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UHD, Ultra High Definition, 3840×2160 resolution, 2160p, 4K if you must (it’s a misnomer, as 4K is 4096, not 3840). Whatever you choose to call it, it’s the new standard for TVs and video content; though truth be known, there’s precious little of the latter.
Nonetheless, Ultra HD TVs are flooding stores, and they’ve fallen so far in price that there’s little reason to shop for a 1080p set these days. Well, maybe 1080p for the kids’ rooms or the garage.
It’s out there, it’s cheap, so here’s what you need to know about Ultra HD TV (plus the skinny on four models that you’re bound to see on sale over the next couple of months). Before you decide to put some retailer in the black by purchasing one of these bad boys, you need to consider the very real problem I’ve already mentioned. Aside from some handsome demos and the rare streamed program from Amazon or Netflix, there’s just not a lot of 4K UHD content available. That will fix itself over time; rapidly in fact, once Ultra Blu-Ray players and discs arrive.
When 4K UHD content does show up, much of it will be copy protected with glorious HDCP 2.2 (High Definition Content Protection) and sadly, some older UHD TVs lacking HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 won’t be able to play it. (HDCP 2.2 requires HDMI 2.0, but not vice versa). The four TVs reviewed here all support HDCP 2.2, and most 2014/2015 models should. But check to be sure, and know that the incredible Craigslist deal might not be all that.
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