Netflix, always interested in gaining new viewers to its streaming service, has begun rolling out a series of test videos that work in compliance with 4K televisions, such as the new Sony 4K Bravia line. These videos have been recorded at a number of speeds, ranging from 24 to 59.95 frames per second, and can be viewed on standard high-definition televisions as well.
The move is to help the company ease in to possible 4K streaming video programming for the service, though obviously it would keep regular standard and high-definition feeds for most audiences. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has indicated that he wants the company to become “one of the big suppliers of 4K” content during the next coming year.
In order for viewers to get the most out of the content, they’ll need a premium bandwidth package through their Internet provider to get the highest streaming speed possible, without any sort of buffering issues. Super HD 1080p content, for example, requires a minimum of 5 Mbps of bandwidth to stream properly. Netflix recommends even higher, running around 7 Mbps to 12 Mbps.
No word yet on what new programming will utilize the service yet. Currently, 4K TVs are just beginning to hit the market at relatively high prices (Sony’s line starts at $3500), though Seiki has introduced a 4K TV for less than $1200.
Source: Digital Trends
