Audio Video News

The 8K Association (8KA), a global industry group focused on facilitating the growth of the 8K ecosystem, today announced key performance attributes for next-generation 8K TVs that are already starting to trickle into the marketplace.

Covering parameters for 8K input (bit depth, frame rate, chroma sub-sampling), display performance (resolution, peak brightness, black level, color gamut, white point), interface, and media formats, the new technical specification is built around HDMI 2.1 and the HEVC (high efficiency video coding) codec and specifies a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 (or 33 million) pixels, which is four times that of the 4K Ultra HD standard; input frame rates of 24p, 30p, and 60p frames per second (fps); and display luminance that exceeds 600 nits peak luminance.

Additional specifications, which are available to 8KA members, include recommended performance levels for high dynamic range (HDR) and color.

The association is working on developing a compliance test to ensure a “transparent testing process” as well as a logo certification program. TVs will have to meet or exceed a set of test parameters to carry the official 8K logo.

“Defining the key attributes for an 8K TV specification demonstrates the 8KA’s focus to quickly define a critical step in the growth of next-generation video technology,” said 8KA executive director Chris Chinnock. “To reach this milestone is a great testament to the cooperative spirit the members of the 8K Association enjoy along with our shared enthusiasm for the 8K ecosystem expansion.”

The 8K Association is a global organization whose stated mission to “grow appreciation and awareness of 8K products” and “provide education and coordination with 8K ecosystem developers to help build the 8K market.” The association has 16 members spanning display manufacturers — including Hisense, Panasonic, Samsung, and TCL — technology providers, content providers, and companies involved in content distribution.

Chinnock said association membership has doubled in recent months and includes TV brands that held more than 40% of the U.S. TV market in the United States in the first half of 2019 and account for an estimated 90% of current 8K panel production.

For more information, visit 8kassociation.com.