New certification for 8K Association 

The 8K Association has published an updated performance specification for its 8K Association Certified mark programme.

The updated specification adds new decoding requirements, new image quality metrics and a game mode.

A significant addition is the use of Ambient Contrast Ratio (ACR) as a new way to help ensure good picture quality performance in different ambient lighting conditions. The 8KA ACR test measures the reflectivity of the TV with a test pattern in both bright and dim illumination conditions and sets levels for performance in each case that the TV must pass.

Also included in the revised specification are new Gaming mode requirements that include support for Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via the HDMI 2.1 interface.

The association said that it is in the process of auditing UL (underwriter Laboratory) to become an 8KA certified test lab able to measure 8K TVs for the Association’s logo programme. It will join Allion Labs and Telecommunications Technology Associates (TTA) in testing new sets for the 8KA.

In addition, the 8KA has announced the addition of new members including Amazon Prime Video, 4by4 and the rejoining of Changhong.

Ben Waggoner, principal video specialist at Amazon, said: “Prime Video was the first subscription service to launch HDR back in 2015, and we are obsessed with providing our customers high audiovisual quality. We want to team up with the 8KA in identifying if and what content benefits from delivery at native 8K and 4Kp120, and the technical requirements to deliver those benefits to customers.”

Chris Chinnock, 8KA executive director, said: “The 8K Association embraces the goals of these new member companies and is working with its Work Groups to facilitate the industry advancements that can lead to 8K streaming services.”