If you replaced your old HDTV with a new 4K one, your source devices might not be aware of the change. The premium plan also includes the ability to stream to more devices at once. But to enjoy Netflix’s 4K content, you need to subscribe to the premium plan the basic plan is SD-only, and the standard plan is HD-only. Netflix is one of the main sources of new 4K content, and shows such as Stranger Things and Our Planet look far better with 4K, HDR/Dolby Vision, and wide color gamut than they do at 1080p.
Not every movie or show you want will be available in 4K or HDR, so be sure to look for labels like “4K,” “HDR,” and “Dolby Vision” on the info page for any given movie. Once you’ve upgraded your player, you can stream, rent, or purchase 4K titles from services such as Amazon Prime, Fandango Now, Google Play, iTunes, Netflix, and Vudu. The Chromecast with Google TV has all the features we look for in a media streamer, and Google’s interface is the best at finding and organizing content. But Ultra HD Blu-ray discs play only on a 4K Blu-ray player. An Ultra HD Blu-ray movie typically has at least five times as much data as a streamed version of a film, which means sharper fine details, fewer distracting artifacts, and a better overall image. Streamed 4K HDR movies can look and sound very good, but discs are even better. Currently, no 4K content is being broadcast over the air in the US it’s promised for the future, but it will require new hardware (either in the TV or in a set-top box) and is still years away.ĤK Blu-ray delivers the best video and audio quality for movies.Īlthough streaming is the most popular way to watch 4K content, if you want the best image and audio quality, you need a 4K Blu-ray player. Most 4K content that TV service providers offer comes in the form of on-demand movies, or a Netflix or Amazon 4K app included in their box. Some cable and satellite companies have a 4K channel, but it shows live 4K content only sometimes, for special events such as World Cup soccer or a golf tournament.
The majority of HDTV shows still come through at a 720p or 1080i resolution. Most of the content you can watch on cable or satellite TV is not 4K, even if you are using your provider’s 4K set-top box. Most 4K content doesn’t come from cable, satellite, or over-the-air TV. We recommend the best displays, sources, and accessories for watching 4K HDR movies and TV shows at home.