Yes, unfortunately this is the new world of televisions.
We're at the point where the hardware is far more advanced than anything we're actually watching on it - more or less - in that 4K televisions wildly outnumber non-4K tv's in your average high street electrical retailer. And my, don't they all look pretty displaying that specially selected football or nature show in all their 4K glory.
Trouble is, there's not enough 4K content. Yes, there's a little bit on Netflix, but it probably accounts for about 5%, maybe less. You could also get a Sky Q box, and watch their 5% or maybe less 4K content too.
Everything else, was not made for 4K televisions. You'll just about get away with HD - though by this point you're possibly wondering what you paid for, as it likely doesn't look any better than the 1080p TV you possibly replaced.
And as you noted, anything older.... well it's borderline unwatchable.
We're putting the cart before the horse here. But that's marketing. The truth is, we're not ready for 4K - but the manufacturers simply need to sell televisions.
All of this is fact - the problem is whether anyone understands it. If they do - no harm no foul - eschew non-HD content, accept HD is no better than it was on your old telly, and maybe dabble in the tiny amount of 4K content. But the additional truth is, by the time we're really ready for 4K - we'll need a new TV to watch it on. Really.
Times have changed.
