At this point, most everyone knows what high-definition content means. The contrast between standard definition and high definition is stark. Most television providers even offer high-definition content as a standard part of their services these days. However, many of you may have heard of a new resolution classification floating around these days: 4K or ultra hd. Ultra HD content is dominating the digital content space these days. Companies like Hulu and YouTube are joining giants like Netflix and Amazon to offer ultra hd resolution for select titles. We’ll take a look at these recent changes, but first it’s important to define what exactly 4K content is.
What is Ultra HD?
Resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create the images on a screen. The higher the definition, the more pixels used to create an image. Ultra HD (4K) has roughly quadruple the pixels than the traditional HD format. This is possibly due to the improved technology behind 4K televisions and monitors. To enjoy 4K you not only have to have 4K programming, but also need a 4K capable screen.
Ultra HD Programming Options
If you already own a 4K capable screen, the next step is to choose your a service with ultra high-definition programming options. Netflix and Amazon have been offering ultra hd content for specific titles for several years. The big news is that Hulu and YouTube have recently followed suit. Both companies are now offering 4K content for specific titles, and have voiced plans to continue to expand that library of content as we move into 2017.
Hulu
Hulu’s 4K services are available immediately for subscribers with Microsoft’s Xbox One or Sony’s Playstation 4 and a compatible screen. Their current ultra hd content offering is huge, including: “Spectre,” “Die Another Day,” “The World Is Not Enough,” “GoldenEye,” “Licence To Kill,” “The Living Daylights,” “A View to a Kill,” “Never Say Never Again,” “Octopussy,” “For Your Eyes Only,” “Moonraker,” “The Spy Who Loved Me,” “The Man With The Golden Gun,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” “You Only Live Twice,” “Thunderball,” “Goldfinger,” “From Russia With Love” and “Dr. No,” “11.22.63,” “The Path,” and more.
YouTube
If you’ve been waiting for the day you can watch cat videos in all of their ultra high-definition glory, your time has come. YouTube has been offering pre-recorded 4K content since 2010 and has reported millions of uploads at that resolution. In an effort to further engrain themselves in the 4K space, YouTube recently announced that they will now also offer live 4K capability for both 360 and standard videos.
High-definition content is no longer the cutting edge of screen resolution. Ultra high-definition content is here to stay, and there are a lot of digital content services ready to deliver. Whether you’re a YouTube, Hulu, Netflix or Amazon fan, make sure you’re enjoying the highest-quality programming around with 4K.
Sources:
