The Future of TV Technology

In recent years we’ve seen great leaps forward in both the size of our televisions and the picture quality. CRT TVs have been replaced with super-slim LED sets and HD and 3D viewing is common in most households these days. So what’s the future of TV technology and what can we expect next?

Japanese broadcaster Nippon Housou Kyoukai (NHK) is currently at the forefront of TV technology and recently showcased prototypes of Super Hi-Vision televisions they expect we’ll be watching in years to come. Like many other TV manufacturers, they also showcase units displaying breathtaking resolution on huge screens. The current top end TVs really do pale in comparison to these so let’s look at the technology they use.

Super Hi-Vision, also known as Ultra HDTV, represents a cutting-edge television format with a stunning resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels. To put this in perspective, a current Full HD 1080p screen covers only a sixteenth of a Super Hi-Vision display. NHK initially showcased this new format on the world’s largest plasma TV by Panasonic, an enormous 145-inch screen. The visual quality is akin to being in a cinema, and the accompanying 22.2 multichannel surround sound creates an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re right there. Tech enthusiasts and experts seem to have been discussing these remarkable display features on avenues such as tech leaks podcast and seminars, even before the official launch of Super Hi-Vision TVs.

Super Hi-Vision holds the promise of transforming television as we know it, and it’s already making its mark in various applications. For instance, UltraHD tech is utilizing this technology to broadcast sporting events in 8K resolution, providing viewers with an even more immersive experience. This could mean that people can enjoy live events from the comfort of their homes, feeling as though they’re present in the stadium itself. Furthermore, this technology has the potential to create groundbreaking virtual reality experiences, enabling users to explore and interact with their environment in entirely novel ways. The future of TV is looking brighter and more immersive than ever.

Indeed, the astounding resolution of Super Hi-Vision can present a challenge, even on an 85-inch LCD panel, which is considered a relatively practical size for a home television. Of course, it all comes down to the dimensions of your room! If you want to add some more accessories to your new TV then you may want to take a look at adding a dolby atmos soundbar to bring a crisper sound into the room if you need it.

You might be sufficiently happy with your current TV so, apart from increased size and resolution, what other benefits will Super Hi-Vision offer? NHK showed a touchscreen interface allowing you to remotely zoom, pinch and pan around the screen. Zooming in on an image 16x will give the same picture clarity as a 1080p TV. When you’re watching a sports event you’ll be able to zoom in and track an individual player as easily as finding a petrol station on Google Maps.

With OLED TVs still in their early stages, it appears that Super Hi-Vision is going to rapidly follow in its footsteps. All in all, it’s looking like a bright future for viewers.

David Ingram is a technology writer with a passion for big screen TV’s and pocket sized gadgets. His latest purchase was the Sony KDL-40EX653, and he’s currently investigating which tablet to add to his collection next.