Today, there are more devices than ever that can display 4K resolution video. Those include TVs, monitors, laptops, tablets, and smartphones – all of which have screen resolutions of at least 1080p.In fact, many people are wondering if a 1080p monitor can display 4K resolution. In this blog post, we will explain what is meant by the term “resolution” when it comes to monitors and other digital displays; why some users like 1440p or 4K resolution; and whether or not a 1080p monitor can display 4K video.
Can a 1080p Monitor Display 4K Video?
A 1080p monitor can display 1080p video, but it cannot display 4K video. Video resolution is different from image resolution and is determined by the number of frames per second (fps) at which the video is recorded. Videos with high frame rates like 60 fps or 120 fps are better for viewing high-quality images because they display more detail and are less blurry. A 1080p monitor can display 1080p video but does not have the resolution to display a high-quality 4K video. A 4K monitor, on the other hand, can display 4K video at a high resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. A 1080p monitor can display 1080p video at 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Why Would You Want a 4K Monitor?
Did you know that 4K monitors are coming back with a vengeance? After being virtually non-existent just a couple of years ago, the demand for premium 4K monitors has skyrocketed, and manufacturers have responded. Today, there is an abundance of affordable 4K monitors from leading brands—so much so that choosing one can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for a monitor for photoing, video editing, gaming or general use, this list covers all the bases. Here are reasons why you need a 4K monitor in your life right now.
Video editing requires a lot of screen real estate
When you are editing video, you need a lot of screen real estate. You need to see your source clip beside your timeline so you can line them up accordingly. You need to see your audio tracks so that you can mute the ones you don’t wish to use. You need to see your video effects so you know where to place them. You need to see the colour correction settings so you can fine-tune them to the specific scene in your clip. You need to see any titles or graphics you’ve added to the scene, whether it’s your logo or a text overlay. You need to see all of this on one screen so you can avoid unnecessary headaches and wasted time.
Even 4K screens are becoming affordable now
4K monitors have been available for several years now, but the price has always been prohibitive for most consumers. The cheapest 4K monitors in 2016 cost upwards of $600. These days, however, you can find a perfectly good 4K monitor for under $300. For example, the 28-inch ViewSonic VX2880ml monitor is currently available on Amazon for just $229.99. The 2880ml is a fantastic choice for gamers and content creators alike because it boasts a stunning 3840 x 2160 resolution, a rapid 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync technology. Another excellent example is the 28-inch Samsung U28E590D monitor. This fantastic 4K monitor is currently available on Amazon for $379.99, which is a small price to pay for the improved image and colour quality you get with a 4K screen.
You want the best of the best when it comes to gaming
True, you can play games on a regular Full HD monitor all day, every day. But if you want the highest possible visual quality, you want to play on a 4K monitor. Why? Because with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, a 4K monitor has roughly 8 million pixels—four times as many as a regular Full HD monitor. With so many pixels on the screen, you can truly appreciate the stunning visual detail and crispness of modern games. You can see every pore on a character’s face, every flyaway strand of hair, every bead of sweat, and every drop of raindrops.
color accuracy
Achieving accurate colour reproduction is crucial when you’re editing photos or designing graphics. You want colours
- 4K screens have excellent viewing angles
- Ultra-high resolution means ultra-fine detail
- You can use your monitor as a second screen for work and play
- 4K monitors have exceptional that leap off the screen and hit you right in the retina. You want colors that look exactly as they did when you captured them in the first place. A 4K monitor helps you achieve all this and more. Why? Because it uses 10-bit color, which means it can display up to 1 billion colors (compared to the 16.7 million colours a regular Full HD monitor can display). With such a vast array of colors at your disposal, you can create images and videos that are truly stunning in terms of colour accuracy.
- If you share your desk with a friend or colleague, you’re probably familiar with the challenge of getting your screen to look its best. You want to see the colours and contrast perfectly, but your colleague may not. Why? Because viewing angles on regular Full HD monitors are rather poor. But viewing angles are a strength of 4K monitors. With a wider colour spectrum, a 4K monitor also looks great from a slight angle, so you and your colleague can admire the true beauty of your screen without squinting or straining your eyes.
- Thanks to their ultra-high resolution, 4K monitors can display an incredible amount of detail. You can see images, videos, and designs in a way you never could before. You can see the colour variations in a scene as if you were standing there yourself. For example, if you’re watching a movie with a friend, you can see the texture of the actor’s clothing, the beads of sweat on his brow, the pores in his skin, and the folds in his clothing. You can see the beauty of a landscape as if you were standing beside a roaring waterfall. And you can see the intricate details of a piece of artwork as if you were standing beside the artist’s workstation.
- If you work in an office, you may be familiar with the concept of using a second screen. Some people prefer using a second screen instead of switching between tabs in their browser or flipping back and forth between windows in their word processor. They may prefer using a second screen because it allows them to focus on their primary task without the distraction of other tabs or windows. Now, you can use a 4K monitor as your secondary screen for work and play. You can place your word processor or spreadsheet on one half of your desk, and a browser with tabs related to your work on the other half. You can put your most-used apps and widgets on one side of your 4K monitor, and your most-used apps on the other side. The possibilities are endless!
What You Should Know Before Buying a 4K Monitor?
To take advantage of a 4K monitor’s high resolution, you’ll need a computer that can handle 4K content. If you are currently using a computer that’s several years old, it may not be able to play 4K media. Fortunately, computers are generally upgradeable, so you can always replace your old computer with a new one.
- Newer computers are also being equipped with 4K compatibility, which allows them to play 4K media without issues.
- You may also want to consider buying a 4K monitor with a built-in graphics card, so you don’t have to upgrade your computer as often.
- If you have a computer that’s compatible with 4K, a 4K monitor will display content at its maximum resolution.
- If you have an old computer that can’t play 4K content, a 4K monitor will scale down the content to fit the lower resolution of your monitor.
Bottom Line
A 1080p monitor can display 1080p video and images. A 4K monitor can display 4K video and images. If you want to view high-quality images and videos on your computer monitor, it’s best to choose a 4K monitor. If you want to take full advantage of high-resolution video, have a large computer monitor, or are looking for the best computer experience for your buck, a 4K monitor is a great choice.
