The Explorers channel on Roku is now offering content in 8K HDR. It will give viewers a look at the natural, cultural and human heritage of Earth, from the Arctic to French Polynesia.
Nature in 8K HDR
The Explorers app is currently available in 170 countries and 17 languages but only Roku owners can enjoy 8K streaming content at this time.
- "The quality of our Earth Inventory in 8K HDR allows us to transport the audience to the very heart of the subject. Our entire team is thrilled to share the beauty of The Explorers Earth Inventory at the maximum resolution and quality in homes via 8K Roku television," said Olivier Chiabodo, Chief Executive Officer, The Explorers.
Hundreds of videos are available in either 8K HDR or 4K HDR, the company said, without specifying how many videos can be enjoyed in 8K. The video codec was not detailed either but it is most likely HEVC since Roku is still resisting AV1.
The Explorers on 8K Roku TVs
Only on TCL Roku TVs
The only 8K Roku TV available on the market is TCL's 2021 6-series (R648). Roku tells us to "stay tuned for more models coming soon" so we should probably expect to see more 8K Roku TVs at CES 2022.
- "8K HDR enhances images with stunning sharpness and depth of field," said Gregory Martoglio, nature cinematographer and contributor to The Explorers. "The powerful images of the natural world that we've preserved in 8K video look spectacular on The Explorers Channel through the TCL 6-Series 8K TV."
Besides YouTube's AV1-based 8K, The Explorers app is one of the few options you have to watch 8K content at home even though the first 8K TVs from major brands launched more than three years ago.
The Explorers' premium subscription service, which is required for 8K streaming, will be available to owners of 8K Roku TVs at no cost for the first three months after which it will cost $3/month. 10% of revenues are donated to the The Explorers Foundation.
