Netflix 4k TV Trial Underway
Netflix has begun its 4k TV trial streaming in preparation to offering ultra-high definition content to its expanding customer base in early 2014. Subscribers in the United States who have already purchased a 4k UHDTV can now watch an 8 minute film of test footage scenes in six different resolutions, up to the incredibly high definition provided by 59.94 frames per second. Although optimized for UHDTV, any US subscriber can view the clip at lower resolution.
Defining 4k TV
4k TV is the term used to describe ultra-high definition television. The resolution is four times greater than the regular high definition currently available. Viewers accessing the Netflix 4k TV trial will notice the difference as they enjoy greater depth of color, detail and contrast in the content they watch.
Next Steps for 4k TV Trial
Netflix expects that streaming will be the route to providing 4k technology to consumers. The company continues to work on improving compression and decoding capability. Netflix intends to be one of the first video providers to offer mainstream 4k video to its already vast streaming library, and plans to be one of the major suppliers of 4k.
The industry considers this 4k TV trial to be good news. It is the leading edge of the rollout of a wider choice of titles available in Ultra HD. Netflix has already shot the initial season of one of its hit shows, 'House of Cards', in 4k. This initiative makes it likely that Netflix' own original content will be part of the first titles offered in 4k when the service officially comes on line.