Netflix plans 4K video streaming in 2014

According to Multichannel News, “Netflix hasn’t set a date for its anticipated launch of 4K streaming or previously indicated how much broadband speed consumers will need to obtain it, but CEO Reed Hastings dropped some hints on both counts in a video interview on September 13 with Claus Bülow Christensen, the producer of the Copenhagen Future of TV Conference.”

Meanwhile Gigaom reported on 1 November, “Netflix quietly added a handful of 4K HD videos to its catalogue this week to prepare itself for a wider launch of ultra high-definition video content in the coming months.” The company has also been reported to be shooting the next season of its ‘House of Cards’ drama in 4K.

The bandwidth users will need will be heavily dependent on the compression technology Netflix adopts. According to Multichannel News Netflix has been using proprietary video encoding technology from eyeIO to keep the bandwidth requirements of its current streaming service in check, but has not announced if it will be using this technology for its 4K service.

http://www.cio.com.au/mediareleases/18052/net...g-in-2014/