As smart TVs continue to re-emerge as a key gateway for content consumption, both traditional TV manufacturers and internet companies are intensifying their competition in this space. The hardware capabilities of these devices are also continuously improving. With the rapid advancement in TV panel resolution, the availability of high-definition video content has struggled to keep up.
Currently, most TVs on the market support 4K resolution, yet the free content available online is mostly limited to 720p, and even paid content often only reaches 1080p. While the number of devices supporting 4K playback is growing quickly, and more video equipment now supports 4K output, the lack of high-quality content remains a major obstacle for the development of 4K and even 8K television industries.
On September 23, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television signed a cooperation memorandum with the Guangdong Provincial Government in Beijing, aiming to promote the application of 4K ultra-high-definition television and drive industrial development in the region. The agreement focuses on building Guangdong into a national experimental field and demonstration area for 4K UHD TV.
To address the shortage of 4K content, Guangdong is actively working on establishing dedicated 4K channels. The province plans to create a "Double Center" for 4K and 8K TV movies and involves local radio and TV stations in joint 4K production efforts. According to the cooperation agreement, the State Administration will support Guangdong as a pilot province for 4K UHD TV and help Guangdong Radio and Television transition to 4K broadcasting. It 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 of traditional TV ratings due to the rise of online content, promoting 4K UHD TV can actually accelerate the upgrade of online viewing habits and boost related industries. By 2020, it's expected that 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, which is being upgraded to a 4K channel. Meanwhile, state-owned enterprises and major telecom operators in Guangdong have all joined forces to create 4K content.
Apple has also entered the 4K space by launching the Apple TV 4K. This device not only keeps up with its predecessors but also supports 4K format. Apple’s pricing for 4K movies is reasonable, making it an attractive feature. Additionally, Apple offers a wide range of content, including over 150 4K HDR movies on iTunes, and Netflix now supports 4K HDR streaming (Dolby Vision and HDR 10). With Apple’s influence, it’s likely that the industry will see more rich 4K content in the future.
Major TV panel suppliers like LG, Samsung, and Sharp are also pushing forward. With falling panel costs, 4K TVs from internet brands are becoming more accessible. Sharp recently introduced an 8K TV with a resolution of 7690 × 4360, showcasing its long-term vision.
Sharp’s strategy is not just about 4K—it's about building an 8K ecosystem. Through partnerships with Foxconn and other companies, Sharp is focusing on 8K content production, editing, transmission, and display. The company is also exploring the potential of 8K combined with 5G networks, as higher-resolution content requires faster and more reliable connectivity.
For example, Sharp has partnered with Japanese imaging company ASTRODESIGN to develop a lightweight 8K image system. The collaboration also includes discussions on how 8K and 5G can be integrated for real-world applications.
While the development of 4K content may take time, the recent support from Guangdong’s TV channels suggests that government backing could significantly boost 4K content production. As for me, I think there’s definitely a growing demand for HD content, and I’m curious to hear what others think about the current state of 4K resources and whether they feel a strong need for better quality video.
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