An ultra-high-definition TV may seem like a great investment, but scientists warn that you may be wasting your money.
A new study from the University of Cambridge and Meta Reality Labs shows that for most people, it doesn't make sense to pay more for a 4K or 8K display.
The reason is that these advanced displays have a higher resolution than the human eye can perceive.
Like TV or phone screens, the eye has a resolution limit, meaning we can only see a certain number of pixels on a given surface.
This means that once a screen reaches a certain level, further improvement in quality will not be noticeable to the average viewer.
The right resolution depends on several factors, such as the size of the TV, the distance from the bed or sofa, and the lighting in the room.
What the study found
For an average UK room with a distance of 2.5 metres from the TV, a 44-inch 4K or 8K screen has no real benefit compared to an older Quad HD screen of the same size.
Resolution is measured in pixels per degree (PPD), which indicates how many pixels can fit into one degree of the eye's visual field.
The study showed that the eye has a slightly higher resolution than previously thought, but still much lower than would justify a more expensive screen.
Dr. Maliha Ashraf from the University of Cambridge explains:
“For most people, it’s not worth upgrading beyond 4K; at normal viewing distances, the eye can’t see the extra detail that 8K offers. A good 4K TV is sharper than 95% of people can discern.”
The eye's resolution is lower for bright colors, especially at the periphery of the visual field.
For example, the average resolution in the center of the visual field was: 94 pixels per degree for gray colors, 89 for red and green, and only 52 for yellow and purple.
When an 8K display makes sense
A higher resolution is useful for professional monitors, where users are very close to the screen and work with small details.
For a distance of less than 1 meter, a small 8K display can deliver its full potential.
For distances over 2 meters, even a 100-inch screen would not show any difference between 4K and 8K.
For a distance of 3 meters, a 60-inch screen would be needed to see a maximum of a 4K display.
The scientists also created an interactive calculator that shows which screen resolution would be viewable by 50%, 75% or 95% of the population, based on room size and seating distance.
Is it harmful to sit near the TV?
A common myth is that sitting too close to the screen is bad for your eyes.
According to Ethan Stern, an ophthalmologist and retina specialist in Louisiana:
"Sitting close to a television or computer screen does not negatively affect the eyes."
It may only be uncomfortable for those with hyperopia, where distant objects are clear but close objects appear blurry.
Without glasses or contact lenses, prolonged staring can cause eye strain and headaches.
In summary: for most families, a 4K TV is completely sufficient, and more expensive 8K screens will not provide a better visual experience at normal viewing distances. /GazetaExpress/
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