Ultimate Guide to 4K TV Terms You Need to Know

July. 16,2025

Discover the essential terms related to 4K televisions in this comprehensive guide. Learn about resolutions, HDR, Quantum Dots, and connection standards to make informed purchase decisions. Perfect for first-time buyers aiming for the best viewing experience, this article simplifies technical jargon and highlights key features to consider. Stay updated on the latest 4K TV technology and ensure your new entertainment system is future-proof. Equip yourself with knowledge and shop confidently for the perfect 4K television this season.

Ultimate Guide to 4K TV Terms You Need to Know

Understanding Essential 4K Television Terms

4K televisions have become the focal point of modern home entertainment, offering stunning picture quality and future-ready features. If you're shopping for the best TV deals this season, opt for a 4K model that includes smart features like internet connectivity for seamless streaming.

newcomers might find the technical jargon confusing. Below is a comprehensive explanation of key terms you will encounter when choosing your first 4K TV.

Understanding 4K TV Terms

4K Ultra HD: Refers to a display resolution four times higher than 1080p HD, with 3840×2160 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This high pixel density delivers sharp, detailed images, allowing large screens to be viewed closely without pixelation.

Full Array Local Dimming: This feature involves strategically placed LEDs behind the screen that dim individually, improving black levels and producing more vivid contrast.

High Dynamic Range (HDR): Enhances picture quality by expanding the contrast and color range, resulting in brighter highlights and deeper blacks, for a more realistic viewing experience.

Quantum Dots: Thin nanocrystal films embedded in the display that produce a wide palette of vibrant colors by adjusting the backlight.

HEVC (H.265): This advanced compression technology reduces large 4K video files into smaller streams, enabling smoother streaming over the internet and efficiently supporting 4K content on compatible devices.

VP9: Google’s codec for encoding 4K videos, especially used in YouTube streaming, ensuring high-quality playback on supported devices.

HDMI 2.0a: Latest HDMI standard capable of transmitting 4K HDR videos at up to 60 frames per second, ensuring high-quality connections for 4K content.

HDCP 2.2: Protection technology that prevents piracy of 4K content, requiring compatible devices and HDMI ports for secure signal transmission.

Upscaling: The feature that improves lower-resolution videos, such as 720p or DVD quality, making them look better on 4K screens. Supports enhanced viewing on compatible models.

You're now equipped with essential knowledge to shop confidently for your ideal 4K TV. Enjoy your shopping experience!