If you don't already know what I mean when I say "4K", get with the times... by reading this article.  4K is an upcoming replacement for 1080p as the de facto HD video resolution.  4K resolution is roughly four times that of 1080p, but has some significant difference.  Primarily, we see that 4K is based on horizontal resolution rather than the existing vertical system that measures 1080p, 720p, and so on.

There are two points to be aware of when it comes to 4K:

1) Don't get in a hurry.  4K, or ultra high definition, will take some time to reach a television set and computer monitor near you.  Sure, companies are planning on launching 4K resolution displays this year, but that doesn't mean one will make it to your home within the next few years.  Why?  4K, and anything larger, poses some bandwidth issues for cable and other television providers.  With each 4K channel requiring roughly four times the bandwidth of HD channels, don't look for content providers to be too quick to adopt and embrace this eventual standard.

2) Don't wait too long.  So, counter to point one, you should be cautious about putting this technology off for too long.  Especially if you are a content manufacturer or distributor.  YouTube has allowed near-4K resolution videos since 2010, yes... that is not a typo, 2010.  Besides, 8K, another form of ultra high definition, is already in the works.  "8K?!" you say, incredulously!  Well, don't be too incredulous.  8K merely matches the resolution already used for some other applications, such as IMAX.  It's not that these technologies, and even more advance ones, don't already exists, it is merely that they haven't been brought to a consumer-friendly form with a consumer-friendly price tag.

Where can you see 4K and 8K?  Well, like we mentioned, 8K is roughly the same as the IMAX format.  4K on the other hand is observable in several real-life examples, the newest of which would be the utilization of 4K 3D technology for the revamped "Spider Man" ride at Universal Studios Florida.  If you're not in the mood for a $80 theme park trip, just check out your local theatre.  Some of their screens are most likely projecting with a 4K resolution.

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