The 8K TV Decline: Why the Industry is Admitting the Future Lies Elsewhere
For much of the 2010s, technology companies relentlessly promoted the idea that 8K displays were the inevitable future of home entertainment. From early prototypes at CES to increasingly expensive consumer models, the push for ultra-high resolution was strong. However, as we move further into the 2020s, a significant shift is occurring. Major manufacturers are scaling back, and even abandoning, their 8K TV efforts. This article delves into the reasons behind the 8K TV decline, examining the challenges, the market response, and where the industry is now focusing its innovation.
The Rise and Fall of the 8K Promise
The journey of 8K TVs began with ambitious demonstrations. In 2012, Sharp unveiled the first 8K TV prototype at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, sparking initial excitement. By 2015, the first 8K TVs went on sale in Japan, albeit at a staggering price of 16 million yen (approximately $133,034 at the time). Samsung entered the US market in 2018 with more accessible, though still premium, models starting at $3,500. Industry standards followed, with VESA (Display Port 1.4 in 2016) and the HDMI Forum (HDMI 2.1) establishing specifications to support the new resolution. Dell even released an 8K computer monitor in 2017, and LG joined the fray in 2019 with its first 8K OLED TV, further fueling the narrative that 8K was “the future.”
The Great Retreat: Manufacturers Exit 8K
Despite the initial hype, 8K never managed to establish itself as a mainstream technology. Now, leading TV manufacturers are quietly pulling back from the format. LG Display has ceased production of both 8K LCD and OLED panels, as reported by FlatpanelsHD. A representative from LG Display stated the decision was based on a “comprehensive view of current display market trends and the trends within the 8K content ecosystem.” While they maintain readiness to re-enter the market if demand shifts, the immediate future looks bleak for LG’s 8K panel production.
LG Electronics, the sole producer of 8K OLED TVs, is also scaling back. While initially priced at a hefty $13,000 for a 76.7-inch model in 2022 (a $7,000 price reduction from earlier models), sources indicate they will not be restocking the 2024 QNED99T, their last LCD 8K TV. This follows a similar trend from other brands. TCL, which last released an 8K TV in 2021, announced in 2023 that it would not be producing further 8K models due to insufficient demand. Perhaps the most significant move came from Sony, who discontinued their 8K TV lineup in April 2024 and is unlikely to return, as they plan to sell a majority stake in their Bravia TV business to TCL.
The Numbers Don't Lie: 4K Dominates
The market data clearly illustrates the disparity between 8K’s promise and its reality. According to September 2024 research from Omdia, there are “nearly 1 billion 4K TVs currently in use.” In stark contrast, only 1.6 million 8K TVs have been sold since 2015, with sales peaking in 2022. This data underscores the overwhelming preference for 4K resolution among consumers.
The Waning Influence of the 8K Association
The 8K Association, founded in 2019 by key industry players like Samsung, TCL, Hisense, and AU Optronics, aimed to promote 8K TVs and content. However, its membership is dwindling. As of late 2024, the association lists only 16 companies on its membership page, with just two TV manufacturers remaining: Samsung and Panasonic. Critically, no major TV panel suppliers are currently members. An archived version of the association’s website from the end of 2022 shows a significantly larger membership of 33 companies, highlighting the rapid decline in industry support.
Why 8K Failed to Capture the Market
Several key factors contributed to 8K’s failure to gain traction. The most significant hurdle was the high cost, making 8K TVs inaccessible to most consumers. However, price wasn’t the only issue. A severe lack of native 8K content meant that even those who could afford an 8K TV had little to watch in its full resolution. This lack of content was predictable, given the ongoing scarcity of 4K content and the continued prevalence of 1080p resolution among streaming, broadcasting, and gaming platforms.
Gaming was initially touted as a potential driver for 8K adoption. The PlayStation 5 (PS5) Pro was initially marketed with 8K support. However, Sony officially dropped this promise in June 2024. Bandwidth limitations meant the PS5 Pro could only deliver 8K via Display Stream Compression over HDMI 2.1, rendering it incompatible with some 8K TVs.
The Human Eye and the Limits of Resolution
Even if 8K content were readily available, the benefits might not be readily apparent to the average viewer. Research suggests that the human eye has limitations in its ability to perceive the increased resolution. The University of Cambridge’s display resolution calculator, based on research published in Nature, indicates that 8K resolution is only discernible on a 50-inch screen when viewed from a distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet) or less. For larger screens (80-inch or 100-inch), viewers would need to be seated relatively close (2–3 meters/6.6–9.8 feet) to appreciate the benefits of 8K. These findings align with similar research from RTINGs.com.
The Future of TV Technology: Beyond 8K
Consumers interested in upgrading their home theater experience are increasingly focusing on technologies beyond 8K, such as OLED, HDR support, Micro LED, quantum dots, and the emerging Micro RGB panel technology. These innovations are likely to have a more significant impact on picture quality and the overall viewing experience than simply increasing resolution.
While 8K isn’t entirely dead – Samsung continues to offer 8K TVs starting at $2,500 for a 65-inch model, and LG will continue to sell remaining stock – its future appears limited. Manufacturers aren’t completely ruling out a potential return to 8K, suggesting it might find a niche among enthusiasts or in specialized applications. Furthermore, high-resolution displays have applications beyond TVs, such as in head-mounted displays. However, the days of companies competing to offer the “most real 8K” TVs are long gone. The future of television clearly lies elsewhere.
GearTech will continue to monitor the evolving landscape of display technology and provide updates on the latest trends and innovations.