Washington, D.C. (August 20, 2015) - DIRECTV yesterday said it has launched a new set-top called the 4K Genie Mini.that will make it easier for subscribers to watch programming in the 4K format.
However, surprisingly, the satcaster did not accompany the set-top announcement with news that it will offer more programming in 4K, which would really make it easier to watch 4K.
DIRECTV said last year that it expected to introduce a few channels dedicated to 4K programming, perhaps as early as 2015. The company late last year and this year even launched two satellites, which in part are supposed to be used to expand its 4K lineup. But until now, DIRECTV has only offered a relatively small number of 4K movies and documentaries on its Video on Demand service.
The number of titles has varied, but it has sometimes been less than 10. DIRECTV's own web site will only commit to making "at least 2 4K movies available to watch instantly."
The paucity of 4K programming now offered by the nation's top satellite service would hardly entice a subscriber to switch to a 4K set-top, which requires a DIRECTV "professional installation" and a $50 fee, much less go out and buy an expensive 4K TV. In addition, DIRECTV sometimes requires a two-year contract for an "upgrade" to a more advanced set-top system, which would could include the 4K Genie Mini.
DIRECTV, which was recently taken over by AT&T, could be waiting for subscribers to install 4K set-tops before launching more 4K programming. But that would seem to be putting the horse in front of the cart.
If you are interested in getting the 4K Genie Mini, DIRECTV says it's about the size of a paperback book and it will allow you to watch 4K programming without having to buy a "DIRECTV-ready TV," which has only included select 4K sets made by Samsung. With the 4K Genie Mini, the box can be connected to any 4K TV.
However, surprisingly, the satcaster did not accompany the set-top announcement with news that it will offer more programming in 4K, which would really make it easier to watch 4K.
DIRECTV said last year that it expected to introduce a few channels dedicated to 4K programming, perhaps as early as 2015. The company late last year and this year even launched two satellites, which in part are supposed to be used to expand its 4K lineup. But until now, DIRECTV has only offered a relatively small number of 4K movies and documentaries on its Video on Demand service.
The number of titles has varied, but it has sometimes been less than 10. DIRECTV's own web site will only commit to making "at least 2 4K movies available to watch instantly."
The paucity of 4K programming now offered by the nation's top satellite service would hardly entice a subscriber to switch to a 4K set-top, which requires a DIRECTV "professional installation" and a $50 fee, much less go out and buy an expensive 4K TV. In addition, DIRECTV sometimes requires a two-year contract for an "upgrade" to a more advanced set-top system, which would could include the 4K Genie Mini.
DIRECTV, which was recently taken over by AT&T, could be waiting for subscribers to install 4K set-tops before launching more 4K programming. But that would seem to be putting the horse in front of the cart.
If you are interested in getting the 4K Genie Mini, DIRECTV says it's about the size of a paperback book and it will allow you to watch 4K programming without having to buy a "DIRECTV-ready TV," which has only included select 4K sets made by Samsung. With the 4K Genie Mini, the box can be connected to any 4K TV.
