"4K" is printed on almost every IPTV website. Knowing what it really means helps you get the best picture and avoid disappointment.
What real 4K is
A 4K (Ultra HD) picture is 3840 × 2160 pixels, four times the detail of Full HD. Real 4K comes from a 4K source: live sports produced in UHD, recent movies and big series. When the source is 4K, you see sharper grass on the field, cleaner text and better colour.
Upscaled is not the same
Many channels are broadcast in 720p or 1080p. A "4K" label on those usually means the TV or app is upscaling them. It can look good, but it is not true 4K.
What you need for 4K
- A 4K TV or a 4K streaming device such as a Fire TV Stick 4K.
- At least 25 Mbps of steady internet, ideally over Ethernet.
- A Premium plan, which includes the 4K streams.
And 8K?
Very little content is produced in 8K today, and you need an 8K TV to see the difference. Treat 8K as a bonus on selected titles, not the reason to buy. For most homes, solid 4K on a good connection is the biggest upgrade over cable.
Check your speed with our guide to internet speed for IPTV.