Ways to consume 4K content?

GodAtum · 23 Oct 2017 at 16:37

I'm looking to upgrade my TV to 4K. But is there much easy to access and cheap 4K content out there? there does not seem to be much in the way of movies on Netflix or Amazon. Apple TV have some new releases in 4K but very pricey compared to streaming. Maybe a Sky subscription?

p28nay · 23 Oct 2017 at 18:37

I believe the Sky box sets on Sky have UHD content but not a lot. It's quite pricey too as you need the 2TB Sky Q box as well as multi room to get UHD content. I think some of the Sports channels are broadcasted in UHD too but that will be an extra cost.

1pudding1 · 23 Oct 2017 at 20:05

So basically, dont bother yet. Wait until it's cheaper and more available?

ElliorR · 23 Oct 2017 at 20:34

Netflix has a fair bit in 4k, mostly tv programs but some films, and Amazon you get with Prime only seems to do tv programs in 4k but they do have some 4k films to buy. They do say rent as well but I couldn’t see any just now. For me there’s enough there to justify the upgrade to a 4k tv.

GodAtum · 24 Oct 2017 at 08:32

Apple is starting to have a few new releases too I suppsoe

Glanza · 24 Oct 2017 at 08:35

Amazon and Netflix both have UHD / 4k content, SKY Q has certain programs in UHD and the F1 etc.

Paul11 · 24 Oct 2017 at 09:02

Even Iplayer is trialling 4k

picnic · 24 Oct 2017 at 13:14

Paul11 said:
Even Iplayer is trialling 4k

Is it just the Planet Earth demo or have they more content?

MG42Maniac · 24 Oct 2017 at 13:47

Netflix has a decent amount of 4K and 4K Dolby Vision content. The picture quality, overall, I would say is slightly better than a good quality Blu Ray. It's extremely good for a streamable piece of media but a long way from 4K Blu Ray quality.

Ayahuasca · 24 Oct 2017 at 13:57

MG42Maniac said:
Netflix has a decent amount of 4K and 4K Dolby Vision content. The picture quality, overall, I would say is slightly better than a good quality Blu Ray. It's extremely good for a streamable piece of media but a long way from 4K Blu Ray quality.

Agreed, most of the Netflix 4k content is about as good as 1080p Blu-Ray, dolby vision some people find a bit grainy though.

Rroff · 24 Oct 2017 at 14:01

Ayahuasca said:
Agreed, most of the Netflix 4k content is about as good as 1080p Blu-Ray, dolby vision some people find a bit grainy though.

Yeah - when I'm watching Netflix I actually get better (perceived) quality on my 1280x720 projector (with image enhancement turn on) than native 4K on a TV LOL and with image enhancements off its largely indistinguishable - don't get me wrong it largely looks pretty decent but there is very little "true" 4K content out there - much of it suffers from compression, etc. and ultimately isn't much better than a proper 720p stream that is largely free of compression artefacts, etc.

There are 1-2 videos on YouTube etc. where the difference is more noticeable that have been mastered well in 4K and don't suffer too badly from YouTube compression.

EDIT: My projector has DSR like functionality where you can feed it a higher than native res signal and it will process it down not just dumb interpolation as well as noise reduction and anti-aliasing, etc. processing.

Paul11 · 24 Oct 2017 at 14:04

picnic said:
Is it just the Planet Earth demo or have they more content?

just planet earth for now, but im sure there is a lot more to come

hyperseven · 24 Oct 2017 at 14:14

The protection used on UHD disks has been cracked now, take from that what you will

but my nas is getting awfully full.

LiE · 24 Oct 2017 at 14:18

iTunes via Apple TV 4k does 4k?

GodAtum · 24 Oct 2017 at 14:30

LiE said:
iTunes via Apple TV 4k does 4k?

but could compressed just as bad as netflix?

mattius1989 · 24 Oct 2017 at 15:23

Vincent @ HDTVTest did a good review of the Apple TV 4K quality up against 4K discs. I was surprised to find there wasn't much in it on the picture side of things.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbKCZpQN72c

MG42Maniac · 25 Oct 2017 at 09:21

hyperseven said:
The protection used on UHD disks has been cracked now, take from that what you will but my nas is getting awfully full.

From looking at reviews, it seems that not every movie is worth bothering with if you already have loseless 1080p. It makes the case for double dipping quite tough.

mattius1989 · 25 Oct 2017 at 12:01

MG42Maniac said:
From looking at reviews, it seems that not every movie is worth bothering with if you already have loseless 1080p. It makes the case for double dipping quite tough.

As a big horror and exploitation cinema fan, Blu-ray saw the reissue of most titles that had previously been released on DVD with usually a significant upgrade in picture, sound and special features. I speculate that 1080p Blu-ray will be the final resting place for most of these films on a physical format and after UHD everything will just be available on streaming services. Hyped for Suspiria 4K, mind.

Washout · 25 Oct 2017 at 12:20

Will/Can you get streamed 4k with the latest audio formats like atmos though? Also is the 4k true 4k and not like a 1080i vs p thing?
If not then I guess physical media will be around for a bit to get the best out of your home cinema. They need to sort the pricing though as they're cutting their noses off in the long run if it doesn't take off.

Guess you need folks to have internet >100mbs but the option should be there to select top quality even if it means buffering for 10 mins first.

mattius1989 · 25 Oct 2017 at 12:40

At present I believe at least Apple 4k doesn't do Atmos audio.

I'm a lover physical formats but I think a decreasing demand will drive them closer to obsolescence and the average movie watcher is happy with a 720p sky stream or Netflix.

People have said to me that Kodi streams are close to Blu-ray quality but I've always found them unwatchable.