What's your take on 4K? Buy now or wait?

[Todd Anderson]

We've hit a definitive transition period with 4K...the number of 4K options has absolutely exploded and the industry's marketing machine is in "full attack" mode.

So, I'm curious... how do you really feel about the "need" to rush out and buy a 4K set. Emphasis is on "need." Do you feel like you're missing out if you haven't upgraded? Have you upgraded and find yourself definitively happy? Do you think it's still too early to buy-in (do you expect 4K sets in the coming years to radically out perform what's currently available)?

Vote in the poll, but add your thoughts in the comment section!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Despite feeling like the current iteration of 4K/HDR displays and projectors are going to look rather underwhelming as compared to what's coming in the next few years... I still think the improvements are beneficial enough to buy IF (1) You're buying into a top-flight display model or (2) you have access to plenty of true 4K content.

I've been pleased with my LG's OLED non-4K television performance, simply due to enhancements in blacks/contrast. Of course, true 4K/HDR/WCG material looks AMAZINGLY better. Not so sure I'd run out and replace an older reliable set with a less expensive option (just for TV) at this point in the game.

 

[Tony V.]

Im still holding out. the high prices for 4K players and displays is keeping me grounded. I really want a true 4K projector but prices are far to high still and Im not convinced a 4k TV is worth it yet comparing to my Panasonic plasma. Is the "juice worth the squeeze"?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Only if you're watching 4K material... last year at the VE Shootout, a Kuro was on stage with the other flagship models. It looked just as good with standard 1080p material. Once the other sets started showing the same material in 4K/HDR/WCG... it wasn't even close. The Kuro looked like a black-and-white TV. That was the moment that pushed me over the edge.

BUT... if you're still mainly watching 1080p (and happy)... waiting is still a great option.

 

[Tony V.]

I only have two 4K BDs and I would have to upgrade everything I own (bluray player, receiver and display) Its a hard pill to swallow. Im convinced that a 4K projector will be a better bang for buck so Im waiting for the availability and prices to come down on those before taking the plunge.

 

[Tonto]

I expect prices to come down significantly next year. But by then, I'm hoping the next generation of 4K Laser projectors will be hitting the market. Decisions, decisions, decisions! I plan on 4K next year myself.

 

[Jon Liu]

It's tough to say clearly one way or the other. Ultimately I chose "Buy Now" as my choice in the poll. It really is dependent on the individual though. Personally I was practically in need of a new television and so getting a brand-spankin' new TV 4K/HDR TV was a pretty easy choice. That and I had had my previous TV for 9 years or so, so it was time

I also think that there's a good amount of content out there to take advantage of the new TVs now. It's not quite in overabundance, but you also don't have to look too hard to get UHD/HDR content. Netflix is a cheap route. Amazon Prime. Vudu. Youtube. Then going the more expensive route with UHD Blu-rays, the majority of new releases are being put on on UHD as well.

You don't have to upgrade everything all at once to enjoy either. I'm still using my old Pre/Pro just fine. I went a few months before I upgraded my blu-ray player too. Todd even mentioned simply the upgrade to OLED improved the SDR presentation pretty substantially, and I'll concur with his sentiment as well.

 

[Mark C Flick]

Yeah, I'm not sold yet. Material, price, gimmick? Will it go the way of 3D? Probably not but since most media is still 720p I think I'll hold off.

 

[phillihp23]

I think that $300 dollars is a reasonable price for a 4K Player, while of course there will be better versions to come in the future, fast load times etc. $4K Tv's are reasonably priced unless you get into the 65 " and larger. I remember buying (Samsung TVs) one of the first 32" 720P TV's for $1200 and a few years later upgrading to a 40" 1080P tv for $1200. Today you can get a 55" 4K tv for $1200. I would say prices are par for the course and your getting more bang for the buck not to mention increased real estate. As for 4K blu-ray, I feel the same way....prices are about comparable, $20-$25 for a 4K version and standard Blu-ray and Digital Version. If I recall we used to pay $20 for a single DVD. Of course you can pay more like $35 or $40 for the movies, but I just watch and wait until amazon or bestbuy have a sale, or when they first come out they are usually that price.

My only disappointment is that 4K projector prices haven't dropped very quickly as compared to T.V.'s. True 4K projectors are still $10-$15 thousand on the low end models. You can get up-convert or brand specific software generating 4K projectors for $4 - $10 thousand on the low end models.

The move to a 4K setup can be costly but they have provided a means to gradually convert up. As long as you get a 4K display and 4K player there is a work around for your AVR not being 4K capable, which is nice. This is helpful as I find the AVR is one of the more expensive components to upgrade.

There will always be new formats 8K etc. But personally I find 4K is as far as I need to go. I just don't see how I will visually be able to notice the difference on a display 100" or smaller. As for audio I am content where I am with Audyssey DSX:NEO, while atmos and other similar technology is out on the market I am not of belief that enough studios will invest the money to encode the tracks. In this manner I feel that it may not be a long term thing, kinda like 3D, it may come and go after a period of time.

I do not find that I need to rush out and upgrade all my blu-ray discs to 4K blu-ray as I did with DVD to Blu-ray. I do purchase new films on 4k though. I can live with blu-ray format while DVD, well lets say I can't stand watching DVD quality films. In the same manner I don't watch cable in SD format.

 

[Todd Anderson]

4k, itself is definitely a little gimmicky... Wide Color Gamut and HDR are not. I do agree 4k is a nice limit... but if 8k arrives with vast improvements to color and HDR, it will be impossible not to upgrade (again). ;-)

 

[mechman]

4k, itself is definitely a little gimmicky... Wide Color Gamut and HDR are not.

+1! There is a limit as to how much our eyes can see when it comes to resolution. And it has to be setup right too - 60" set with 4K resolution with seating back 10 feet is no better than 1080p. HDR and color gamut actually improve upon something that can be seen. Yet I wouldn't toss 4K, like 3D , into the 'gimmick category. Unlike 3D, 4K will serve a purpose as display size grows.

 

[Sonnie]

I didn't like the options, so I did not vote. I don't think it is a matter of "missing out" if you don't buy now and wait. I think it really depends on what route you take. If it's for a regular flat panel display the prices are very reasonable. For projectors, the price is still a bit on the high side.

HDMI cables are another big factor... if you don't get the right ones, it just won't work well... especially over longer runs. HDCP is a racket for sure. I don't have any issues with my OPPO 4K player and my JVC, but between my Roku box, my Denon X4300 and the JVC PJ... it's about as picky as it gets. I went thru 3 different HDMI cables before I got the right ones. Picky picky picky!

So... if you are looking to go the PJ route, I might wait, and you won't miss out, because it will be there for you when you decide to do it. All you did was delay your decision to save. If you plan to go the flat screen display route, I'd say you could go ahead and enjoy it at a reasonable price that might be worth it to you.

 

[Todd Anderson]

+1! There is a limit as to how much our eyes can see when it comes to resolution. And it has to be setup right too - 60" set with 4K resolution with seating back 10 feet is no better than 1080p. HDR and color gamut actually improve upon something that can be seen. Yet I wouldn't toss 4K, like 3D , into the 'gimmick category. Unlike 3D, 4K will serve a purpose as display size grows.

I think 4k will be history by the time "they" figure out how to truly implement all of this new tech. 8k is going to be shoved down the consumers' collective throats like no other. I predict 4k will end up being a speed bump whe. We look back in 8-10 years

 

[phillihp23]

Great news Todd, Looking forward to a $ 9.87 4K Blu-ray Bin at Walmart.

 

[Todd Anderson]

With the way streaming is dominating, that might not be so far off ;-)

 

[JBrax]

You can count me in as a fan of 4K but as others have said the real benefit is HDR/WCG. Truthfully, I probably wouldn't have upgraded if my Onkyo hadn't failed me. Plus some studios only included the Atmos track on the 4K so I chased the carrot. I'm completely satisfied with the decision.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

No matter the benefit, I'll leapfrog the 4K feeding frenzy to the next big thang. I can't justify re-purchasing hardware or media titles at this time, as I just recently upgraded. Maybe the next big tech advancement will make it worth the upgrade, but I don't have the disposable income in this late stage of life to adopt every new format which surfaces.

 

[Todd Anderson]

You can count me in as a fan of 4K but as others have said the real benefit is HDR/WCG. Truthfully, I probably wouldn't have upgraded if my Onkyo hadn't failed me. Plus some studios only included the Atmos track on the 4K so I chased the carrot. I'm completely satisfied with the decision.

This play by studios to relegate the Atmos track to 4K discs is a tad stinky... I don't know if I like it. But, it's looking like it's becoming the new reality.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Curious to know if folks voting "wait" have seen HDR/WCG on a calibrated screen?

 

[JBrax]

Curious to know if folks voting "wait" have seen HDR/WCG on a calibrated screen?

I'm guessing the answer is no. Plus not all 4K displays are HDR/WCG capable.

 

[JBrax]

This play by studios to relegate the Atmos track to 4K discs is a tad stinky... I don't know if I like it. But, it's looking like it's becoming the new reality.

It was a very shady move but it worked in my case. I doubt I'm the only one.

 

[NBPK402]

We have had a 4k Samsung FP for about a year now, and I really like it, but I have had a lot of quirks with it that make me question buying another Samsung. I want to go 4k on a projector, but I will most likely have to wait about a year (after the new house is built, and my audio setup is completed) before I can afford even a E-Shift projector as the cost is just too much for 7000 lumens or higher right now for me on a retirement check. I might get a Epson projector to hold me over for a couple of years.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I hope laser projector technologies rapidly drop in price so they can find their way into the sub-$10K projectors. That's what will push PJ performance forward exponentially. I don't think that will happen in the next year or so... but maybe over the next decade!

 

[NBPK402]

I hope laser projector technologies rapidly drop in price so they can find their way into the sub-$10K projectors. That's what will push PJ performance forward exponentially. I don't think that will happen in the next year or so... but maybe over the next decade!

The Epson I was looking at was $10K, but it is a E-Shift laser projector... 7000 lumens as I recall.

 

[Michael Scott]

I have to agree that 4K RESOLUTION is not as important as you might think. Don't get me wrong, I've compared quite a few displays in controlled environments and if you're sitting close enough, the extra resolution IS noticeable. HOWEVER, as Todd said. It's the HDR and DolbyVisiion that REALLY brings the goods, and that's mostly in 4K displays. the display resolution itself isn't what I would call a gimmick, bur rather a byproduct of the HDR upgrade. There's nothing wrong with increased resolution, as it actually makes even Blu-rays look better IMO... however, the HDR is where you're getting that "pop" that really sells the upgrade and it is NO JOKE. even on E-shift projectors and the like, that's where 90% of the increase in visual quality comes from.