4K Technology Renamed 'Ultra High-Definition'

4K technology was one of the big topics of conversation at the , but going forward, it will be known as "Ultra High-Definition" or "Ultra HD," the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced this week.

The CEA's Board of Industry Leaders voted in favor of the moniker, and it will be used on 4K products rolling out this fall.

4K, or Ultra HD, sets are four times the resolution of a standard HDTV. Current HDTVs display content at 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels), or slightly lower 1080i or 720p resolution. Ultra HD video is the next step in high definition, with a resolution of approximately 4,000-by-2,000 to 4,000-by-3,000, quadrupling or sextupling the number of pixels in the picture.

"Ultra HD is the next natural step forward in display technologies, Gary Shapiro, CEA president, said in a statement, adding that it offers consumers an "incredibly immersive viewing experience with outstanding new levels of picture quality."

The group landed on the name after extensive consumer research indicated that Ultra HD was the best way to communicate the technology's superior viewing experience.

CEA also defined what will be considered an Ultra HD TV, monitor, or projector. It must have a display resolution of at least 8 million active pixels, with at least 3,840 horizontally and at least 2,160 vertically. The products must also have a 16:9 aspect ratio, and at least one digital input capable of carrying and presenting native 4K format video at full 3,840-by-2,160 resolution.

"This new terminology and the recommended attributes will help consumers navigate the marketplace to find the TV that best meets their needs," Shapiro said.

"TVs remain highly sought after and were the second most frequently mentioned device on consumer wish lists this holiday season, behind only tablets," Shapiro said. "There has never been a great time to be a consumer of televisions and displays."

Ultra HD tech will be on display at the 2013 International CES annual consumer technology trade show Jan. 8 to 11 in Las Vegas. For more, check out the slideshow above, which features the 4KTVs that were at IFA.