What to look for when buying a true 4K UHD TV?

UHD TVs have rapidly grown in popularity among consumers; and gained expanded trust amongst the majority of UHD quality seekers. Nonetheless, has this popularity made consumers well-informed to differentiate and recognize real 4K UHD TVs? 

A challenge remains today in the region to educate consumers, where lower-quality TV displays – particularly 3K TVs – are marketed to consumers as delivering UHD quality. 

Of all TV forecast to ship in 2016, one in 5 is forecast to be a 4K TV panel (Low Cost 4K TVs raise concern, Gulf News, September 11, 2015). 

According to Digital Europe (DE), a European association for consumer electronics appliances, the UHD TV comprises the following mandatory criteria:  native resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, an aspect ratio of 16:9, a color bit depth of 8 bit and above, a frame rate 30p and above, with an overall definition of 8 million pixels on full screen, as opposed to 3K TVs which employ the RGBW sub-pixel structure, less in quality than the RGB in terms of color purity, and fixed brightness, not to mention a total of 6 million pixels instead of 8. DE advocates for the protection of consumer rights by certifying products that satisfy this resolution. 

In a bid to contribute to raising awareness around 4K UHD TV criteria, Samsung, one of the leading manufacturers, ensured completing the UHD certificate from Digital Europe (DE). Reference to Gulf News, here’s how the UHD TV color comparison works: a TV panel is made of RGB (red, green, blue) sub pixels to create different colors. Some manufacturers have added a fourth sub pixel – white – to lower the cost of components and reduce the backlights emit  light to give higher white light output and higher contrast ratio. While other manufacturers are making panels with RGBW, Samsung only uses RGB technology for its own TVs. Simply put: the RGB strip display provides a very sharp picture.

It is also worth noting that Samsung Electronics has been a leader in the TV segment for 9 consecutive years, and as part of its continued efforts to provide consumers with the best quality and services, Samsung Electronics has announced the UHD Alliance earlier this year. 

In point of fact, Samsung introduced the UHD TVs last year. UHD TVs have improved on the existing technology of Full High Definition (FHD) TVs, thus enhancing the visual experience with features such as stunning contrast, striking brightness and spectacular color.

This year, seeing through a promise of relentless innovation, Samsung introduced the SUHD TV designed to provide an even further superior visual experience thanks to HDR (High Dynamic Range) and nano-crystal technologies. And in Saudi Arabia, the South Korean tech giant claimed the 2015 - Mid-Year Saudi Arabia Top Buzz Rankings as it maintained the first position; a success equally owed to its exciting SUHD TV.