When did 4k TVs appear? Little additional benefit for regular HD content

As soon as you type into a search engine a question about events related to the field of video, an incredible number of “super specialists” will pour out at you a tub of terms related to new technologies. And information about streaming, 4K, quantum dots, HDR and much more. But if you try to find out which of them had to use at least some of this, then the majority will prefer to remain silent.

Or there will be excuses about the lack of content. But is this statement true? After all, the sale of 4K TVs has been going on for many years. Surprising as it may be, we have to agree that it simply could not have been any other way. Justify? Please.

To start, let’s remember the information that everyone has access to. On the vast expanses of the Internet today, of course, it is possible to find content with 4K resolution (UHD). But in very small quantities. Despite the fact that the first UHD TVs were released 6 years ago, the production of films with a similar resolution did not begin more than a year back.

Of the total available number, only 35 such films are in Russian. If this figure is multiplied by a factor of 4.5, we get the total quantity of this product. And none of them can be officially implemented on Russian territory. They can only be ordered abroad.

4K UHD movies available on disc

It must be said that many users do not understand the point of purchasing this product at all. However, even in World Wide Web a film with the required resolution is slightly larger. And 95% of them posted on torrent trackers are ordinary fakes! Video capture is used to make these rips HDMI output on a UHD player.

The resourceful authors of such films, so to speak, even have access to programmatically adding HDR tags to their products. The existence of these offers can be explained very simply: they are generated by the presence of demand. That's just with original discs it has nothing in common. For this reason, these rips look like high-quality aspscale Full HD video.

Is there any hope of receiving sufficient quantity movies in 4K resolution? We think so. And if so, then it’s time to purchase the most sophisticated TV model. That is, regular 4K will not work. IN mandatory It must have a Smart TV, otherwise you won’t be able to see 4K content.

Moreover, it was Smart TV that served as the impetus for the appearance of 4K video on TV screens. And you should definitely pay attention to it when choosing a TV model. This is the cornerstone on which the development of progress in this area rests, capable of ensuring its future. Therefore, the next conversation will be about him.

Smart TV as a source of 4K UHD video content

The Smart TV project was destined to play the role of a panacea for the crisis, the wave of which began to overwhelm both individual manufacturers and television as such in the final stage of the 2000s. The latter lost his status operational means obtaining information, and this applied not only to news.

Using a computer, the user gained access not only to select any point of view, but he could now familiarize himself with it at any time convenient for him. There was an active outflow of film and video products to the Internet. To prevent this, they tried to ban torrents, but nothing came of it.

Recipient of income instead of owners cable networks Companies such as Netflix, VooDoo and TiVo were emerging. This led to the fact that users began to treat an ordinary TV as an anachronism that could push-button telephone, ensure the execution of only one function.

That's when the concept of Smart TV came into being. A lot has been said about how to use it and what it looks like. We will repeat only the main points. The TV has a main menu. Thanks to its availability, users are provided with access to online broadcasts, programs and libraries of films provided by online cinemas or a provider.

Some of the films offered are paid. You can choose the video quality, subscribe and much more. To eliminate problems with the speed of the hardware, everything is based on cloud technologies.

That is, the TV does not download the program, but only a hyperlink to video services, games and everything else. To avoid limiting the capabilities of TVs, they were translated into full-fledged OS WebOS, Tizen, Firefox, Android.

Where to get 4K UHD content?

For those who have already purchased a 4K TV, this question is very popular. Therefore, let's try to figure out what is available now, and what should be expected soon.

Online cinemas with films in 4K resolution

Online media services and programs for viewing 4K cannot lag behind the demands of the times, and for this they need to constantly increase the list of offered content. Next we will list those that offer really high quality material.

YouTube

If it is not the largest media portal (Google), it is certainly one of them. On it the appearance of the exit in trading network Ultra HD television receivers were marked by the addition of support for 4K resolution. Viewing videos in ultra-high definition becomes available after selecting 2160p resolution in the settings. Immediately after this, an incredibly detailed picture is reflected on the screen. To be honest, this cannot be called real 4K, since the service compresses the video. This is justified by the real need to reduce the size, as well as increase the streaming speed.

Netflix

This is also a well-known service to users, despite the fact that it became available in our country only recently. They are offered a fairly extensive selection of video content in Ultra HD format. There are popular TV series and films here. Its video library is ready to provide everyone with content that can demonstrate the power and beauty of the latest technology.

The service is paid, and the cost is quite high. To be able to watch 4K films, a subscription is offered. You will have to pay eleven dollars every month for it. But for this money, all restrictions on the amount of material viewed are removed.

In addition, potential users are offered free trial period, to understand whether to subscribe or unsubscribe.

Okko

Domestic services are also trying to keep up. Today you can already find a number of 4K films on Okko, and development in in this direction continues. The service is paid.

Ivi

This is an online cinema, the repertoire of which is constantly updated with material with cutting-edge resolution. Its difference from the previous service is that there is no fee for watching a certain number of films in Ultra HD.

Megogo

This media resource has a section that contains free content very high definition. Viewers who have TVs from LG and Samsung that use Tizen and WebOS can access it. The library currently has more than twenty online films in UHD format with HDR support.

Briefly about other sources of 4K UHD content

Of course, video cameras, action cameras and cameras used in smartphones should be considered one of the significant suppliers of UHD content. Almost all of them today can shoot with a resolution of 3840 by 2160.

UHD television

INSIGHT – new satellite channel in Ultra HD format

In today's Russian realities, 4K television is offered by Tricolor TV. True, the number of channels on it is not very large, but when did we implement something so quickly? So this looks encouraging.

Android TV set-top box as a source of 4K UHD content

The modern market is increasingly filled with Ultra HD TV set-top boxes. This phenomenon can be explained very simply if you pay attention to the cost of Blue-ray discs with 4K UHD films. Let's take, as an example, Its operation is provided by Android TV 7.1. Supports all popular formats and easily handles UltraHD movies as well as HDR-enabled videos. That is, it could become good solution for everyone who does not have good hardware that can provide access to the highest definition display capabilities. And its cost does not exceed sixty dollars.

Equipment for digital television- this is what you can buy in our store. Our company operates in the market of broadcast and satellite equipment since 2003 and most of We already know our clients by sight.
For regular customers of our online store there is a system of discounts, which are calculated automatically according to the coupon number assigned to you personally.
All equipment undergoes pre-sale preparation, namely installation latest version Software for satellite and broadcast consoles. All receivers are tested for functionality.
Our company delivers equipment both in Moscow and throughout Russia. Most courier delivery companies have agreements on preferential delivery prices.
In our online store you can find almost any equipment that you may need to receive satellite and terrestrial television. We have tried to make the ordering process convenient for anyone. If you plan to order not one item, but several, then you can use the store search and pay attention to the accompanying equipment. If you want to pick up equipment for receiving satellite TV, then you should go to the tab menu " Satellite TV", if for receiving terrestrial or cable TV, then " Terrestrial television" etc. If you have questions during the ordering process, you can use online chat, which is located on every page of the online store or order call back.
We hope that in the online digital TV store you will be able to spend minimum quantity time to order the required equipment.

Watching on a 4K TV (showing pictures at four times higher resolution than HD) is like a revelation. In a cityscape video shown at a Samsung press conference earlier this month, one could see separate windows in most buildings, as well individuals, entering and leaving skyscrapers. Composed of eight million pixels, it's very difficult to see the grid structure (unless you're looking at it very close), and the image itself looks like a sharp photograph, but only in motion.
However, the world seen on 4K TV screens is largely an illusion - perhaps created from a few clips shot with high-end cinema cameras.
Price is the key factor holding us back from immediately buying a 4K TV (so called because its screen is about 4,000 pixels diagonally). Typically, such a TV costs at least twice as much as an HD TV of similar class and capabilities (same size, high-quality panel, Internet access, and the same set of functions). However, even if you imagine that money does not play a role for you, or that prices suddenly dropped unexpectedly (and this is not fantasy - small companies are already selling models at more low prices), there are still four reasons that should make you put off buying a 4K TV.

Lack of 4K content

Currently not on the market Blu-ray discs, video streaming platforms, TV channels and even more or less easy-to-use video cameras that would support a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. And this is the first reason to hold off on buying a 4K TV and wait a little. However, the wait can be quite long.
Currently, TV equipment companies are trying to provide some limited amount of 4K video on players containing hard drives. Sony Company, for example, offers 4K/UltraHD Media Player, on the hard drive of which 10 films are recorded in 4K format. The device retails for $700. Sony also promises to provide the ability to download up to 100 additional films to the player from the network by the end of the year (one can only dream about streaming viewing for now - the file sizes are quite impressive). However, $700 is too much money to spend on a device that can only show a small selection of movies.
Similar media player with hard drive Samsung also plans to present inside in the near future.

Few additional benefits
for regular HD content

Currently, 4K TVs can upscale any HD video to 4K by "building" the image with extra pixels based on assumptions about their content (just like what happens when you watch a regular old DVD video on an HD screen). standard definition). The results look quite acceptable on the screens of some TV models, in particular, such as Sharp's AQUOS Ultra HD LED TV with a diagonal of 69.5 inches (1.8 meters). This model has a certification from the THX laboratory confirming the quality of the scaling, and costs $8,000. However, if you move closer to the screen (as far as the pixels will allow you), you'll notice a grainy texture to the upscaled video.
Even upscaled video on a 4K screen will allow you to comfortably sit closer to the screen than with an HDTV, but not so close that it's worth talking about. The Chamber of Standards at the International Telecommunication Union recommends looking at a 4K screen from a distance of at least one and a half times its height (so as not to see individual pixels), and in the case of HDTV, it is advisable to sit at a distance that is at least three times the height of the screen times.
So, if you have a 55-inch (1.4 meter) TV - the starting models from Sony and Samsung have such diagonals - you should sit 1 meter from the screen if it's a 4K TV, or about 2 meters from screen if it is an HD TV. So, if you don’t want to sit closer than 2 meters from the TV screen, you shouldn’t spend the extra money. Samsung, for example, only recently began selling 55-inch 4K TV models, and they cost $5,600. At the same time, the most best model An HD TV produced by the same company with the same diagonal costs $2,800 (in addition, there are cheaper models in the line of models with a 55-inch screen from Samsung).

4K video may be choppy

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see even that in perfect quality on your 4K screens. large number 4K video that is available in the market today. This is because even the most latest models HDMI cables (version 1.4) are not capable of transmitting such a large amount of data without problems. The signal coming into most HDTVs from devices like a Blu-ray player is transmitted at 60 frames per second. However, when transmitting video at four times the resolution via an HDMI cable, the only solution would be to halve the frame rate. But you must admit that at 30 frames per second the video will not be that smooth.

4K video may suffer from lack of colors

Another compromise is in the color details. Due to restrictions bandwidth channel, an HDMI 1.4 connection can transmit a 4K signal, in which color data is reduced to 8 bits (256 shades) for each of the three pixel components (red, green and blue). Combinations of these primary colors produce a spectrum of 16.7 million color shades. This may seem good at first glance, but modern liquid crystal panels are capable of displaying a 10-bit color palette (about a billion shades). Thus, over high resolution the video will be adjacent to a relatively poor color palette.
However, engineers and scientists are already working to solve these problems. New version HDMI interface, which will be called HDMI 2.0, will be capable of transmitting 4K video at 60 frames per second. However, improvements in transmission color palette, most likely, is not expected until next updates interface standard.

Here are some basic facts about the new HDMI standard 2.0:

• Resolution 4K@50/60, (2160p), which is 4 times higher in picture quality than 1080p/60.
• Up to 32 audio channels help you achieve complete immersion in a multifaceted soundscape.
• Audio sampling rates of up to 1536 kHz help achieve the highest audio purity.
• Opportunity simultaneous transmission Dual video stream for multi-user screen.
• Simultaneously transmit multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to four).
• Supports wide-angle theatrical video with an aspect ratio of 21:9.
  Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams.
• The extended CEC bus offers more ample opportunities management and control from one point various devices consumer electronics.

The prospect of a new HDMI interface standard is a warning for those who buy televisions and other electronics today that contain HDMI ports standard type. Although some companies will be ready to upgrade the port block of equipment produced today. For example, all 4K TVs produced by Samsung have an external unit that contains video input ports and performs some processing of this signal. If new input interface standards appear, the user will only have to purchase a new unit.
However, this is not such a good way to force the consumer to pay at least twice as much for a TV for which there is not much native content available today, which displays this content with some "twitching" and lack of colors, so that over time, with the advent of new and improved technologies, pay again - this time for an upgrade of your model. Moreover, by that time the 4K TVs on the market will in any case cost much less.

Television.

But it arises logical question What should I have extra to watch 4K or UltraHD TV?

It is clear that first, you need to acquire a 4K TV, and then the equipment that will deliver this 4K to your TV.

The main thing you need to know is that the device must support the HEVC (H. 265) and DVB-S2 compression standard.

For example, we insert into the TV a CI+ CAM module with an NTV+ access card or a set-top box like this: Beelink i68

And so the TV set-top box Beelink i68.

With a not very powerful processor, consisting of eight Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 1.5 GHz, there is a PowerVR G6110 GPU with support for decoding video formats H.264 and H.265 in resolutions up to 4K inclusive.

In the Beelink i68 media player, the new Rockchip SoC works in conjunction with 2 GB RAM.

The volume of the built-in eMMC module is 8 GB, there is a slot for microSD cards up to 64 GB. Built-in dual band wifi adapter 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, there is a Fast Ethernet port.

TV connects to HDMI port 2.0, for peripherals there are three USB 2.0 connectors, microUSB and an S/PDIF output.
The Beelink i68 set-top box runs Android 5.1 OS with the KODI multimedia shell.

The dimensions of the product are 12 x 12 x 2.4 cm.

For owners of Sony UHD TVs (last year's release).

The latest firmware update allows the Sony X9, X85 and S9 to receive UHD TV channels using built-in satellite or cable tuners.

This is very good news, because until now these TVs cannot receive UHD channels, but they are gradually appearing in some countries or are starting to work in test mode.

After replacing the firmware, you will need to activate 4K TV reception in the settings:
Home => Settings = Digital> Video Mode => 4K

What are the trends for the future?

The first UltraHD TV channels will appear on offer digital platforms by the end of 2015, after which their number on the market will begin to increase.

Spread channels of this format will be primarily through satellite broadcasting, which has wider technical capabilities compared to terrestrial TV or IPTV technologies.

Last but not least, it is noted that the sale of 4K channels for end user will be more profitable.

The main factor “FOR” is the interest of manufacturers in selling equipment to the end consumer, who often strives for “fashion” and purchases this or that item even when he does not really need it or for prestige.

But for now we have 4K Tricolor TV which is registered on 12169R as Infochannel " Tricolor Full HD". (12169 R, DVB-S2, 8PSK, SR 27500, FEC 3/4, Tricolor TV tests - Infochannel Tricolor Full HD 4K)

Many people are talking about their intention to launch a TV channel in 4K format in the foreseeable future. And it seems that UltraHD transmissions will become commonplace in the near future.

As I wrote above, it is enough to have a 4K TV that supports the HEVC/H.265 encoding standard with a DVB-S2 tuner, and if you also want to watch encoded channels, you need a CI+ module.

Take my word for it, the impression is simply amazing, as if you are looking into open window, the picture is colorful and clear.

As for the 4K Tricolor channel, I use it in the LG 55UB820V Ultra HD with the CI+ module and watch it. Tricolor constantly plays several videos on this 4K channel, for example, the Victory Parade.

We look forward to the start of commercial broadcasting in this format. While 4K videos from YouTube, which I watch from using Smart TV Hub.

However, 4K is still tomorrow for many, and FUL HD is today and channels in given permission keep appearing.
But I note that on a 4K TV and FUL HD it looks much better, there are more pixels.

Good luck, Friends!

Everyone dreams of watching Tricolor TV in 4K mode. Currently, regular broadcasting has been launched in this format. Now subscribers have the opportunity to use four exclusive channels ultra high definition, far superior in quality to the Full HD format. These are colorful, bright, captivating pictures. If we compare the image of ultra HD 4K and standard HD, then we find out that its clarity is four times higher.

The dream has come true, but so far only for those subscribers whose receivers can recognize Ultra format HD. TV must also be equipped with the ability to receive and broadcast Full HD channels; if it does not have this, its user will not be able to immerse themselves in the world of ultra-high definition and appreciate the television of the future.

Currently, subscribers have the opportunity to watch four channels.

Tricolor Ultra HD is the fascinating world of modern cinema. A lot of HD films of completely different genres are broadcast here.

TV channel INSIGHT UHD- these are very interesting television programs. They will take the user into the fascinating, colorful, educational world of nature, the most extreme travel, and present many different exciting entertainments. Now subscribers will be aware of all the news about sports, reality shows and other projects.

Fashion One 4K– this channel introduces all the news of the film industry and world stars. Every user will find something interesting for themselves here.

Russian Txtreme Ultra HD– this is the fourth 4K channel Ultra package HD from Tricolor TV, it was launched in the summer of 2017.

Set-top boxes for watching Tricolor TV in 4K mode

High definition TV channels are available for viewing only from . The receiver has proven itself well Russian production GS230. It receives satellite signals and broadcast TV content on modern ultra HD TVs. It is equipped with this capability by two DVB-S/DVB-S2 tuners, which are built into it.

The device has Wi-Fi module, and this modern standard And convenient opportunity Connect to your home IP network wirelessly. And the GS230 receiver, using the GS C5911 subscriber set-top box, can be configured to supply content to a second TV.

Built-in hard drive made it possible to support additional features(recording, delayed viewing), as well as platforms with modern services.

But others satellite receivers, except for the Russian tuner GS230, with such a function are still rare. These include: Opticum HD AX 501 CI+, HotCake HD CI+ and Skyway Light 2.

How to connect Tricolor Ultra HD

To connect channels in 4K mode, the subscriber must:

• subscribe to the “unified” channel package;
• have a receiver that displays 4K format;
• TV displaying an ultra-high definition signal.

Configure your TV according to the following parameters:

• 12360 R SR 27500;
• DVB-S2 8PSK FEC 3/4.

The cost of such services high quality, small only 1200 rubles per year. You can order it in two ways:

1. In the “Services” section, which can be accessed through your personal account.
2. Use the activation code from the scratch card.

Once your order is submitted, your connected equipment will begin tuning to ultra-sharp Super HD images. After 8 hours the TV will be ready for use.

After this time, the tuned TV will delight its users with the clearest image, colorful pictures with expressive details down to the smallest detail.

Connection via CI module

It works only in slots that support CI plus. To immerse themselves in the world of ultra-high definition TV channels, many subscribers buy modern televisions, having a high screen resolution and capable of displaying 4K Ultra HD format. They have a built-in digital tuner which is supported external devices. That is why Tricolor TV operators offer CI plus access modules.

For receiving 4K Ultra HD channels, ordinary satellite tuner doesn’t fit, you need one that can take them. For this purpose, it is convenient to use the CI access module, but you also need a TV that supports a screen resolution of 3840x2160, which is capable of decorating this signal.

If the TV supports CAM modules, you only need to purchase a smart card. Before installing it, disconnect the TV from the power supply by pulling the plug out of the socket. Then:

1. Install a smart card into the adapter.
2. The adapter is facing outwards and inserted into the HCMCIA slot.
3. Turn on TV. A message will appear on the screen indicating that a new device has been detected.
4. Start automatic search.

After some time, the TV will be ready for use. Now the look will not lose the most small parts, and the image will become brighter, more colorful, sharper.