4K
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Consumer Electronics
| Stands for | 4K resolution |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
4K stands for 4K resolution, a consumer electronics abbreviation.
Video and display resolution roughly 4,000 pixels wide: 3840 by 2160 for consumer TVs, monitors and streaming (4K UHD), and 4096 by 2160 in digital cinema (DCI 4K). It has four times as many pixels as Full HD, about 8.3 million.
Example: The new phone records 4K video at 60 frames per second.
Usage notes
Netflix began streaming in 4K in 2014, and YouTube supported it from 2010. Watching 4K streams needs a steady connection of roughly 15 to 25 Mbit/s and a 4K-capable device and plan. Beyond about 10 feet on a 55-inch screen, many viewers struggle to see the difference from 1080p, which is why HDR often matters more than resolution.
Related abbreviations
More consumer electronics abbreviations
- 1080p – 1080 progressive scan
- 2K – 2K resolution
- 6DoF – Six degrees of freedom
- 720p – 720 progressive scan
- 8K – 8K resolution
- ALLM – Auto Low Latency Mode
- AMOLED – Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode
- ANC – Active noise cancellation
- AR – Augmented reality
- ARC – Audio Return Channel
- ATSC – Advanced Television Systems Committee
- AUX – Auxiliary input