NHK smashes the 4K image barrier

By Philip Wong on 20 June 2008

Tags: 4k | japan | tv | theater | pixel | lumen | develop | 4000 | smash | tier


In today's world of broadcasting and commercial display technologies, video resolution seems to be the name of the game as we progress from full-HD to 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), and now 8K (7,680 x 4,320 pixels) ultra-high-definition format. Developed by NHK, this Japanese prototype system is capable of displaying 32 megapixels' worth or 16 times more details than any consumer panel.

The theater on demonstration at CommunicAsia comprises two LCoS projectors with a combined 8,000 lumens brightness and a towering 6.6m x 3.7m 300-inch projection screen. If you think that is impressive, wait till you have a go at its triple-tier 22.2-channel cinema sound system. We're talking dual subwoofers, three, 10 and nine speakers at the bottom, screen level and overhead.

To reproduce the brilliant image clarity, the Japanese broadcaster has also developed a matching 8K studio camera, hard drive recorder and a high-bandwidth optical transmission system via IP networking. If you've missed this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you could visit Japan's Kyushu National Museum and pop by its Theater 4000 equipped with the same 300-incher instead.

Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!

Be the first to comment on this article!

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.


  • Commercial networks could win sport on digital

  • Panasonic Viera TX-37LZ800M

  • Sony Bravia KDL32V4000

  • Plasma TV on the rebound?

  • Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850A

  • HD Olympics: A look behind the scenes

  • Best 1080p televisions

  • How Seven blew the internet Olympics

  • Samsung LA40A650

More articles »

Product finder

The Explain Series

  • Panasonic Viera TX-37LZ800M

    Panasonic Viera TX-37LZ800M

    This flagship 2008 Panasonic Viera LCD TV delivers brilliant colours and soulful sounds, but is held back by a less than ideal PC resolution support and a broken anti-judder 24p function.

  • Sony Bravia KDL32V4000

    Sony Bravia KDL32V4000

    The Sony Bravia KDL32V4000 offers excellent detail, colour and contrast but despite its 1080p resolution the set's high price and motion issues let it down.

  • Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850A

    Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850A

    This flagship Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850A is just as good as or even better than the Pioneer LX Kuro in many areas and at a far more reasonable asking price, too.

  • Samsung LA40A650

    Samsung LA40A650

    The Samsung LA40A650 is a very good all-rounder which particularly shines in high definition, but it's facing some talented competition.

  • Toshiba Regza 42AV500A

    Toshiba Regza 42AV500A

    The Toshiba Regza 42AV500A is a great mid-range unit with an attractive price point. It's not perfect but it will certainly please the budget consumer.

More reviews »

Membership benefits

Create a personalised homepage

Create a personalised homepage

Choose your interests from our 16 categories and only see articles relevant to you. Sign up for a free CNET.com.au membership now!