If you own a 4K Ultra High Definition TV, or are shopping for one, you're probably wondering to find 4K content to watch. The selection is still limited, but it's growing rapidly, and there are several ways to get it. Read on to discover what's out there now and what's coming down the trail.
We'll mostly be talking about streaming video services, and also to watch 4K online video like that requires fairly fast Online sites -- at least 20Mbps. And we'd also recommend getting a good wireless router.
But for 4K TV owners who want to see the best possible image quality on their new TVs, we will lead off with the undisputed top-notch 4K video source: Ultra HD Bluray. Check out 4k content in streaming services reviewed on our website.
Netflix is the most popular streaming video service and has a relatively large selection of 4K content. The set of 4K TV series includes Netflix originals, like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones. You can also watch other superior quality 4K TV fare including the complete Breaking Bad series, plus the Blacklist, as well as a handful of movies like Philadelphia, The Avengers, and Skyfall. Netflix has the most 4K TV SET shows and films that serve to the broadest selection of tastes.
What you'll need: a 2014 or newer 4K Ultra HD TELEVISION with HEVC decoding and a Netflix app, and also a Netflix 4K streaming membership (currently $12. 99/mo. ). The Netflix software is included on most 4K TVs, but once you'd rather use an outboard media streamer, your 4K-capable options include the Roku 4 and the latest version of Amazon's Fire TV.
If most likely already an Amazon Prime member, you probably know that one of the perks is Amazon's Primary video streaming service, with a significant amount of 4K content. It's a great bonus -- free gain access to to some terrific content, including Amazon's impressive lineup of original TV series. Most of these shows are in 4K, like The Guy In the High Castle, Clear, and Orphan Black. A few shows, like Mozart In the Jungle and Bosch, also get the increased quality of Large Dynamic Range (HDR), if your 4K TV has the necessary decoding ability. Amazon also has over 30 movies available in 4K resolution, although these aren't part of their Prime catalog -- you have to pay for them. Titles include Captain Philips, Problem, and The Amazing Spider-Man.
What you're looking for: a 2014 or newer 4K Ultra HIGH-DEFINITION TV with HEVC solving and an Amazon app, an Amazon Prime subscription (currently $99/year). Outboard media streamers that can deliver Amazon 4K content include the Roku 4 and the latest version of Amazon's Fire TV. (If if you're not an Amazon Perfect member, you may still rent or purchase 4K movies. )
If you already get satellite or cable TV service, here are a few 4K video options that may interest you. DirecTV's 4K Ultra HIGH DEFINITION service offers a limited selection of 4K movies available on a pay-per-view basis. In order to use the service, you must not only be a DirecTV subscriber, but must also have DirecTV's Genie whole house HD DVR, along with a DirecTV-ready Ultra HD TELEVISION, like the 2015 models from Samsung and Volvo. Comcast's Xfinity in UHD is another on-demand service that, so far, only works with Samsung 4K TVs.
Although over-the-air 4K broadcasts are still a ways off, the final details of the next-generation TV SET broadcasting system -- called ATSC 3. 0 -- should be hammered out in 2016. Check again around every few months to keep up with the fast-changing 4K content scene.
What are the best 4k Tvs? Find out on our website.
