Unlike Netflix, Amazon will offer 4K content on Amazon Instant Video at no extra cost. Amazon’s 4K push was scheduled for a roll-out in October, but has been delayed slightly. It is still on track to launch this year.
Amazon 4K at no extra cost
Netflix is charging extra if you want to jump from HD to 4K, but Amazon has no plans to differentiate between the two formats.
Amazon will offer its own original programming in 4K as well as content from Warner Bros., Lionsgate, 20th Century Fox, Discovery and others. A 4K Blu-ray format is not expected until late 2015, meaning that streaming services are the only choice for 4K content at the moment.
- “We’ve already announced that the Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! concert will be available in the premium resolution, as well as Amazon Original Series, including Transparent, Alpha House and the upcoming Mozart in the Jungle series, and we’re excited to unveil even more titles that Prime members and customers can watch in Ultra HD later this year and into next year. Amazon Prime members will have access to a great selection of Ultra HD content on Prime Instant Video at no additional cost.” says Michael Paull, vice president of Amazon Digital Video to CEPro.
To watch Amazon Instant in 4K you will need an Ultra HD Smart TV. Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, and LG have been confirmed. The Fire TV does not support 4K. Read our first impressions of Amazon’s 4K streaming here.
- Source: CEPro
