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What is 1080p, 1440p, 2K, 4K, 8K?

Tencent MPS - Product Team

In the world of digital media, video resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create an image on a screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image appears. In this article, we will explore the most commonly used video resolutions today, including 1080p, 1440p, 2K, 4K, and 8K.

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What is 1080p (Full HD)?

1080p, also known as Full High Definition (FHD), is one of the most popular video resolutions today. It has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which means there are 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. This resolution offers a significant improvement in image quality compared to standard definition (SD) videos. 1080p is widely used for watching movies, playing video games, and streaming content on various devices such as TVs, laptops, and smartphones.

Advantages:

- High definition: Offers a significant improvement over standard definition content.

- Affordable: Relatively lower prices compared to higher resolutions.

- Widespread compatibility: Most displays and devices support 1080p.

- Sufficient for most gaming and video watching: Provides a good balance between clarity and performance requirements.

What is 1440p (Quad HD)?

1440p, also known as Quad High Definition (QHD), is a step up from 1080p, offering even higher image quality. It has a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, which means there are 2560 pixels horizontally and 1440 pixels vertically. This resolution provides a noticeable increase in detail and sharpness compared to 1080p. 1440p is becoming increasingly popular for gaming, video editing, and high-quality streaming.

Advantages:

-Sharper images: With more pixels than 1080p, 1440p provides sharper and more detailed images.

- Better for gaming: Offers a noticeable improvement in visual quality for gaming, especially when using a high refresh rate monitor.

- Future-proofing: As technology evolves, 1440p remains a popular choice for those who want to future-proof their setup.

- Widely available: Many monitors, TVs, and even smartphones support 1440p resolution.

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What is 2K?

2K resolution is often used in digital cinema and professional video production. It has a resolution of approximately 2048x1080 pixels, which is slightly wider than 1080p. While 2K resolution is not as common as 1080p or 1440p for consumer use, it is gaining popularity in the fields of filmmaking and video editing due to its ability to display more details and a wider field of view.

Advantages:

- High resolution: 2K offers a step up in image quality compared to 1080p and 1440p, providing smoother lines and edges.

- Ideal for professional use: 2K is often preferred for professional applications such as digital art, video editing, and photography.

- Less demanding on hardware: While more demanding than 1080p, 2K is less resource-intensive than 4K and 8K.

- Good balance: Offers a good balance between image quality and performance requirements.

What is 4K (Ultra HD)?

4K, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), is the next major step up in video resolution. It has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which means there are 3840 pixels horizontally and 2160 pixels vertically. This resolution offers four times the pixel count of 1080p, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images. 4K is becoming more common in homes, with many new TVs and monitors supporting this resolution. It is also widely used in movie theaters and for professional video production.

Advantages:

- Exceptionally sharp images: With four times the number of pixels as 1080p, 4K delivers incredibly detailed and sharp images.

- Immersive experience: 4K is perfect for large screens, providing an immersive viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and games.

- Future-proofing: As 4K becomes more mainstream, investing in a 4K-capable device ensures compatibility with future content.

- High dynamic range (HDR) support: Many 4K displays support HDR, which enhances color gamut and contrast ratios for even better image quality.

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What is 8K?

8K is the highest resolution currently available, with a resolution of 7680x4320 pixels. This means there are 7680 pixels horizontally and 4320 pixels vertically, providing a massive 33 million pixels in total. 8K offers sixteen times the pixel count of 1080p, resulting in stunningly detailed and lifelike images. While 8K is still in its early stages for consumer use, it is expected to become more prevalent in the future as technology advances.

Advantages:

- Unparalleled image quality: 8K features eight times the pixel density of 1080p, resulting in stunningly realistic images.

- Ideal for large screens: 8K is particularly well-suited for very large displays or projectors, providing an unparalleled viewing experience.

- Advanced features: 8K displays often include advanced technologies like HDMI 2.1 and higher refresh rates, supporting the latest in AV standards.

Tencent MPS Encoding

Tencent MPS encoding is an offline task that changes the codec, resolution, bitrate, and other characteristics of an audio/video stream to suit different playback devices and network conditions. The benefits of transcoding include:

Increased compatibility

A source video can be transcoded to formats (such as MP4) that are compatible with more types of devices for smooth playback.

Increased bandwidth adaptability

A source video can be transcoded for output in multiple definitions such as LD, SD, HD, and UHD. End users can select the most appropriate bitrate depending on their network conditions.

Improved playback efficiency

The moov atom can be moved from the end of an MP4 file to the beginning of the file, allowing the video to be played before it is entirely downloaded.

Reduced bandwidth consumption

With a more advanced codec (such as H.265), the bitrate of a video can be substantially reduced while retaining the original quality, which helps reduce the bandwidth consumption.

The jump from 1080p to 8K represents a significant advancement in video resolution technology. This innovation enhances the visual experience, providing viewers with an immersive and captivating display.You are welcome to Contact Us for more information.

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