Looking Ahead: 4K Trends in 2016
A new year calls for plenty of new trends and the future of 4K is looking pretty bright. Joel Holland, founder and CEO of Video Blocks, answers a few questions about what we can expect from 4K this year, new products to look forward to and whether or not this "trend" will live up to its expectations or fizzle out.
ProductionHUB: What 4K trends did we see in 2015 that aren't going anywhere in 2016?Joel Holland: I can't think of any false starts for 4K trends in 2015, but I do think 2016 will see prices falling across the board for cameras, televisions and content. 4K is quickly becoming the new standard, just as HD replaced SD.
PH: What are some of the new trends we can expect to see in the new year?
JH: Where 2015 was the year that 4K cameras became commonplace, 2016 will see more mass availability of 4K content for viewers.
PH: Was there any 4K trend that was expected to have more impact last year, but didn't? If so, what was it and why don't you think it caught on?
JH: I think there was an expectation that there would be more native 4K content available to watch on 4K televisions, but unless you connected a laptop to your screen, this really wasn't the case.
PH: What is some new 4K equipment we can look forward to?
JH: Just like SD cameras led to HD cameras with no real change in price over time, 4K cameras will continue to become mainstream and less expensive. Same thing goes for televisions. Manufacturers have let the first movers pay the highest prices, and now the everyday person will be able to scoop up some sweet pixels for a good price.
PH: How will 6K, 8K, etc. impact 4K or measure up?
JH: It will be years before 4K is replaced with a higher resolution like 6K or 8K. The real value of these super high res formats is the ability for editors to get creative framing shots in post production, ultimately outputting to 4K or HD for consumption.
PH: Is 4K easier to market? Why or why not?
JH: 4K certainly has a certain sexiness at present because it is new and four times better than HD. But soon 4K will become taken for granted by viewers just like HD did while SD slipped off stage.
PH: What would you say to those who claim 4K is pointless and stupid?
JH: I'd say, enjoy your black and white cathode ray tube TV with the bunny ears and tinfoil you luddite.
PH: Is 4K here to stay? Why or why not?
JH: 4K isn't a fad, it's an experiential upgrade. Like faster computers or better gas mileage, 4K is a dramatic improvement in resolution compared to HD, and takes viewers one step closer to being part of the action.
About Joel Holland
Joel Holland is the founder and CEO of Video Blocks, a company that distributes over 1,000,000 clips of royalty free stock video and audio each month to over 100,000 customers in the television and video production industry, from professional outlets like NBC, to hobbyists and enthusiasts. In 2012, Video Blocks was named the fourth fastest growing media company in the US by Inc. Magazine, and made the Inc. 500 list. For his work with Video Blocks, Joel has been named one of the "Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25" by BusinessWeek Magazine, "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" by the United States Small Business Administration, “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young for the Greater Washington DC Region, and made Inc. Magazine’s prestigious “30 Under 30” list in 2013. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 from Babson College, a school ranked #1 for Entrepreneurship by US News and World Report. Joel resides in Washington, DC.
