HD Vs. 4K: The Differences to Learn about Resolutions

When purchasing a home TV, you will see all its specs, such as 'come with 4K UHD’. While it implies that the device supports high-quality streaming, what differs from other resolutions? Does it mean an HD TV is not enough? If you are unsure which one to bring home, this article will walk you through the difference between Full HD vs. 4K and why they are important to distinguish when buying a TV or any streaming gadget.

• Part 1. What is HD Resolution
• Part 2. What is 4K Resolution
• Part 3. HD vs 4K
• Part 4. How to Convert between 4K and HD
• Part 5. FAQs about 4K Resolution vs Full HD

Part 1. What is HD Resolution

The term resolution means the number of pixels in an image. A pixel is a small detail that the naked eye cannot see. But in numbers, the more pixels a video has, the more detailed and higher its resolution.

720p and 1080p are already HD resolutions, surpassing the standard definition. There is no standardized meaning of HD, but a video is considered an HD when it has more than 480 vertical scan lines for North America or 576 vertical lines for Europe. Although 1920 x 1080p is already an HD, playing a 1080p video with this resolution on a 4K device will not improve the quality. Thus, get a TV which is compatible with the HD videos.

Part 2. What is 4K Resolution

In the same way as Full HD, 4K is defined as the horizontal display resolution with about 4,000 pixels. This means it has a resolution of 3840x2160, totaling over eight million pixels. Since it is higher in resolution, the picture becomes sharper. When streaming a 4K video, it requires a 4K medium with bandwidth between 10MBPs and 20MBPS. To stream 4K content online smoothly, connecting to a 15 Mbps internet network is suggested.

When it comes to HD vs. Full HD vs 4K, the latter is much more specific to its supported codecs. For example, a video must have H.265 and VP9, which are standard video codecs that are specifically made for video compression. These codecs are also best for 4K upscaling, as they meet the required bandwidth and quality level.

Part 3. HD vs 4K

Now, let’s see how these resolutions differ in other forms. It is easy to say that they already provided higher resolution for TVs, cameras, and other devices. However, it is best to learn more about their originality and supported data in terms of many aspects.

Resolution

Of course, the resolution will be the most significant difference between 4K vs HD, as they consist of a distinct number of pixels. But to make it clear, HD does not only stay in one resolution, but it can range from 720p to 1080p. Meanwhile, 4K ranges from 2160p to 3840p and can go further up to 4320p. If a TV has a 4K resolution, this means it has double the pixels of an HD TV. You can upscale 1080p to 4K if you need a super clear vision.

Visual

Just because something is of high resolution does not mean it is better in visuals. Sometimes, it is recommended to have HD as it is the standard for Blu-rays, while the other resolution can only support 4K videos. Still, it has the tendency to lower the video quality if it's incompatible.

Pricing

As you may know, televisions, cameras, and other devices that support a 4K or HD resolution can be offered at a higher price. In this case, gadgets with HD resolution are way cheaper than 4K ones, but they are more reliable for standard media playback and editing.

Format

When it comes to formats, HD is more open to video editing with various formats. Of course, 4K supports popular formats like MP4, MKV, and AVCHD, but HD can be completely upscaled and edited by different programs. In the case of 4K, it is difficult to navigate its output settings without lowering the quality and other elements.

Usage

HD and 4K are in high definition, but you will mainly discover that choosing the suitable resolution helps avoid blurring the quality. At some point, if you have a console that is capable of 4K gameplay, using an HDTV might not display the visual quality you are expecting. On the other hand, HD has more opportunities to connect to other devices with the intention of showing the best quality.

Part 4. How to Convert between 4K and HD

Owning videos with incompatible resolutions can lead to errors. So, it is important to convert 4K vs. Full HD with Blu-ray Master’s Video Converter Ultimate. The software includes professional converting technology for video formats with various resolutions, codecs, frame rates, and so on. Its advanced output settings enable users to edit the needed settings without too much trouble. The tool also has a built-in video enhancer to improve video quality, reduce shakiness, and eliminate noise. Video conversion and editing becomes easier with Video Converter Ultimate on Windows and Mac.

Step 1.Click the Free Download button and install Video Converter Ultimate on your computer. When done, add the video you want to convert by clicking the Add Files button. For a batch conversion, choose the Add Folder option from the dropdown list.

Step 2.After uploading, open the Format menu and go to the Video tab. Select the desired output format and resolution. For further configuration, click the Custom Profile button from one of the default resolutions. In the dialog box, edit the codec, encoder, frame rate, and other settings. Save all the changes.

Step 3.Going back to the main menu, open the Save To option and locate the folder where you want to store the converted files. Finally, click the Convert All button to change Full HD vs 4K. Check the Toolbox menu of Video Converter Ultimate and try other tools, such as the Video Enhancer, Image Converter, and more!

Video Converter Ultimate is one of the most professional tools to instantly convert 4K and HD. It also has the best features for video upscale and enhancement. Try the free version on Windows and Mac.

Part 5. FAQs about 4K Resolution vs Full HD

• Is 1920 x 1080 a 4K resolution?

  No. 1920 x 1080 is the number of pixels for HD resolution. For 4K, it can display about 4,000 pixels or 3840 x 2160.

• Is the difference between 4K and 1080p noticeable?

  When you compare the resolutions side by side, you will notice that 4K has a smoother and more detailed display, especially the text. In the case of HD, it may appear blurry compared to 4K.

• Can you tell the difference between 4K and 1080p on a 1080p monitor?

  It depends on the distance between you and the monitor whenever you want to play a game. HD is not different to see from near sight, but 4K is better if you are far across the television or monitor.

• Can the human eye see 16K resolution?

  It may seem the resolution is the highest one today. But in reality, no average human eye can perceive its difference compared to other resolutions like 4K Ultra HD vs 4K HDR. Even if you want 16K for your television, it’s unlikely to make any difference to HD or UHD.

Wrapping up

Of course, anyone would love the best resolution for their devices. But even so, it is better to have a distinction between 4K and HD. The two resolutions are in both spectrums, providing different experiences for devices and video or game resolutions. Meanwhile, you have learned HD is the standard resolution inclined with other elements, such as formats, platforms, usage, and pricing. 4K, however, is the newest resolution with more pixels for detailed images. If you want to upscale or change output settings on 4K and HD, do not hesitate to get Video Converter Ultimate by Blu-ray Master for a professional conversion. Share this article with friends!