Ultra-HD TVs may not be worth it, study finds.
A new study finds that ultra-HD TVs may not offer any advantage over lower resolution screens due to the human eye's resolution limit.
Why it matters
- The human eye has a resolution limit, so higher resolution screens may not provide additional benefits for average viewing distances.
By the numbers
- For greyscale images, the eye can resolve 94 pixels per degree (PPD).
- For color images, resolution limits are lower: 89 PPD for red and green patterns, and 53 PPD for yellow and violet patterns.
- For an average UK living room with a 2.5-meter viewing distance, a 44-inch 4K or 8K TV doesn't offer any advantage over a QHD TV.
The big picture
- Manufacturers often emphasize display resolution as a key selling point for TVs and other screens.
- However, the study suggests that beyond a certain point, higher resolution doesn't improve the viewing experience.
- The researchers created an online calculator to help consumers determine the best screen resolution for their specific setup.
What they're saying
- Some users emphasize the importance of brightness and contrast over resolution.
- Others note the lack of QHD TVs in the market, making 4K the next best option over 1080p.
- There's skepticism about the practicality of a 44-inch TV at an 8-foot distance, with suggestions that a larger screen would be more appropriate.
Caveats
- The resolution limit varies based on screen size, room darkness, and viewing distance.
- Individual differences in vision may affect the resolution limit.
What’s next
- Manufacturers may use these findings to optimize display resolutions for the majority of consumers.
- Future research could explore how these findings apply to other display types, such as those in phones, computers, and cars.