As we reported earlier this week, the next generation of so-called "4K" high-definition display technology for the home -giant-screen TVs with more than eight million pixels of resolution, four times the resolution of today's high-definition televisions - will be called "Ultra High-Definition" or "Ultra HD," connoting its superiority over conventional HDTV, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

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CEA's Board of Industry Leaders unanimously voted Wednesday to endorse the consensus opinion of CEA's "4K" Working Group recommending the term "Ultra High-Definition" and related performance attributes. The name and related minimum performance characteristics are designed to help consumers and retailers understand the attributes of this next generation of display technology.

The Working Group, now known as the CEA Ultra HD Working Group, was formed earlier this year to bring a wide array of stakeholders together to discuss how best to define and educate consumers about this new technology.

The consumer electronics industry's new designation for Ultra HD products was the result of extensive consumer research conducted by CEA's market research group. "Ultra HD" reportedly rated highest in terms of helping consumers understand the technology and in communicating the technology's superior viewing experience.

The group also defined the core characteristics of Ultra High-Definition TVs, monitors and projectors for the home. Minimum performance attributes include display resolution of at least eight million active pixels, with at least 3,840 horizontally and at least 2,160 vertically. Displays will have an aspect ratio with width to height of at least 16 X 9. To use the Ultra HD label, display products will require at least one digital input capable of carrying and presenting native 4K format video from this input at full 3,840 X 2,160 resolution without relying solely on up-converting.

"Under CEA's leadership, the Ultra HD Working Group spent the majority of the summer meeting and discussing how to bring this technology to market," said CEA Ultra HD Working Group Chairman Gary Yacoubian, president and CEO of Specialty Technology/SVS. "We discussed and debated two important steps, the name and recommended attributes, in a forum that allowed a variety of key stakeholders, manufacturers, retailers, broadcasters and Hollywood professionals to lend their voices. As we educate and raise awareness among consumers, I look forward to working with our robust committee to pave the way for a successful rollout of Ultra HD."

Ultra HD technology will be prominently displayed at the upcoming 2013 International CES.

Additional Resouces
• Read more industry trade news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Learn more about the new HD format.