Now that you have a 4K television for your home entertainment setup, the next question to ask is how you’ll get content that’s perfect for your screen. It can be a downer to turn on your TV and discover that what you’re watching looks off on the new display. Although 4K TV is fast becoming the viewing standard, the pace to produce compatible content isn’t as quick on the uptake. Here’s what you need to know about it.  

A Handy Guide on 4K TVs & Content Streaming

1. 4K Means Clearer Picture

The term “4K” can be confusing to many people. Technically speaking, 4K pertains to the TV resolution of 3,840 pixels by 2,160. It was derived from image width, unlike prior standards that refer to image height like 1080p. That’s why 4K is sometimes referred to as 2160p resolution, but it also goes by the moniker Ultra HD or UHD.

When more pixels are crammed into an image, this results in a clearer, more detailed picture. Watching content that is sharper and more defined is engaging, especially when you’re viewing it on a large screen.

2. 4K Content Is Not Automatic

Despite the rise in demand for 4K TVs as part of home entertainment systems, most people are frustrated by the lack of compatible content. Broadcasting channels find it challenging to send 4K content to their viewers because of its large file size. Simply put, 4K content is approximately four times larger than regular HD, and broadcasting it takes significantly more resources. That’s why the same logic applies to cable boxes and satellite providers—most channels are not capable of broadcasting 4K content yet.    

3. Find 4K Content via Streaming Services

Your best bet in finding UHD content is through video streaming services. There’s a handful of apps and top box devices that support 4K. However, it takes a bit of patience to sort through every platform. On the app’s search bar, you can type in UltraHD instead of 4K to find the right content. Another way to do it is to click on the video itself to see whether it can be viewed at 4K resolution.

4. You’ll Need a Fast Internet

If you’re streaming 4K videos, you’ll need to have the necessary bandwidth for viewing content. At the very least, you must have minimum speeds of 15Mbps—anything lower can affect picture quality and buffering. Once your bandwidth drops below 15Mbps mid-stream, expect the video to switch to HD from UHD.

When you need assistance with your 4K TV and streaming high-definition content, count on the home entertainment experts at Resolutions-Sights, Sounds, Simplicity. Helping clients throughout the Greater Dayton and Cincinnati, OH, they have been installing top-of-the-line home theater and sound surround systems for over 10 years. Call (937) 985-4364 for free, in-home consultation, or request a home entertainment installation quote online.