UHD Upscaling is a term often used by Samsung to describe the ability of a TV to enlarge images to 4K resolution. This process allows video from various sources, such as HDMI or digital tuners, to be scaled up from Full HD (1080p) to fit the entire screen. Without upscaling, a lower-resolution video would occupy only part of the screen, which can be inconvenient. Upscaling ensures that the video is displayed across the whole screen for a more comfortable viewing experience.
What Makes UHD Upscaling Special
While image scaling itself is not unique—computers and smartphones perform similar functions—UHD Upscaling uses advanced algorithms to improve image quality. Simpler algorithms may scale images quickly but result in reduced quality, while more powerful devices use complex algorithms that provide superior results. Essentially, the zoom function, found in most digital devices, is enhanced on TVs with UHD Upscaling for more refined image quality.
Does Image Quality Improve with Zooming?
The improvement in image quality depends on the resolution being scaled. When scaling from SD (Standard Definition) to UHD, the image quality may not improve significantly due to the limited number of pixels. However, scaling Full HD to UHD offers a noticeable improvement, as there are enough pixels to add more detail, resulting in a clearer, more defined picture.
How UHD Upscaling Works
When a TV receives a lower-resolution image, the built-in operating system activates a subroutine to upscale the image. This process stretches the video to fill the full screen, effectively converting the lower resolution into a high-definition image for better clarity and detail.