As smart TVs continue to regain their position as a key platform for content consumption, both traditional manufacturers and internet companies are intensifying their competition in this market. The hardware standards have also been steadily rising. With the rapid advancement of TV panel resolutions, the availability of high-definition video content still lags behind.
Currently, most TVs on the market support 4K resolution, but the free content available online is mostly at 720p, and even paid content often only reaches 1080p. While the number of devices supporting 4K playback is increasing rapidly, the lack of quality content remains a major obstacle to the growth of 4K and even 8K television industries.
On September 23, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the Guangdong Provincial Government signed a cooperation memorandum in Beijing to promote the application and industrial development of 4K ultra-high-definition television in Guangdong. This initiative aims to establish Guangdong as a national experimental field and demonstration area for the 4K industry.
To address the shortage of 4K content, Guangdong is actively building a 4K channel. The province plans to set up a "Double Center" for 4K and 8K TV movies and encourage local TV stations to participate in 4K production. According to the agreement, the State Administration will support Guangdong as a pilot region for 4K UHDTV and help Guangdong Radio and Television transition to 4K broadcasting. They will also support the development of a stronger content copyright trading platform and media big data industry.
While some may see this move as bold or even unnecessary, especially with the decline in traditional TV ratings due to the rise of online content, promoting 4K technology can drive upgrades in online consumption and boost related industries. It’s expected that by 2020, the 4K industry could generate over 600 billion yuan in output value in Guangdong alone.
Guangdong Radio and TV Station has launched the Guangdong Mobile Channel and upgraded it to a 4K channel. Major telecom operators and state-owned enterprises in Guangdong have also joined forces to create 4K content.
Apple recently introduced the Apple TV 4K, which officially went on sale. As its name suggests, it supports 4K resolution, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Apple's pricing for 4K movies is reasonable, making it an attractive feature. Additionally, Apple offers a wide range of 4K content, including over 150 4K HDR movies on iTunes, and Netflix now supports 4K HDR streaming (Dolby Vision and HDR 10).
Major TV panel suppliers like LG, Samsung, and Sharp are also pushing forward. With falling panel costs, 4K TVs are becoming more accessible. Sharp, in particular, has introduced an 8K TV with a resolution of 7690 × 4360, signaling a long-term vision for 8K.
Sharp is taking a proactive approach by developing an 8K ecosystem. Through partnerships with companies like Foxconn and others, they are focusing on 8K content creation, editing, transmission, and display. They're also exploring the integration of 8K with 5G networks, which is essential for delivering high-resolution content efficiently.
With the current gap between 4K hardware and content, the road to widespread 8K adoption will require patience. However, with increased support from government and media institutions, such as the recent efforts in Guangdong, the future of 4K content looks promising.
What do you think about the current state of 4K content? Do you feel a strong need for higher-quality video? Let's discuss!
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