AT&T TV or DirecTV Stream is one of the most used live TV streaming services available out there. Designed to attract cord-cutters who want to ditch cable or satellite service, DirecTV Stream offers a vast channel offering and cloud DVR. Another important question concerning this service is if DirecTV Stream provides 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) content. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what 4K is, the advantages of 4K streaming, and dive into the current 4K capabilities of DirecTV Stream.
What is 4K?
4K is another term for UHD or Ultra High Definition and denotes a video resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. This amounts to over 8 million pixels in total, or four times the resolution of 1080p high-definition video. This means that the resolution has been boosted to a much higher figure leading to better, clearer picture quality than what is offered by the HD. Now 4K TVs are relatively cheap and it is only natural that streaming in 4K is the next step given that internet connection speeds are increasing.
Benefits of 4K Streaming
There are several benefits to streaming content in 4K resolution:
- Sharper Image Quality: Compared to 1080p, 4K has quad the number of pixels making it more detailed and sharper in terms of the video image. This enables the analysis of more content details from within the images.
- More Immersive Viewing: It means that the viewer gets a higher resolution which feels like he is peering into a scene rather than at the screen of a television. It adds a certain level of detail which makes you immerse yourself in the storyline.
- Future-Proofing: Since more content is in 4K and the technology in TVs is constantly advancing, watching in 4K now will set one up for the future.
four of those options will get you 4K resolution, so yes, DirecTV Stream does offer 4K.
The answer is yes, DirecTV Stream does offer some 4K Ultra HD content that you can stream. However, 4K programming is not as extensive as with other streaming sites, although their selection of 4K content is constantly expanding.
Here are the key things to know about 4K streaming on DirecTV Stream:
Limited 4K Channel Selection
DirecTV Stream has a very limited number of channels that broadcast in 4K, namely, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and PPVs. The availability of channels is less than what other live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or FuboTV offer. So do not count on having as much 4K entertainment and sports to watch as you had before.
4K-Capable Device Required
To stream 4K video from DirecTV Stream, you need a compatible 4K device such as:
- 4K Roku device
- 4K Amazon Fire TV:
- Apple TV 4K
- Chromecast Ultra
Smart TVs are now mainly produced as 4K compatible along with the majority of other cutting-edge gadgets and appliances.
4K Streaming Restricted to Home Network
One disadvantage versus competitors is that DirecTV Stream only allows 4K streaming on your home WiFi network. There is no streaming of 4k videos on mobile devices when outside. Thus, the 4K is only available when you are in your house.
Additional Cost for 4K
If you want to enjoy 4K content on DirecTV Stream, you are required to pay $90 per month for the basic packages. The basic packages do not provide 4K programming or the option to stream UHD. Hence, 4K streaming entails having to pay a premium.
Limited 4K Library On-Demand
Some live 4K channels are also available, however, the 4K titles in the on-demand library of DirecTV Stream are not very many. Other services provide many more movies, shows, and events to watch on-demand in 4K quality as compared to Disney+.
Is the 4K capability of DirecTV Stream worth it?
DirecTV Stream now offers 4K viewing, however, the capability is offered in a much more restricted manner than some of the other live TV streaming services. Currently, with the limited number of available channels, restrictive policies, and extra fees, it is hard to say that the current 4K option is suitable for anyone but sports and event enthusiasts. Thus, today, such competitors as YouTube TV and FuboTV offer stronger and more cost-effective 4K streaming services compared to DirecTV Stream. However, we believe that over time the selection of 4K content for DirecTV will continue to expand.
Conclusion
Although it is still relatively new, DirecTV Stream is gradually inching towards providing 4K ultra HD streaming. At the moment, the benefits of 4K are limited to a few live channels and there is no 4K on-demand content. Some considerable limitations allow you to watch 4K only at home and only in the framework of the highest packages. For these reasons, DirecTV Stream lags in the 4K space compared to other live TV streaming services. However, as 4K is promoted in the streaming services, we expect DirecTV will also improve its 4K offerings which would enable it to fight for the 4K-desiring streamers.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
