Is everyone listening to the discussion about 1080p and 4K? Most of us don’t know what this is all about. Don’t worry, many of us are in this confusion. Today, we will clarify the differences between 1080p and 4K easily and understandably. Whether you’re looking to buy a new TV or just enjoy knowing more about the screen in your living room, this article should help you think about what kind of resolution you would like depending on how close/far you will be sitting and how much you intend to watch. Read on to learn the difference between 1080P & 4K and how to play 4K Blu-ray/videos with Leawo Blu-ray Player.
Part 1: What is 1080P & 4K Resolution? What are the Differences?
High-definition television (TV) may often have terms such as 1080p and 4K when people are discussing the picture quality of the television. But what does that speak to or those numbers in particular indeed, speak to? Let me try, briefly and to the point, to highlight the differences between these two resolutions.
Firstly, the “p” of 1080p is computed from the root of the progression (progressive) word, which means that the resolution is going to be displayed as a sequence of lines of all frames of the resolution instead of the staggered system, where only every other line is displayed. Referring to 4K, the symbol “K” refers to a width of approximately 4000 pixels.
The only significant difference is the number of pixels in the image: 1080p has about 2 million of them (1920 х 1080), while 4K has almost four times this value (approximately 8.3 million) with a specificity of 3840 x 2160.
There is a dramatic disparity in image quality, due to all of the extra pixels. Images are found to be of very high sharpness and finely detailed features are easy to identify. Colors also seem much richer and more naturalistic than before since the television is capable of delivering a much more realistic, more seamless, more lifelike, than what before has been able to deliver, gradient transition between colors [and so on]. Shadowy and bright areas have noticeably better definition too.
In terms of content availability, most major streaming services now offer 4K movies and shows which is great. Blu-ray discs are still stuck at 1080p resolution though Blu-ray players that support the newer 4K discs are becoming more common. Gaming has also started supporting 4K on newer consoles and graphics cards.
It is true that, although 1080p is still widely used, the cleaner resolution of 4K remains prevalent. There is a clearly visible quality improvement in the image caused due to the increase of pixels. For a comprehensive comparison see the comparison table of 4K and 1080p below.
| Specs | 4K | 1080p |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Total Pixels | 8.3 million | 2.1 million |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:09 | 16:09 |
| Pixel Density | ~110 ppi | ~55 ppi |
| Color Depth | Up to 12 bits per channel | Up to 8 bits per channel |
| Colour Volume | >1.07 billion colors | 16.7 million colors |
| Processing Power Required | High | Moderate |
| Storage Space Required | High | Moderate |
| Viewing Distance | Ideal under 6.5 feet | Ideal under 10 feet |
Part 2: Why Choose One Resolution Over Another?
So once you understand the differences between resolutions, the next question is which one should you choose? Cost is obviously a big consideration. TVs and monitors with a resolution of 1080p will be the cheapest without any doubt. And 1080p is still fairly sharp for most display sizes. So if you’re on a budget, it’s perfectly good for everyday use.
However, 4K displays offer way more detail and really make images come to life. So it’s worth it if you can afford the extra cost. Just keep in mind you’ll also need a 4K compatible device like a Blu-ray player or gaming console to take full advantage of the higher resolution. For laptops, power usage is something to think about too. There is a much higher amount of energy used having a 4K screen compared to having a 1080p screen, as there are more pixels to drive. In the event that 1080p can provide a more desirable balance between portable use and power consumption, it may become a popular choice.
TV power consumption won’t impact you directly but going with a 1080p model over 4K could help lower your electricity bill a bit. And if eco-friendliness is a priority, the less power-intensive option is better for the environment. Storage and battery life are also considerations if you shoot a lot of videos on your phone or camera. 4K files gobble up space much quicker than 1080p, and 8K files gobble up even more. You’ll want plenty of memory cards and spare batteries on hand. Hope this gives you an idea of what factors matter most for your needs when choosing a display resolution.
Part 3: How to Play 4K Resolution Videos with Leawo Blu-ray Player?
If you want to enjoy high-quality 4K content on your computer, then the Leawo Blu-ray Player is the best option available, and it is completely free of cost. As a multifunctional media player, it supports 4K playback of not only video files but also the latest 4K Blu-ray discs and DVDs in their native resolutions. Whether the Leawo Blu-ray Player plays 4 K movies from a disc or in digital file format, it can replay them flawlessly. Along with flawless 4K playback, it also offers additional great features like being region-free so you’re never limited by restrictions on discs from other countries. In addition to that, you also receive free lifelong access i.e., you can experience the best multimedia video experiences without any subscription fee. With its unparalleled ability to play almost any 4K video source, the Leawo Blu-ray Player is undoubtedly the top choice for anyone looking for a fully-featured 4K player on Mac or Windows. Let me quickly show you how to play 4K resolution videos with the Leawo Blu-ray Player.
Step 1: Launch the Leawo Blu-ray Player
To start using the Leawo Blu-ray Player, first launch the program on your computer. The software will automatically detect if you have any discs inserted and ready to play.
Step 2: Load your Media Files for Playback
Leawo Blu-ray Player can play video files or Blu-ray/DVD discs as playback output. To watch the video files, just click on the button “Open File” at the top interface, and choose the folder of your video files.
The system is capable of directly generating a folder called “Home” containing videos and directly then accessing it. Just put a Blu-ray or DVD into the computer drive to play it. Using this approach, the program will recognize the disc and display the result in the main window. Click the disc icon to start playback.
Step 3: Adjust the Playback Settings
During the playback of your Blu-ray, DVD, or video files, you can use the various buttons on the playback panel to enhance your viewing experience.
These have Full-screen playback, Volume control, Subtitle selection, and Video/audio options. The subtitle, video, and audio controls can be customized as you like, by choosing the buttons on the playback control panel. This way, it is suitable to use Leawo Blu-ray Player without any difficulty to play 4K grade material on the computer, if taken by the video file or Blu-ray/DVD.
We hope today’s article has clarified your confusion about 1080p vs 4k resolution. Both offer good video quality however still your personal preference is the best way to go. And remember, no matter what your video type is, you can always play it with the Leawo Blu-ray Player for free and easily.
