8K Association Announces Performance Specification for Consumer TVs

The 8K Association (8KA) announced that key performance attributes for 8K televisions have been defined as part of the technical program. Performance criteria were created in concert with the association’s membership with a strong pulse on current and future technology trends.

“Defining the key attributes for an 8K TV specification demonstrates the 8KA’s focus to quickly define a critical step in the growth in next-generation video technology,“ noted 8KA Executive Director, Chris Chinnock. “To reach this milestone is a great testament to the cooperative spirit the members of the 8K Association enjoy along with our shared enthusiasm for the 8K ecosystem expansion.“

8K refers to the latest and highest-resolution standard for content creation, distribution and television displays that enables over 33 million pixels of resolution, which is 4 times sharper than the UHD / 4K standard. The new 8K TV specification now defined by the 8K Association includes recommended performance levels for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Color performance along with interface requirements to help ensure consumers have confidence in their newly purchased 8K TVs.

A compliance test set will be developed next by 8K Association members, thus enabling a transparent testing process. The 8KA plans to promote a logo on any member’s 8K TV that meets or exceeds the newly defined technical standard. Along with the newly defined performance standard, the 8K Association continues its rapid growth with its broad membership having more than doubled over the past months.

“This rapidly expanding membership is an indication that we are on the right path and that other companies see the value in the work we are doing,“ continued Chinnock. “We expect to announce addition high-level members in the near term that will expand our efforts into other parts of the ecosystem and allow us to continue to educate and deliver positive 8K messages to professionals and consumers alike.“

The newly released tech spec includes specifications for 8K Input Parameters, Display Performance and the Interface & Media formats. Resolution for 8K standard will 7680 x 4320 pixels in an input frame rate at 24p, 30p and 60p frames per second. Display luminance will have to be more than 600 nits at peak luminance with HEVC codec and HDMI 2.1 interface support.