant increase in picture detail, which is of great importance for large-format dynamic images.

With a resolution of 3840 × 2160, the 4K standard provides more than four times the resolution compared to 1080p (1920×1080). Changing the aspect ratio for the 4K format is achieved by changing the vertical resolution, while the horizontal resolution remains fixed. For example, 4096×2304 is the frame size with an aspect ratio of 16:9, 4096×3072 is the aspect ratio of 4:3. The table shows examples of 4K permissions:

4K Video Transmission and Switching:

4K video signals can be transmitted via the HDMI interface, starting with the HDMI 1.4 specification. In fact, all high-speed HDMI cables will support 4K resolution if they are connected to 4K-enabled display devices.

The interface actually supports 2 formats, both of which are supported in the HDMI 1.4 specification:

• 3840 pixels in width by 2160 pixels in height
• 4,096 pixels in width by 2,160 pixels in height

4K Display Market

2023: The global 4K display market grew by 9% over the year to $26.42 billion

In 2023, sales of 4K displays globally reached $26.42 billion. This is 9% more compared to 2022, when the volume of the industry was estimated at $24.2 billion. Such data are given in the Market Research Future study, the results of which are presented in mid-October 2024.

The review said the global industry is experiencing a surge in demand for high-quality content display systems. 4K panels have been actively used in areas such as retail, education and healthcare, streaming and gaming platforms. Another stimulating factor is the development of augmented (AR) and virtual (VR) reality applications. Plus, technological advances have a positive impact on sales volumes.

By screen type, the global 4K panel market is divided into LED, OLED, LCD and QLED products. In 2023, LED displays provided revenue of $9.5 billion. Another $7 billion fell on LCD devices, approximately $6.5 billion - on OLED products. In the QLED segment, sales are estimated at $3.4 billion. The key players in the global industry are Apple, ViewSonic, BenQ, LG, Hisense, Sony, Samsung, TCL, Acer, Asus, Microsoft, Panasonic, Dell, Sharp and Vizio. From a geographical point of view, North America in 2023 accounted for $10.5 billion in the total sale of 4K displays. In Europe, sales are estimated at $8.2 billion, in the Asia-Pacific region - at $5.5 billion. The Middle East and Africa secured $0.4 billion.

In 2024, sales of 4K panels in the world can reach $28.84 billion. In the future, Market Research Future analysts believe that the CAGR (average annual growth rate in complex percentages) will be 9.17%. As a result, costs are projected to rise to $58.2 billion by 2032^[1]

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