1080p content on a 4k TV.

[Blackout65]

Im looking to buy a new 4k tv to watch movies, tv shows and anime.

Lets say the content im watching is 1080p will it look worse on the 4k tv than compared to a 1080p tv.

Thank you.

 

[atomicWAR]

video content. not at all...I run 4k and all my old video content, regardless of resolution, looks great. Now video games that is another story. 1080P stuff still looks very good but things like anti-aliasing do not work well at all leaving the stairway effect on sharp edges in full force. For video games it's not until 1440P or better that AA seems to start dulling sharp jagged edges down.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Generally, yes, the 1080p content ends up blurrier on a 4k TV than it should, despite a 4k TV having an even pixel scaling ratio of 4:1. Clarity will also depend on scaling hardware, if any, and other video processing being done on the 4k TV. On moving video content, you probably won't notice the blurriness, but on static displays such as computer, game console, or device menus you might get from a set top box you can. Some models of 4k TV have absolutely atrocious input lag that can't be fixed, so I recommend attaching a game device to the TV for testing before purchase if possible, if you plan to attach the TV to a computer or gaming console once in your home.

Not all HDMI inputs on 4k TVs are HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compliant. If your equipment requires those, make sure the TV you plan to purchase has enough to meet your needs.

Another metric to consider is that, to actually benefit from 4k resolution when watching 4k content, you need to be closer to an equivalent sized set than you do with 1080p content. It's simply how human vision works, and if you're not going to be close enough to even appreciate the benefit a 4k TV of the size you purchase might provide, you can save a lot of money by not going 4k, or perhaps step up to a better 1080p screen for a similar price.

Here are a couple of pages that can help you determine the optimal viewing distance for a given size of TV, or help you determine the right sized screen for a given viewing distance:

https://www.tekrevue.com/tv-screen-size-calculator/

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WfwvZVx1q1g/learn/learningcenter/home/TV_placement.html

 

[Blackout65]

Lets say im sitting 3ft away from 1080p content it would be better to get a 4k tv rather than a 1080p tv?

I would rather have a 50-55 inch tv so would 4k be better even though I will be watching 1080p content.

Thanks for the indepth answer. Hopefully this a reply and it gets to you.

 

[atomicWAR]

Generally, yes, the 1080p content ends up blurrier on a 4k TV than it should, despite a 4k TV having an even pixel scaling ratio of 4:1. Clarity will also depend on scaling hardware, if any, and other video processing being done on the 4k TV. On moving video content, you probably won't notice the blurriness, but on static displays such as computer, game console, or device menus you might get from a set top box you can. Some models of 4k TV have absolutely atrocious input lag that can't be fixed, so I recommend attaching a game device to the TV for testing before purchase if possible, if you plan to attach the TV to a computer or gaming console once in your home.

Not all HDMI inputs on 4k TVs are HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 compliant. If your equipment requires those, make sure the TV you plan to purchase has enough to meet your needs.

Another metric to consider is that, to actually benefit from 4k resolution when watching 4k content, you need to be closer to an equivalent sized set than you do with 1080p content. It's simply how human vision works, and if you're not going to be close enough to even appreciate the benefit a 4k TV of the size you purchase might provide, you can save a lot of money by not going 4k, or perhaps step up to a better 1080p screen for a similar price.

Here are a couple of pages that can help you determine the optimal viewing distance for a given size of TV, or help you determine the right sized screen for a given viewing distance:

https://www.tekrevue.com/tv-screen-size-calculator/

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WfwvZVx1q1g/learn/learningcenter/home/TV_placement.html

I agree with most of what you said. Getting a low end 4K can make 1080P content look bad from poor scaling. Input lag does need to be accounted for as well, which I did when getting my 4K set. But even with an HDTV input lag can be an issue on lower end models so if input lag is a make or break issue you want to get a monitor with something in the 1ms-5ms ballpark. Now If you spend wisely on 4K you can have a terrific experience with your 1080P content. rtings.com is a great site for looking up with UHDTVs in regards to gaming and video content. Their reviews spell out every weakness and strength a set has to offer from input lag, up-scaling, gray uniformity, etc. Regardless if your going 4K don't settle for the low end, you'll regret it. As stated you better served getting a high end 1080P panel for the price of a low end 4K.