Netflix tests 4K video ahead of big push in 2014

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4K Ultra HD video content has appeared on the Netflix streaming service, as the company looks to make good on its promise to be the "big suppliers of 4K next year"

Netflix 4K

Netflix has launched 4K Ultra HD video tests in the US, ahead of a planned launch of 4K content in 2014.

Six films have gone live on Netflix offering a variety of stock video footage shot in 4K, as the company looks to make good on its CEO's promise to be "the big suppliers of 4K next year".

Of course, it'll be 4K TV shows and films that Netflix hopes to go big on in 2014, rather than slow-motion footage of bowls of fruit, as it plans to launch 4K content to consumers next year.

While we have seen the first Ultra HD TVs on sale in the UK in the last few months, the issue of content remains a large stumbling block.

Sony launched the Video Unlimited 4K download service in the US earlier this year but told whathifi.com back in July that it had no plans to bring the service in the UK.

Otherwise, while 4K Blu-ray discs may be in development, there's no sign of them any time soon and Mastered in 4K Blu-ray discs are no substitute for the real thing.

Still, BBC, Sky and Sony have all been working in 4K broadcasts, and now it seems that Netflix is pushing for a viable consumer content solution.

Netflix has already flexed its muscles in the world of TV and film production, debuting the in-house produced House of Cards this year, and now it looks like the company aims to push things forward in the world of 4K TV, too.

MORE: Ultra HD 4K TV: reviews, news and everything you need to know

by Joe Cox

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).