What is 4K Video?

4K video is becoming the new resolution standard in the audio visual and event industry. With 4K video it now provides certain advantages for your upcoming event such as: higher image definition quality, more detailed picture, and a larger projection surface. All meaning a large, clean-crisp image for your attendees to view.

4K video refers to it having a 4000 pixels horizontal resolution. Meanwhile, previous event standards of 1080p and 720p resolutions were named due to the vertical resolutions. With the new 4K video standard, it allows for more than four times the higher image definition compared to 1080p.

When to Use?

The first step in determining when to use 4K video is to understand the main content for your upcoming show. Will the main focal point of the show become very video heavy, and is the content especially detailed and real-to-life? Then this is when you should consider using 4k. Also, you need to think about your audience as well. Are they going to be in-person or is your next show a virtual event? With virtual events, some viewers choose to watch 4K videos at lower resolutions because of bandwidth issues causing their internet to run slower at their home. Another factor to consider with virtual events is that audiences can’t really tell the difference between HD and 4K on smaller screens, like mobile devices. 4K videos are meant to really be displayed on larger screens for the audience to really get the full affect and see the difference between HD and 4K. So first you need to determine the type of content you will be displaying and how will your audience be attending your next event.

Advantages & Disadvantages

The biggest advantage for 4K videos has to be the resolution it offers. This format allows you to display higher quality images to help captivate your audience and leave a lasting impact. With this higher resolution it can be beneficial for industries that rely on more detailed images for their content, such as the healthcare industry.

One disadvantage previously discussed is the bandwidth and storage requirements to display 4K videos. When considering these types of videos for your next event you need to ensure your venue has the infrastructure in place to handle the requirements necessary for 4K. Additionally with 4K you also need to consider the cost. Not only do the 4K cameras cost more to shoot the video, but you will also see the expense increase for the video equipment that will be used to display your videos at your next event. If you are working on a tighter budget this may not be the direction you want to take.

If you would like to learn more about 4K video or would like to know when is the best opportunity to use them, you are not alone. Advanced Staging Productions’ video engineers are here to help. With 30 years of experience in the production industry and thousands of combined jobs under their belts, this team knows how to simplify the process to help you make the best choices for your next event!