Skip to main content

Update: Netflix’s batch of 4K videos appear to be limited to 1080p resolution for subscribers

netflix starts testing 4k content batch public videos ultra hd
Image used with permission by copyright holder

[Editor Update: Based on tests performed by Digital Trends, it appears the six 4K test videos referenced below are not available at resolutions higher than 1080p to Netflix subscribers, even to those with Ultra HD televisions and computers outfitted with high-performance video cards and high-resolution monitors. Video footage will be delivered at a maximum of 1080p resolution. Netflix has since confirmed with Digital Trends that the footage is, indeed, intended for internal testing purposes only and is not available in Ultra HD resolution to its subscribers.]

Rolling out out a series of six test videos this week without much fanfare, Netflix has started testing 4K resolution through the Netflix Instant streaming video platform. Anyone with access to a 4K television and a Netflix Instant subscription should be able to access the video. Titled El Fuente, each of the six videos contain the same 8-minutes of footage, but recorded at different fps rates. The six videos have been recorded at 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50 and 59.94 frames per second. The 4K videos can also be viewed on standard high definition televisions, but likely down-scaled to 1080p or 720p resolution.

With the addition of 4K test video on Netflix Instant, it’s clear that company management is looking forward to a potential future in which 4K televisions are commonplace in homes around the world. Last month, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings told investors that the company wanted to become “one of the big suppliers of 4K” content during 2014. It’s likely that Netflix will start to provide access to more television shows and movies in the 4K format in the coming months. 

Watching Netflix 4K
Image used with permission by copyright holder

However, it’s also likely that Netflix customers seeking 4K content will need an premium bandwidth package from their Internet provider in order to access 4K shows and movies without significant buffering issues. Super HD 1080p content, for instance, requires a minimum of 5 Mbps of bandwidth for proper streaming. In fact, Netflix recommends 7 Mbps of bandwidth for optimal results. 3D content is even more taxing as Netflix recommends 12 Mbps of bandwidth to access those streams without any major issues.

Regarding the current 4K content on Netflix Instant, some desktop computer users may be able to take advantage of the higher resolution if they are operating on monitors over 1080p resolution. In addition, MacBook Pro laptops with the Retina display would also be useful when playing content at resolutions above 1080p.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Sharp’s promised Roku OLED TV is now available and deeply discounted
Sharp Roku TV OLED 4K UHD.

In January 2023, Sharp surprised many observers by announcing its return to the North American TV market -- and then surprised us again by saying it intended to launch the first OLED TV powered by Roku. True to its word, you can now buy the Sharp Roku TV OLED 4K Ultra HD in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, each of which has already been discounted for Black Friday sales.

Normally $1,900 for the 55-inch model and $2,500 for the 65-inch screen size (very similar prices to what LG asks for its 55- and 65-inch LG C3 OLED), the new Sharp OLED TVs are now $1,500 and $2,000, respectively.

Read more
The hidden costs of buying a 4K TV are way higher than you think
Toshiba 55-inch-class C350 series 4K smart Fire TV on a gray shelf and light gray background.

There’s never been a better time to buy a 4K TV. Prices have continued to drop even as screen sizes and smart TV features have continued to grow. But now that 4K TVs are priced within reach of almost anyone who wants one, are you actually going to be able to enjoy all of the extra detail and picture quality that 4K promises? The answer is, sadly, not as often as you expect, and not without some considerable extra investment over and above the cost of the TV.

Modern 4K TVs are packed with a lot of impressive technologies that can make picture quality look amazing, no matter what you’re watching. With upscaling driven by complex algorithms and often aided by AI, even watching an old DVD on a 4K TV will look way better than it did on an HDTV from 10 years ago. But to truly get the best possible results, you need access to native 4K content, preferably with some flavor of HDR, like Dolby Vision, HDR10, or HDR10+.

Read more
Best 65-inch TV deals: Get a 65-inch 4K TV for under $300
A Vizio 65 inch TV hangs on a living room wall.

If your eyes are squarely on buying a 65-inch TV, you need to check out TV deals with a focus on that size. That's why we've listened all the best 65-inch TV deals currently available below, so you don't have to go searching yourself. The TVs below cover a variety of different technologies as well as price ranges so there's something for you regardless of what your plans are. Take a look below at what we've picked out.
Onn. 65-inch 4K TV -- $298, was $348

The Onn. 65-inch 4K TV is a straightforward TV that's ideal if you're on a budget but still want a large TV. It has Roku Smart TV built-in so you have access to thousands of free or paid channels meaning an impressive amount of options of what to watch. There's also voice control support via the Roku mobile app so you can easily speak commands instead of typing things in with the remote. Three HDMI ports are useful if you have many devices to hook up.

Read more