UHD vs HDR: The Pros and Cons

The TV world can be so confusing nowadays. When HD TVs were introduced, the concept sounded so simple. Now, there’s 4K TVs, which have gone down in price quite a bit. That also seems simple enough, but these TVs have the option of either UHD and HDR. This is where it gets quite confusing.

In this post, we will clarify the differences between the two types so you can make a more informed decision.

UHD

UHD stands for ultra high definition. It has a high pixel count, which is 3840 x 2160. Also, the pixel count is where the term “4K” originates from. These pixels are four times as much as a 1080p TV.

Pixels make up everything we see on a screen. The more pixels a TV has, the better the picture. Something that has a low amount of pixels, such as 360p, is not going to have a clean picture. Meanwhile, something with a high amount of pixels has a crisp, clean picture that gives off the vibrant look you want.

Another feature of UHD is that its frame rate is increased. As a hardcore viewer or gamer will know, the better the frame rate, the smoother the picture is. When you watch something with a lot of movement, an increase in frame rate means that the movements on your screen are more immersive.

The difference between a full HD TV and a 4K is noticeable, going from 60 to 120 Hz.

4K TVs grew in popularity in the 2010s, but they have been around for longer than you may think. IBM introduced the first 4K monitor back in 2001, but these monitors were expensive, going for around $8,000 or more. Plus, no TV show or video game was created in that resolution, so what was the point? However, that has changed in the past decade, and now UHD is the standard – at least until 8K replaces it in a few years.

HDR

When you have a 4K TV, you may notice that there is an option to turn HDR on. What does that do?

HDR, or high dynamic range, involves contrasts. We all know about the power of contrasting. Blacks and whites, reds and blues – the list goes on. When HDR is turned on, it allows the contrast to even out. The whites stand out, but they don’t overwhelm the darker aspects of the picture.

HDR can make the screen feel lifelike. One reason for this is because the colors do not bleed, or bloom. Bleeding means the colors can run into each other, ruining the immersion.

HDR improves the overall vibrant picture even further, giving you the best experience possible on your 4K.

Do All 4K TVs Have HDR?

This article may make you feel a little confused, because it almost seems 4K and HDR are two separate things. However, they aren’t. Many 4K TVs have HDR in them, so your 4K TV may have both.

But this isn’t necessarily the case for all TVs. Some 4K TVs may not include HDR. This means that you won’t be getting the best picture possible.

When you are looking for a 4K TV, double check and see if it has the HDR tech you’re wanting. You may end up with a TV that doesn’t and feel disappointed that you aren’t getting the best quality image possible.

With that said, most modern 4K TVs should have it.

What About the Power Usage?

With that said, you may be someone who is trying to save a few bucks on electricity, and you may wonder if turning on HDR will consume any more power. Whether it’s because you want lower bills or because you want to be nice to the planet, this is something to be mindful of.

Watching a film in HDR may consume more power. It can add 50 percent more consumption if you’re not careful. Of course, this can also depend on the TV. Many TVs are manufactured to be sustainable and low on the energy bill.

For example, you can look for 4K TVs that have an Energy Star label on them. This means they are quite decent on energy usage.

Also, you can use automatic brightness. This is a feature where the TV’s brightness will adjust according to your room. When watching during the day, or when you have the lights on, the TV will use less brightness, thus saving power. However, if it’s dark, the TV can increase brightness so you can get the best of both worlds.

Another way to lower your energy consumption is to turn off Quick Start Mode. This is a mode where you can turn on your TV automatically if you’re casting a show. It is quite convenient, but at the same time, it does consume a little more power, so that’s something to consider.

So in conclusion, watching movies and playing games in HDR may end up costing you more power. However, there are TVs that can make that cost feel insignificant to you.

What About Longevity?

Besides power consumption, there’s another concern you may have when it comes to turning on your HDR, and that is whether or not it will cut the TV’s lifespan.

Getting a new TV can be a pain. It can financially be a pain, and it can be a pain when your TV dies at an inconvenient time. No TV will last forever, but there are definitely some ways you can extend its lifespan, such as lowering the brightness.

As for whether or not you should turn on your HDR, the science is still out on that. Look online and you can find several people saying it will and others saying it won’t have any effect.

For someone who is watching an average amount of TV, we don’t believe that HDR will have too much of an effect on your TV’s lifespan. Especially if you take some precautions like enabling automatic brightness.

HDR and Video Games

There’s an old saying among gamers, and that’s “Graphics don’t make a game.” In other words, how fun the gameplay is should be your main concern. But nice graphics are definitely an added bonus! Playing a game in 4K can look great, and many games have an HDR option as well.

However, not all modern games have it, and it can depend on the console. For example, with PS4 and Xbox One, the original models don’t have it, and you have to buy the Pro and X models, respectively, if you want to play in HDR.

Also, depending on your TV, playing in HDR may not be a smart move. This is because some TVs don’t account for the extra input lag that can happen. This can ruin your gaming experience, especially if you’re playing a fighter or another game where that can make or break your game.

Some TVs do have a gaming mode or other settings to allow you to game in HDR without having to worry about more lag. Make sure your TV has one.

What About the Cost?

When it comes to cost, you may wonder how much a 4K TV with or without HDR costs.

Luckily, most modern 4K TVs have HDR, and cost is no longer a big hurdle. You can find a 4K HDR TV for around the $200 range. A few years ago, 4K TVs were expensive, but that is no longer the case. That’s the beauty of technology. What was expensive a few years ago won’t be currently.

If you’re getting an 8K TV with HDR, that’s an entirely different story. They cost a lot. You’re looking at thousands for them. Not to mention, most movies and games don’t support 8K. Give it a few years and this will change. For now, getting a 4K with HDR may be just what you need.

In Conclusion

Now, let’s summarize all of the points.

• UHD, or ultra high definition, is what 4K TVs are. They have four times the pixels compared to 1080p TVs.

• HDR, or high definition resolution, improves the contrast, making the colors pop out more and improving the picture.
• Most modern 4K TVs have HDR, but double check before you purchase.
• Turning on HDR may consume a little more power, but this depends on the TV you have and the other power settings you have on.
• If you want to game, you need to make sure your console or PC supports it. Also, make sure your TV is equipped with gaming mode, which will reduce lag.

In conclusion, there aren’t too many reasons why you shouldn’t have HDR on if you have the option. It can improve the picture tremendously and allow you to get the best experience, whether you are watching a movie or playing a game.

We hope this post clarified the difference between UHD and HDR. They are not two separate kinds of TV, but rather, HDR is a feature found on most 4K TVs. We hope you find the TV you’re looking for. Good luck.