CES 2013: Ultra-High-Definition TVs To Make A Splash, But Will Cost A Pretty Penny

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a showcase for lots of exciting new technologies, but the real mainstay focus of the convention is displays. While some big names are noticeably absent, many electronics manufacturers will be unveiling some incredibly high-end ultra-high-definition television sets that look like they may eventually become mainstays in the living room. 

Ultra-high-definition television sets contain over eight-million pixels and screen sizes ranging from 50 to 100 inches. Newer television sets, such as Samsung's UHD TV model UN85S9000, will be releasing in 2013 with quad-core processors and slicker interfaces that will make channel surfing more like web surfing. Many of these will be multi-tools, offering 3-D viewing experiences as well as computing capabilities. 

These UHD televisions won't come cheap, however. Many of the sets with screen sizes around 80 inches can cost as much as $20,000. With that kind of price tag, this kind of technology is only accessible to those with some deep pockets. 

"If you have to ask what it costs, you can't afford it," Samsung executive Joe Stinziano said about UHD TVs. 

A UHD television is clearly out of most consumers' reaches as of now, but the technology promises to be be big in the future. Sharper displays have always been a trend in electronics - video game consoles are constantly pushing graphics, movies are replacing entire sets with computer simulations, and electronics devices are increasingly making HD the norm. One can notice the trend, as more companies like Panasonic, Sharp, Vizio, and Westinghouse are joining Sony and LG as UHD TV manufacturers.

As the computing power and display technology needed for UHD becomes more and more accessible, these kinds of television sets will become affordable to the average household, but until then, those with the cash to shell out can experience the future of television before everybody else.