As more and more tech news filters through each day, it almost seems like our high-end entertainment tech is becoming outdated more and more quickly. While not always to the extent of an Apple device, it’s clear that the top product of today certainly won’t be in 24 months. So, this raises the question: is it worthwhile buying into the best that’s on the market, or will a less expensive or less high-tech option be better?
Should you go all the way to over 7000 pixels?
The television market has exploded in recent years, with the tech powering even the more accessibly-priced models being incredible. It doesn’t seem long ago that HD and 3D TVs were all the rage, but now, there’s 4K, QLED, 8K, and OLED headlining the show. While these tend to be quite explanatory regarding which is better on either side of the K or LED debate, in many ways, the answer isn’t very clear.
Starting with 4K versus 8K, 4K is twice as sharp as HD at 3840 pixels, while 8K is another double-up at 7680 pixels. This is said to allow 8K TVs to provide a more naturalistic picture quality. On the other side, you have QLED versus OLED. Here, the quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) screens aim to enhance color displays, while organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens make images sharper, have faster frame rates, and deepen the blackness. Of course, on both sides, the higher-spec version boasts higher prices. That would see the argument essentially boil down to 8K versus OLED.
While 8K is seemingly the better technology, the more advanced TV screen, and a huge step from its predecessor, it’s not exactly necessary right now. As it stands, there’re so few channels, movies, series, or platforms that offer 8K products. They will become more popular as 8K is adopted by creatives, but right now, 4K is ideal. For even better 4K, OLED is the way to go, currently being the best way to experience high-end entertainment. As it stands, most would agree that LG makes the finest televisions with OLED screens. They’re certainly not cheap and often have to be purchased in large sizes – generally 55’’ and up – but they currently set the standard. In fact, you may be able to find a Star Wars limited edition form of the 65’’ C2 OLED TV online.
Is going live all that it’s hyped up to be?
Live streaming has skyrocketed over the last few years, offering an authentic, real-time interaction with people across the internet. Right now, Twitch is the largest live streaming platform, with over 9.3 billion hours watched worldwide. It’s become so popular that celebrities have found a lot of success with video and live streaming channels, and even Tony the Tiger of Kellogg’s became a streamer. As a result, a lot of live streaming products have risen to the fore across entertainment.
You know that a technology is going to be good for real entertainment products when it’s already being used to make online shopping more fun, immersive, and captivating. Now, while the video versions are performing well as people enjoy playing classic games at their own speed, live casino technology has transformed the sector beyond belief. Many people who choose to play online blackjack now turn to the likes of Ultimate Blackjack with Olivia or Real Blackjack with James rather than Redeal Blackjack or Perfect Strategy Blackjack because of the real-time action and professional croupier performing at a real table. That said, some still prefer the more private, play at your own pace video-format games instead.
Why enter another reality for entertainment?
A lot has been made about the importance of virtual reality hardware again of late, with the long-emerging technology given a huge boost by Meta’s (formerly Facebook) announcement of their plans for the Metaverse. As it stands, it’s predominantly driven by nascent concepts, which will require years to develop and refine. Even flagship experiences and games like Horizon Worlds, which Mark Zuckerberg likes to venture into and hold up as the place to be, require a lot more work. Still, it’s games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox that have given big-tech such faith in the Metaverse concept, but right now, VR gaming is in a hit-or-miss state.
When it comes to shifting top-tier games from consoles and PC to virtual reality, though, it doesn’t always pay off. Skyrim VR can probably be counted among the few true success stories when comparing the base version with the VR version, receiving a high review score on Steam. However, players of the Bethesda game are quite accustomed to a few bugs, allowing for them as the world is so vast and exciting. The bugs that come up are a bit more obvious in the VR version of Microsoft Flight Simulator and Hitman 3. Even the incredibly immersive, fear-enhancing experience of Subnautica VR has its pitfalls.
While some of the latest innovations in entertainment tech do improve greatly on the existing popular products, sometimes, it’s better to go with ones that better suit the rest of the market.
