Summary
It’s time to buy a new TV, but you only watch cable.
I should take this opportunity to point out thatnew 4K TVsare relatively inexpensive.
This is primarily due to bandwidth constraints.
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From a technical standpoint, existing cable infrastructurecandeliver 4K video.
There are also financial hurdles that make 4K broadcasting difficult.
On occasion, cable television will broadcast at 1080p.
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But this is usually reserved for special events or pay-per-view programs.
Video files are also bound by resolution.
However, this content may still look “better” on a 4K TV because of a process calledupscaling.
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Bumping a low-resolution video to 4K will not necessarily increase the image’s quality.
However, high-end 4K TVs often run image-enhancement algorithms during the upscaling process.
There’s just one problem: you’re probably going up in size.
If you don’t need a super-sized TV, this affordable 1080p VIZIO set might be a great option. Just know that it lacks the enhanced color and contrast of more expensive TVs.
Even with a great upscaling algorithm, low-resolution content will always look worse as TV size increases.
Sitting further away from the TV is the only way to really resolve this problem.
So, don’t expect any miracles.
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If you don’t need a super-sized TV, this affordable 1080p VIZIO set might be a great option.
Just know that it lacks the enhanced color and contrast of more expensive TVs.
Your Cable Plan May Include 4K Streaming Content
Some cable plans are advertised as “4K.”
This Hisense 55-inch U6K TV packs a high-quality image in a fairly affordable package. Along with its 4K video resolution, it uses QLED and HDR10+ technology to deliver enhanced color and contrast.
I’d argue that this is incredibly misleading, as cable TV isn’t actually 4K.
This plan includes a cable box with 4K internet streaming capabilities!"
Some live content, including sporting events, may also be offered in 4K through these streaming services.
Or, cable companies may ditch their old infrastructure and do everything through the power of the internet.
So, Do Dedicated Cable Customers Need a 4K TV?
Nobody “needs” a 4K TV.
A less expensive 1080p TV would get the job done.
However, you should know that 4K is slowly becoming the standard television resolution.
And it’s not just a streaming thingbroadcasters are preparing to upgrade antenna TV to 4K quality.
These technologies may be more valuable than 4K, given your love of cable.
This Hisense 55-inch U6K TV packs a high-quality image in a fairly affordable package.
Along with its 4K video resolution, it uses QLED and HDR10+ technology to deliver enhanced color and contrast.
