[From Gizmodo; more details follows in a second item below]

Sharp’s 8k TV Is Like Standing in the Presence of a Wrathful God

By Sam Biddle
Jan 11, 2012

Sharp’s lineup of TVs has been pretty lackluster so far. Oh! Except for this 85-inch 8k television, which is made up over 33 million pixels that look so shockingly good I actually felt ill.

The 8k set is a prototype, but the technology is real. Really, really real—and 16 times the resolution of 1080p. Which already looks fab.

I’ve simply never looked at a thing like this before. What’s the point in using qualitatives? How many times can I write sharp, clear, gorgeous, and vivid? Human faces look like they’re in front of you, smiling through an enormous science fiction window. Look as close as you want at that crowd scene—there will always be more details. Footage of a dragon puppet looked more “there” than any 3D set has ever been.

3D is supposed to be immersive, right? F[**]k your immersion. No TV will ever be more immersive than an enormous one that actually looks like real life—no kooky daggers and baseballs flying out at your face required. No gimmicks. Just 33 million pixels in one place.

A nice lady who works for Sharp said it might be about five years until we can buy this.

—

[From Forbes]

CES: Sharp Shows Off 8K LCD; 16x HD Resolution

Eric Savitz, Forbes Staff
1/10/2012

Now here’s a TV you will want to own. Some day.

Every year at the Consumer Electronics Show, the TV manufacturers show off stunning new sets that you will not be able to buy for years to come, but which give a tantalizing view of the future.

One that fits nicely into that category is the amazing prototype 85-inch 8K LCD display from Sharp. The display has a resolution of 7,630 by 4,320 pixels – 16 times the resolution of current high def displays.

The images literally pop off the screen; they feel almost 3D like. It’s incredibly compelling. Far away, but tantalizing. Sharp doesn’t expect anyone to really start producing content in that kind of resolution until 2020. But be patient. Resolution this good is coming. If you live long enough.

I chatted about the technology with Sharp spokesman Jeff Leopold.  Listen to the conversation – and get a glimpse of the TV – in the [3:00 minute] video [here].