4Kvideo

4K video refers to digital video with approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels. In consumer contexts it most often denotes 3840 × 2160 (commonly called Ultra High Definition, or UHD), while in cinema it can refer to 4096 × 2160 (DCI 4K). Both resolutions have about a 16:9 aspect ratio, though cinema scanning occasionally uses wider framing.

The term gained prominence in the 2010s with the spread of 4K-capable televisions, monitors, and cameras. Ultra HD content became widely available through streaming services, digital downloads, and Ultra HD Blu-ray. Standards organizations define the formats, color spaces, and frame rates used for 4K production and delivery.

Video compression and delivery rely on codecs such as H.264/AVC, HEVC/H.265, and newer AV1. 4K content is commonly delivered at high bitrates and can include high dynamic range (HDR) with wider color gamuts. Interfaces such as HDMI 2.0/2.1 and DisplayPort provide the bandwidth for 4K at 60 Hz or higher, enabling smooth playback and interactive framing in some setups.

In production and consumer use, 4K offers increased detail and flexibility for cropping and reframing. It requires compatible captures, storage, and displays, and can impose higher bandwidth, storage, and processing demands. Downscaling or upscaling is common when source material is not native 4K.

Common HDR formats for 4K content include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, and color spaces often reference Rec. 2020 or Rec. 709 as a baseline. The term 4K may refer to different standards depending on context, so specifications should be checked for resolution, frame rate, color, and HDR.