As smart TVs continue to reemerge as a central hub for content consumption, both traditional TV manufacturers and internet-based companies are intensifying their competition in this space. The hardware capabilities of these devices have also been continuously rising, with panel resolutions upgrading at a rapid pace. However, the availability of high-definition video content has not kept up with this technological advancement.
Currently, most TVs on the market support 4K resolution, yet the free online content we can access is mostly limited to 720p, and even paid content often tops out at 1080p. While the number of devices that support 4K playback is growing quickly, and more video equipment now offers 4K output, the lack of quality content remains a major obstacle to the growth of 4K and even 8K television industries.
On September 23, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television signed a cooperation memorandum with the Guangdong Provincial Government in Beijing, aiming to promote the application and industrial development of 4K ultra-high-definition television in the province. The agreement outlines plans to establish Guangdong as a national experimental field and demonstration area for the 4K industry.
To address the shortage of 4K content, Guangdong is actively building a dedicated 4K channel. The province aims to create a "Double Center" for 4K and 8K TV movies and encourages local radio and TV stations to participate in 4K production efforts. According to the memorandum, the State Administration will support Guangdong as a pilot region for 4K technology and help Guangdong Radio and Television transition to 4K broadcasting. It will also assist in developing a stronger content copyright trading platform and media big data industry.
At first glance, Guangdong’s initiative to build a 4K channel may seem like an aggressive move, especially given the declining ratings of traditional TV stations in the age of internet content. But behind this effort lies a strategic push to accelerate the upgrade of online consumption and stimulate related industries. By 2020, it's expected that the 4K industry could generate over 600 billion yuan in output value within the province.
Guangdong Radio and TV Station has launched the Guangdong Mobile Channel, which is being upgraded to a 4K channel. Additionally, state-owned enterprises and major telecom operators in Guangdong have joined forces to support 4K content creation.
Apple has also entered the 4K space by launching the Apple TV 4K, which officially went on sale after its recent announcement. This product focuses on supporting 4K format, making it a key upgrade from its predecessor. Apple has priced 4K movies reasonably, which is a strong selling point for the device. Moreover, Apple has curated a rich library of 4K HDR content, with over 150 titles available on iTunes, and Netflix now supports 4K HDR streaming (including Dolby Vision and HDR 10). With Apple's influence, the industry is likely to see more diverse and high-quality content in the future.
Major TV panel suppliers like LG, Samsung, and Sharp are also pushing forward. With falling panel costs, 4K TVs from internet brands are becoming more accessible. Sharp, in particular, has taken things a step further by introducing an 8K TV with a resolution of 7690 × 4360.
Sharp’s strategy is to "build an 8K ecosystem," focusing on content production, editing, transmission, and display. Through partnerships with companies like Foxconn, Sharp is working to develop the entire 8K pipeline. The company is also exploring the potential of combining 8K with 5G networks, which would be essential for transmitting high-resolution content efficiently.
For example, Sharp has collaborated with Japanese imaging firm ASTRODESIGN to develop a lightweight 8K image system. The company is also looking into practical applications of 8K + 5G, recognizing that higher-definition content requires faster network speeds.
While the development of 4K content in China may take some time, I believe the 8K project will require even more patience. However, the current support for 4K from the Guangdong TV channel suggests that increased backing from the media sector could significantly boost 4K content production. What do you think about the current state of 4K content? Do you feel a stronger need for high-definition content?
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