How Much Data Does an Hour of 4K Video Take Up?
To determine how much data an hour of 4K video consumes, it's important to understand the variables at play. Whether you're streaming or storing the video locally, the answer can vary widely based on factors such as compression type, resolution, and audio quality.
Streaming vs. Local Storage
When streaming 4K video, the data usage is closely tied to the service you are using, the streaming bitrate, and the quality of the audio. For example:
Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and others can significantly influence the data usage. A 4K stream on these platforms might range from 3.5GB to 7GB per hour, depending on the exact streaming settings. Additionally, audio quality can play a role. If you're using an audio receiver for 2-channel, 5.1-channel, 7.1-channel, Dolby Atmos, or DTS-X audio, the data usage will increase.Uncompressed 4K Video
If the 4K video is not compressed, it can consume a substantial amount of data. An uncompressed 4K video can take up from 80GB to 110GB per hour. This is in stark contrast to the compressed format often used on consumer devices.
4K Video Storage on Devices
The physical storage requirements for 4K video depend on the compression method, the pixel dimensions, and the file format. For instance, an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, which uses HEVC (H.265) compression, can hold approximately 2 hours of 4K video on a 66GB dual-layer disc.
Codec and Bitrate Considerations
The codec used in the compression process is a crucial factor. Different codecs and different versions of 4K video will have varying file sizes. To give a rough estimate, one might use the rule of thumb that one gigabyte per minute is a fair approximation for uncompressed 4K video.
Resolution and File Size Relationship
4K video has four times the resolution of 1080p Full HD video, meaning it has four times as many pixels and four times the image size. Therefore, the file size for 4K video will be approximately four times larger than that of 1080p video, given the same frame rate and bitrate.
Practical Example: From 4K to 1080p
If you record a 1080p video at 20GB, you can expect a 4K version of the same video to be around 80GB, provided all other factors remain the same. This significant increase in file size underscores the importance of considering the storage requirements when choosing your recording settings.
Codec and Bitrate Influence
The actual compression rate, frame rate (FPS), bitrate, and codec used can all impact the amount of data required. My 4K camcorder, for example, records at 100Mbps or 60Mbps, with 100Mbps equating to 45GB per hour and 60Mbps to 27GB per hour. These figures are based on the native H.264 AVCHD codec of the camera.
If you decide to transcode the content to another codec, the storage requirement may change based on the codec and the compression settings used.
To conclude, the amount of data an hour of 4K video takes up depends heavily on the specifics of your setup. Whether you're streaming or storing the video, these factors should be carefully considered to ensure optimal performance and storage management.