Starting in 2022, the 8K Association (8KA) will use a revised 8K TV specification that covers enhanced gaming features like VRR and more video codecs. Amazon Prime Video has joined as a member.
8K TV specification
The 8K Association is backed by a group of TV manufacturers such as Samsung and Panasonic as well other companies to promote the 8K ecosystem. As part of the initiative, the association has created a 8K TV 'performance specification', certification, and logo.
- "In addition to the existing requirements for resolution, luminance, color and connectivity standards that ensure powerful big-screen performance, the 8K Association Certified logo program now recognizes a broader set of video decoding standards that will promote the wider availability of 8K streaming content," the 8KA announced ahead of CES 2022.
8K video codecs include AV1, VVC and others but the 8K Association did specify which video codecs are included as the full 8K TV performance specification was not published.
The revised specification includes new gaming requirements, specifically Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via HDMI 2.1 as "gaming on 8K TVs is expected to be an important use case" in the future.
The 8KA has certified over 80 TV models to date. A list can be found here.
LG Electronics and Sony are not members of the 8K Association.
Samsung is one of the driving forces of the 8K TV Association
ACR and new members
In addition, the 8KA is exploring using Ambient Contrast Ratio (ACR) as "a new way to help ensure good picture quality performance in different ambient lighting conditions".
The associations's ACR test measures the reflectivity of the TV with a test pattern in both bright and dim illumination conditions and sets levels for performance in each case that the TV must pass.
- "We have been discussing ACR more than a year as a new item and it was finally included in V2.1.0," said KG Lee, Chair of the Technology Work Group. "While passing the ACR spec is optional now for certification, members are required to provide the data so we can optimize the pass/fail criteria for a future mandatory requirement."
Lastly, 8KA confirmed that Amazon Prime Video, content creation company 4by4, testing service provider UL (Underwriter Laboratory), and TV maker Changhong have joined the association. Amazon is perhaps the most interesting addition as it could hint that Prime Video is preparing to add 8K streaming content.
- "The 8K Association embraces the goals of these new member companies and is working with its Work Groups to facilitate the industry advancements that can lead to 8K streaming services," said Chris Chinnock, 8KA Executive Director.
