4K Projectors Explained - Native 4K vs Pixel Shifting
When it comes to choosing between a 4K projector, a smart 4K TV, or gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X or PS5, resolution might deeply impact your viewingor gaming experience. In this guide, we delve into the differences between native 4K and pixel-shifting technology in projectors.
What is Native 4K?
For native 4K projectors, the native 4K chip could only be used in a 3-chip setup to independently replicate each of the 8.8 million pixels, resulting in a 4096 x 2160 image output. This is achieved through the chipset without any additional necessary processing or pixel duplication; which is why you may also see it advertised as "True 4K" on some projectors.
Pixel Shifting
4K resolution has become the mainstream trend in projectors, but not all projectors that claim to be 4K have native 4K chips.
Pixel Shifting is a low-cost way to achieve 4K. The main difference between pixel shifting 4K and native 4K is manufacturing cost. 1920 x 1080 chipsets are cheaper than native 4K chipsets, meaning consumers can enjoy 4K images at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering buying a projector, don't be overly concerned about any one number or specification. The best displays perform well on a variety of different tests and sometimes the overall display quality is more than just the sum of its individual specs. If a projector you're considering buying uses pixel shifting to increase the overall resolution, know that this is not a "cheat" but is an effective way of increasing visible resolution without the high costs associated with a higher resolution imaging chip.