tech
The TV industry finally concedes that the future may not be in 8K
With virtually no content and limited benefits, 8K TVs were doomed.
TL;DR
- Technology companies promoted 8K displays starting in the early 2010s, with the first prototypes and high-priced models appearing by 2015.
- Despite industry efforts, including VESA and HDMI standards, 8K TVs did not become mainstream due to high costs and a lack of compelling native content.
- LG Display is no longer producing 8K LCD or OLED panels, and LG Electronics is phasing out its 8K TV models.
- Other brands like TCL and Sony have also reduced or ceased 8K TV production, citing low consumer demand.
- While nearly a billion 4K TVs are in use, only 1.6 million 8K TVs have been sold since 2015, with sales peaking in 2022.
- The PlayStation 5 Pro's 8K promise was rescinded, highlighting gaming's limited impact on 8K adoption.
- Scientific studies suggest 8K resolution is only noticeable at very close viewing distances or on very large screens, making it impractical for many home setups.
- Consumer interest is shifting towards other display technologies like OLED, HDR, Micro LED, and quantum dots.
- Samsung continues to offer 8K TVs, and the technology may find niche uses, but its future in the mainstream TV market is uncertain.