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Lamhas
- January 24, 2023
The picture quality of TV screens has changed dramatically over the past few years. Today, you will get incredible picture quality. All thanks to SD, HD, and 4K resolutions! They are redefining the viewing experience of users.
Knowing the main difference between SD, HD, and 4K
A video is made up of pixels, the smallest units of information. Basically, they are the small dots you see on a screen that are combined to create a picture. Your video’s resolution refers to how many pixels there are in each frame. The crispness of an image is usually determined by the number of pixels it contains. More pixels mean a sharper, more detailed picture.
The major difference between SD, HD, and 4K formats can be understood in terms of the number of pixels contained in the video image. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you’ll have.
Let’s understand SD, HD, and 4K in detail:
SD
SD stands for standard definition, which has been in use for many years now. In broadcasts and streaming, SD represents what is often considered entry-level video resolution. It refers to 480 pixels in height in a single image. Despite the popularity of many new formats and video resolutions, SD is still useful for live streaming and uplinking TV channels.
HD
HD resolution is a high-definition quality resolution that refers to a pixel height of either 720 or 1080 pixels. The resolution of the frame is higher than that of a standard definition video but lower than that of a 4K video.
720p is the bottom level of resolution considered “high-definition.” In fact, it is one of the most common resolutions broadcast across the internet. To distinguish it from 1080, which is the other level of HD, it is sometimes called “HD ready” or “standard HD.”
There is a maximum video resolution of 720p that can be broadcast via Facebook Live. It is used by many major television broadcasters for their HD standards. Also, the bandwidth required to uplink a TV channel in HD format is about 4-6 Mbps.
There are two types of full HD available today: 1080i and 1080p. HD streaming requires these standards because they are of the highest quality. However, for most television broadcasters, 1080i is the preferred HD format.
According to the latest guidelines issued recently by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Indian broadcasters can now uplink content in SD or HD format without obtaining additional permission. Almost all Indian broadcasters now broadcast content in HD format.
4K – UHD (ultra-high definition)
Let’s move on to the latest, greatest, and biggest format, 4K or UHD video (3860 x 2160 pixels). There is no doubt that 4K LED TVs are the future, with most households now shopping for them. However, 4K video is extremely large and takes up a lot of bandwidth. OTT platforms now stream content in 4K resolution, whereas satellite TV channels rarely broadcast content in 4K.
It will only be a matter of time before popular broadcasters begin uplinking TV channels in 4K format.
Due to the availability of the most advanced encoding and compression technology, it will be possible to stream content in 4K resolution. 8-10 Mbps of satellite bandwidth is required for uplinking a TV channel in 4K format.
SD, HD, or 4K – Which one to choose?
If you are considering telecasting or streaming your video content, your choice of SD, HD, or 4K format depends on the reception equipment on the customer’s end as well. Similarly, if a broadcaster wants to deliver the signal in HD quality to its viewers, it must produce and uplink content in HD format, and the customer must have an HD-enabled STB and LED TV. If any OTT platform wants to stream a movie in 4K, the customer must have a high-speed internet connection and a 4K / UHD-enabled LED TV.
Key Takeaways
Advanced broadcast solutions can help you stream content in whichever resolution you want. Lamhas is one of the leading teleport operators and broadcasting solutions providers who understand your streaming needs better! Get in touch with us for TV Channel Uplink service or video streaming in HD/4K quality.