4K HDR: Experience high quality picture with your 4K BRAVIA
1. What are 4K and HDR?
4K picture has a resolution of about 8,290,000 pixels, which is 4 times that of full high definition (2K). Even when viewed on a large screen, it achieves high definition picture quality down to the smallest details and reproduces realistic details and textures. 4K may also be called Ultra HD (UHD) because it has higher picture quality than high definition (HD).
2K | 4K |
---|---|
1,920 x 1,080 pixels |
3,840 x 2,160 pixels |
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, which can render brightness in a range wider than normal pictures. The higher standard of brightness that can be displayed allows for high contrast pictures and detailed color renders.
Normal picture | HDR picture |
---|---|
2. Does my TV support 4K or HDR?
If your TV has a resolution of Horizontal 3,840 x Vertical 2,160 or higher, you can enjoy 4K content via HDMI devices, USB storage, and online. For details, go to the TV support site and refer to the Specifications — DISPLAY RESOLUTION of your model.
The following icons are also indicated on packages of models that support 4K and HDR.
NOTES:
- To enjoy high definition 4K Enhanced format content via HDMI, you must set up the TV. For details, refer to "Enjoying 4K/HDR via HDMI" below.
- If your TV also supports 4K X Reality Pro, non-4K content is upscaled to 4K resolution automatically by increasing the definition through super-resolution processing.
To check if your TV supports HDR, go to the TV support site and refer to the Specifications — HDR (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE) COMPATIBILITY of your model.
NOTES:
- Depending on your TV, you may need to update to the latest firmware.
- If your TV supports HDR10, you can enjoy HDR content from Ultra HD Blu-ray (UHD BD) and streaming services. If your TV supports Dolby Vision, you can enjoy higher quality Dolby Vision content. Refer to the What are the compatible HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats on my BRAVIA TV? article for details about HDR format support for your TV.
- If your TV also supports the HDR Remaster feature, non-HDR content is upscaled into a more realistic HDR picture automatically based on the subject.
3. How can I enjoy 4K or HDR content?
You can enjoy 4K and HDR content once you have confirmed that your TV supports 4K and HDR. The required procedure depends on the content source and your TV. Refer to the items below according to the type of content you want to watch.
Enjoying 4K/HDR with online services
Streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube™, and Prime Video provide a huge amount of 4K and HDR supported content. To enjoy them, check the following four points.
-
Does your subscription service support 4K?
To enjoy 4K content with some services such as Netflix, you must subscribe to a specific plan such as a premium plan. -
Does the content you watch support 4K/HDR?
To enjoy 4K, you must select content that supports 4K (UHD). To enjoy HDR, you must select content that supports HDR (HDR10 or Dolby Vision). Be especially careful when purchasing content. -
Is the picture setting of the streaming service set to auto or high?
If the picture setting of the streaming service app is not set to auto or high, you cannot enjoy 4K/HDR content at the best quality. -
Is your network fast enough?
If your network is not fast enough, you cannot enjoy 4K/HDR content at the best quality. In general, a steady internet connection speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher is necessary.
Note: The required network speed depends on the service.
The required settings depend on the streaming service. For details, refer to the help site of your desired service.
NOTE: To enjoy a streaming service via an HDMI device such as a Fire TV Stick or set-top box, refer to "Enjoying 4K/HDR via HDMI" below.
Enjoying 4K/HDR via HDMI
Select the type of device connected to the TV.
- 4K Enhanced format supporting devices (e.g. Ultra HD BD player, PlayStation 4 Pro)
- Other 4K or HDR supporting devices (e.g. 4K video camera)
4K Enhanced format supporting devices (e.g. Ultra HD BD player, PlayStation 4 Pro)
If you want to enjoy high definition 4K HDR content (Enhanced format*) such as PS4 Pro video games and Ultra HD BD movies, special preparation is required.
*4K (50, 60 Hz) of YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, YCbCr 4:2:0 / 10bit, RGB, etc.
- Prepare the Premium High Speed HDMI cable which supports 18Gbps.
- Confirm that your TV and HDMI input support the Enhanced format.
- Set the input connected to the HDMI device to Enhanced format.
For details, refer to the How do I view 4K (50/60p) and HDR contents from an external HDMI device connected to Android TV/Google TV? article.
You can also enjoy video games without time lag by setting Picture Mode to Game. For details, refer to the How to reduce input lag for Game article.
Other 4K or HDR supporting devices (e.g. 4K video camera)
Even if you do not have a Premium High Speed HDMI cable, you can enjoy 4K video and HDR without the Enhanced format. (such as 4K 30p video recorded with a 4K video camera) Prepare a High Speed HDMI* cable and connect the TV’s HDMI input to an HDMI device that supports 4K and HDR.
*To watch 4K video, you need an HDMI cable that supports the HDMI 2.0 standard or higher.
NOTES:
- Settings may be required depending on the connected device. For details, refer to the Operating Instructions.
- To enjoy content protected by the HDCP 2.2 format, you must use an HDMI input that supports it. All inputs on the 4K Android TV and Google TV support it. For details, refer to Is my 4K/8K BRAVIA TV compatible with HDCP 2.2?
*HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, which is a standard that restricts copying via HDMI.
Enjoying 4K/HDR via USB
Enjoying 4K/HDR videos and still images saved in USB storage is very easy. Just connect the USB storage containing the 4K/HDR content to the TV's USB port. You can automatically play back movies and still images at the optimum picture quality.