My Cart - 
4K may have been around for many years, but are you getting the most out of your favourite streaming platforms? Just having a 4K TV is not enough to be experiencing the amount of great content available. However, with the right platform, package and equipment, you can soon experience the incredible detail of ultra-high definition.
What Is the Difference Between 4K and Standard HD?
4K may sound like a technical term for the development of TV displays, but in reality, 4K is nothing more than a marketing tool used by manufacturers to make it easier for consumers to assess the display’s definition quickly. 4K displays are exactly the same as UHD, and the term is usually interchangeable. 4K refers to a video resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. That’s four times the detail of modern HD televisions, which are made up of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.
With a 4K display, there are many more pixels, allowing for higher definition and less fuzz when situated closer to the TV. So many homes now have such large smart TVs that the quality of a standard HD has started to fail due to the viewer’s proximity to the screen. If you think back to your own TV, the closer you sit, the more pixelated it appears. With 4K displays, you can now sit closer to a bigger screen without compromising the image (although we don’t recommend sitting too close).
What Do You Need to Access 4K?
When looking to access 4K, you will need compatible equipment to get the most out of the content. Streaming platforms is essential, but paying for certain subscriptions can be a waste of money without the right stuff.
A 4K TV may seem like a significant expense just to watch a clearer picture. However, more and more content creators use this technology to produce films and TV shows. Not having a suitable device could spoil the intended depth, colour and detail in the onscreen picture and ruin the effect. With our cheap LED TVs, you can find 4K TVs for unbelievable prices, and most offer smart functionality.
Although most TVs are smart, giving you instant access to your favourite streaming platforms, if you choose to purchase a non-smart TV, you may need the right HDMI cables for portable streaming devices. For example, if you have a stick, dongle or box to watch Netflix or Prime Video, you need to use a 4K HDMI connection.
Upgrade for Netflix 4K
To access 4K content on Netflix, you may need to change your subscription package. If you are unfamiliar with Netflix, you can choose several price plans to access the platform. The Basic with ads plan (available from November 2022) costs £4.99 per month and offers HD only. The only plan which allows you to access all the 4K (UHD) content is the Premium package at £15.99 per month.
Once you have signed up for this package, you need to be sure to change the settings on your account, as standard Netflix will put your content on the recommended definition. When logged into your account on a desktop, you can find the playback setting under your account home and change it to UHD. Once that is done, you should instantly access all the movies and content available in 4K.
Free Films on Amazon
Unlike Netflix, Prime Video offers much of its 4K content through a standard Amazon Prime Subscription. To find this content, use the search tools, and any film or TV show with the UHD symbol will play in 4K.
Although a lot of content is available with a basic package, some movies and shows may require an additional payment. However, there can be several payment options, and you may not need to buy the film. Some great films for rental for just £2.99 are perfect for those family film nights.
Get 4K on Apple TV
Apple TV may not be as easy to access for 4K content. Whereas Netflix and prime offer subscription packages to get high-definition films, 4K Apple TV requires either a 4K apple TV+ box or you can access it through selected Samsung TVs.
You will still need an Apple TV+ subscription, and they offer a vast selection of bundle options which cover anything from kids to entertainment and movies. They can even provide a cheaper payment for the likes of Disney+ when purchased through their bundle offers.
Other 4K Streaming Platforms
Every year, a new streaming platform appears, offering fantastic content and new shows. However, if you have some of these other platforms and are looking for 4k content, here’s how.
Now TV – This streaming service is offered by Sky and provides the latest shows from over the waters from the United States. Unfortunately, whilst the USA may have access to 4K content from Now TV, the UK doesn’t seem to have any plans to follow suit. If you want to watch content that Now TV offers in 4K, you may need to consider moving to SKY TV, which requires contracts but can offer a great selection of 4K shows and movies.
Hulu- If you have access to Hulu from a 4K compatible device, whether, with a smart TV or portable streaming device, you can access Hulu’s UHD content. You can find the UHD content with the HDR badge. There is very little to choose from, but if you already have a subscription, it may be worth checking out what you have available in 4k.
Struggling to Find a Cheap 4K TV?
Without a compatible 4K TV, having the content will be as little use as watching it in standard high definition. We have a great selection of discount smart TVs which can prevent the need for external devices for your streaming platforms, achieving that minimalistic aesthetic every modern home aims for. Look through our extensive TV collection or visit our Birmingham warehouse, where our experts can match a TV with your needs.
