If you are lucky enough, you have a Television or a home theatre if you are luckier. And if you got internet, you’ve already heard people raving about 4K.
In human terms, 4K gives you a better and more realistic view of the content. But that comes with some conditions. The requirements to view 4K can be largely distinguished in three classes: 1) 4K compatible device and wires (4K TV, 4K Monitors, HDMI 2.0 cable) 2) Internet that can support 4K content 3) 4K Streaming Services.
To view 4K content, you need to know what you need to stream 4K content.
What Devices to Watch 4K Content
To view 4K UHD content in its true form, you need a device that supports 4K UHD, period! This is a big chunk to fill 4K video streaming requirements.
4K TVs are available primarily in sizes starting from 55 inches. Some of the best 4K TVs are Samsung Q90R QLED TV, Sony A9G Master Series OLED, VIZIO P-Series Quantum X, LG B9 4K Smart OLED TV, etc.
4K streaming PC requirements is to have a 4K monitor and 4K streaming CPU requirements is a 7th generation Intel Core CPU or something equivalent. Some 4K compatible monitor models are LG 27UK850-W, ASUS PB287Q, ASUS PA329Q, AOC U2790VQ.
As of 2021, some of the best 4K gaming devices are Xbox One X, Xbox One S, PlayStation 4 Pro, etc.
Now, one of the most important things for viewing 4K via a 4K media player is HDMI 2.0 cables. The HDMI cable is used to connect your 4K media player (e.g: a BluRay player) to your 4K TV (It doesn’t work if either one does not support 4K).
Best to get HDMI 2.1 cable as it’s the latest version.
Internet Device Requirements to Stream 4K Content
Usually, router requirements for 4K streaming can be met with your home WI-FI routers. It should meet 4K streaming bandwidth requirements. However, as said before, it depends on 4K streaming bandwidth usage. For example, 4K TV streaming requirements (most streaming sites require 25 Mbps speed).
Some best routers for 4K streaming are these-
If you want to go for a budget-friendly option, then TP-Link Archer A7is a good one. However, an even better but slightly more expensive pick would be Linksys EA7500.
Some more options are NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12, TP-Link Archer AX6000, and ASUS RT-AC5300.
Internet Speed Required to Stream 4K Content
Let’s get something straight, the minimum 4K streaming speed depends on the streaming service.
For any streaming services resembling and including Netflix, 4K streaming Mbps is 25 Mbps. That’s the bandwidth required for 4K HDR streaming
But if you are an absolute 4K junkie, consider Gigabytes of data. Yes! Go for that larger bandwidth and faster speed.
Also, you should know that 4K streaming data usage in more than one device, will result in more data consumption. So, your internet should be able to host that amount of data. This is why the gigabyte option holds!
Streaming Services and Upgrades Necessary for 4K Content
You might be looking for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Fandango, iTunes, UltraFlix, VUDU, Plex, Apple TV, Disney+, and YouTube 4K streaming requirements.
Follow the table below:
| Netflix | Netflix comes with 4K in premium service. Most of the content is in 4K. Upgrade costs $15.99 /month after 30 days. 4K streaming requirements Netflix is a small upgrade. |
| Amazon Prime | Amazon 4K streaming requirements is usually fulfilled with the regular subscription package. You can still rent individual videos. |
| Disney+ | Disney 4K streaming requirements can be fulfilled with a 4K TV/screen and 4K content. |
| VUDU | Vudu 4K streaming requirements can be met with 4K display and renting 4K movies on it. |
| Hulu | It has comparatively more limited options in 4K despite the claims of having 4K UHD. This may be confusing as to all videos being in 4K UHD. |
| Plex | Plex plays 4K content for you if it detects the screen resolution as 4K. Plex 4K streaming requirements is to have a 4K player. |
The above information sustains considering the device (TV, Monitor) or the Media player, if any, is compatible with 4K.
Moreover, if the original content is not in 4K, you cannot view it in 4K, duh!
- Also Read: When Will TV Stations Broadcast in 4K
Checking Compatibility for 4K Streaming
Look at the compatibility before you think “What do I need for 4K streaming?”
The following is a checklist according to the order of priority of what you need to stream 4K;
- Device-device compatibility: Your media player and the display device both need to support 4K.
- HDMI or HDCP cable compliant: Your device must support HDMI 2.0 (in 2021, HDMI 2.1 may be a more preferable choice).
HDCP 2.2 on the other hand is a bit complicated. To avoid complications, both the display device and the media player should be able to support HDMI 2.0 and/or HDCP 2.2.
- Internet Speed For 4K Streaming: This is a no-brainer that you should get internet with more speed and if you’re feeling fancy, more bandwidth. This is important for those frames to be properly streaming from the internet.
- Available Content: Of course, the content available on streaming platforms must be in 4K in order for you to stream.
If all of the above is in check, there should not be any problem for you to stream 4K.
Note: Apple TV Apple TV 4K streaming requirements coincide with 4K streaming WiFi requirements, or minimum requirements for 4K video streaming.
Conclusion
In 2021, the craze for 4K content has only elevated. This year, streaming service providers are intending to carry out the skyrocketing success they had last year, more so with their 4K services.
It is only logical to keep up with the trend because sooner or later, it will catch up to you.
Getting your device or streaming services upgraded to view 4K is a choice you should definitely make.
But of course, it’s okay to think the trend is overrated. Do your thing, but most importantly, enjoy some good old Netflix if you don’t mind.
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