New TV-resolution technology now is called ‘Ultra HD’

Consumer Electronics Association created a new term for TVs that have 4,000-pixel resolution. The association says such models are “Ultra High-Definition” or “Ultra HD” TVs.

Models that have 4,000-pixel, or 4K, resolution are designed to deliver a sharper display than are traditional high-definition TVs, which have a video resolution that’s as high 1080p.

To be marketed as an Ultra HD TV, a model must have at least one digital input that’s capable of carrying and presenting video at a full resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Models that rely on a converter to reach such a resolution aren’t considered Ultra HD.

Ultra HD models also must have an aspect ratio, or width-to-height ratio, of at least 16 x 9.

As we reported in September 2012, the first Ultra HD models are scheduled to arrive in stores before the holidays.