4K from Directv and/or Netflix help

[lonwa]

Ok, please help me understand how 4k content will be better from these providers, when HD content from them is already so heavily compressed and pixelated?

Thanks

Lonwa

 

[BMXTRIX]

There are talks of using a newer codec to increase efficiency, but you are asking the golden question IMO. The reality is that 1080p isn't that good from these providers and 4K is marketing, not substance. You will get a 4K signal with 4 times as many pixels shoved down a pipe that can't handle 1080p properly. So, things may improve in some areas, but will take a hit in others. Video without a lot of fast action are likely to see improvement as backgrounds which aren't moving won't need to be redrawn quickly. So, more detail there. But, once motion starts, bandwidth needs to peak, and it won't be available.

4K is really going to need more bandwidth, and 4K Blu-ray Disc really can't get here soon enough IMO.

 

[Irvrobinson]

I agree with BMXTRIX. I'm not even sure that 4K BDs will look all that much better than 1080 BDs in most rooms with most 4K monitors. I look at 4K as just the best available mainstream monitor technology available, so that's where the manufacturers put their best associated technology, like processors and software. Personally, I think a 1080 BD looks so good on a 4K monitor that I can't say I'm really searching for an improvement.

 

[Cos]

It all comes down to codec and bandwidth. If you look at requirements for 4K video to stream is ranges from 25Gb/s to 30Gb/s in order for it to stream. I can say from my experience that 4k conent on Netflix does not look bad a t all when I was first testing my 4k Sony. Less compressed codecs will require more bandwidth it's pretty simple. Think that you can stream 1080P content as little as 8Gb/s or even less. 25Gb to 30GB is about a 4x increase in bandwith requirements.