Netflix tests 4K video streams

Netflix has started testing ‘ultra high definition’ video that offers four times the amount of detail as HD content.

The popular video streaming service has said that it plans to offer 4K to customers next year, however has been trialling the technology quietly among a small handful of short videos this past week.

During a recent earnings call, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said that Netflix wants to be “one of the biggest suppliers of 4K content next year”. It is thought that its exclusive series House of Cards will be the first ultra HD show.

However, some analysts have expressed concerns about the requirements of the new technology.

Craig Nelson, spokesman for the Internet Service Providers’ Association, told the BBC: “We think streaming of 4K TV services will require minimum broadband speeds of about 100Mbps to work properly, but only businesses and production houses currently have that kind of speed.

“A lot will depend on the compression technologies, or codecs, service providers use.

“The real hindrance won’t be broadband speeds but the availability of screens.”