Which is best? 4:4:4 or 4:2:0?
Much has been made of the "4:4:4 60Hz" term. In many cases it is used to highlight speed capabilities.
At NueTec we would like to highlight some facts related to the constant comparison between images iluminated by one colour sub sampling or another.
Please note, the term 4:4:4 60Hz relates to bandwidth requirement and has no relation to image quality.
As the chart at the bottom of the page will illustrate, a 4:4:4 60Hz images is supported by HDMI connection only when used in conjunction with 8bit colour depth.
At 8bit colour depth the image is limited to REC709 which is inferior to a 10bit image that is able to make use of a REC2020WCG containing 62.5 times more colour pigments. (see illustrations below)
HDMI features are inter-linked and are designed in combination to offer a variety of high resolution moving images.
Please review the example below
Please review HDMI LLC HDMI Premium (2.0) full list of features below.
Please note, higher refresh reate offers smoother more stable moving image
10bit colour depth offers richer HDR/Dolby Vision/HLG performance
H.265 encoded blu ray titles offer the highest quality images curretnly available for viewing by consumers.
Chart courtesy of HDMI LLC