Bigger Picture

The supersize technology that will make your high-def TV obsolete

Spiderman: Sony Pictures; TV: Samsung

The consumer-electronics industry thinks it knows what will persuade you to replace your high-definition TV: even more resolution. The emerging standard for next-generation video, 4K TV, packs four times as many pixels as today's highest-resolution sets. Also known as Ultra HD, the technology powers fantastically crisp, vivid new televisions at sizes of up to 110 in. Spectacular though it is, 4K may be years away from real-world living rooms. Right now, it's available only on a few giant TVs at giant prices: Samsung is taking preorders, in South Korea only, for an 85-in. set priced at $38,000. LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!