There is nothing quite like watching your favorite television show or film in ultra-high-definition (UHD) and this is becoming rapidly easier as 4K streaming services become more common. However, as with any relatively new technology, it is not necessarily cheap and for some people, there will be a debate over whether it is worth paying for.
Before anyone considers paying for 4K streaming, two things are needed. The first is a 4K television; there is simply no point in paying for UHD content if the device it is to be watched on is not capable of displaying it. The second is slightly more complicated. People must be sure that they have enough bandwidth to support 4K streams.
Different streaming services recommend minimum speeds of between 15 and 25 megabits per second (Mbps). However, this assumes that nothing else will be using that internet connection. Therefore, if a person has multiple devices running on the network they will need more bandwidth, such as 50Mbps. Furthermore, if an internet provider imposes a data cap then this may also be a problem; 4K streaming is estimated to use around 7GB per hour.
Nonetheless, assuming that an individual has a 4K compatible television, a fast internet connection, and no data cap to worry about, then 4K streaming is a wonderful thing to enjoy. It brings amazing audio and visual definition to home viewing and provides people with an almost cinematic experience.
There is an ever-increasing number of streaming services offering 4K streams, most famously Netflix and Amazon Prime. However, these are far from the only two available. Sites such as StreamingWars present detailed reviews of these and many more. The reviews contain information on whether content is available in 4K, as well as details about what channels are carried, the VOD library, price plans, and more. It is certainly a resource worth using when looking for a new 4K streaming service.
The equipment needed for 4K viewing is not cheap, but prices are dropping. Those who are interested in upgrading their home television so that it does support 4K can find a huge amount of useful material online, such as buying guides. For example, TechRadar regularly reviews the latest devices to enter the market and ensures that even those with limited technical knowledge can make informed decisions. In fact, the cost of a 4K television may soon start falling much faster as 8K televisions are available and a couple of sites are already offering 8K streaming.
That said, 4K looks to remain the industry standard as 8K equipment is still prohibitively expensive. Therefore, anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment systems in the near future, both in terms of subscription services (such as streaming) and the physical equipment, can rest assured that 4K will be around for years to come. There is no doubt that 4K provides an amazing viewing experience and with more and more streaming services offering 4K resolution, viewers are sure to fully enjoy the benefits.