Your Guide To Watching 4k TV

Does your family crave a better TV viewing experience on movie night? If so, now is the time to upgrade to 4K! With 4K TV prices coming down to reality and as more content creators create and broadcast in 4K; it's the perfect time to consider going 4K. You have more options than ever and it won't cost you an arm and a leg just to get it. If you're ready to start watching in 4K and don't know where to start; here's everything you need to know on how to get started in our guide to watching 4K TV here.

What Is 4K?

4K is the next step up in TV resolution and it's all in the pixel density. With 4K viewers get four times the pixels than full high definition. Viewers experience a clearer picture with sharper detail and more vibrant colors than that of high definition. High definition only has a1,920 x 1,080 pixel display, 4K has a 3,840 x 2,160 pixel display.

Everything You Need To Watch 4K TV

To start watching 4K at home, you'll need a few things to get that higher screen resolution you've been wanting.  With 4K becoming so popular, you'll easily find the following items at a local electronics or general retail store. Here is what you need for that at home theater like experience:

● Upgrade to a 4K TV: If you only have a HD TV, it's time to upgrade to 4K. 4K TVs range from 43" to 80" and can cost you from as low as $300 to as high as $3,000. Cost will mostly depend on how large your new TV will be and if it is a smart TV or not.

● Get TV service that broadcasts in 4k: Check to see if your current service broadcasts in 4K, if not, it's time to switch TV providers. Most providers, like DISH Network and others have caught up to 4K, but few TV providers like Charter Spectrum still haven't gone 4K compatible.

● Upgrade your equipment: Whether you decide to go with a traditional TV provider or start streaming; you'll need to upgrade your equipment to 4K compatible. Both DVRs and streaming boxes can go 4K now, just make sure you check the box for compatibility. Smart TVs and major gaming systems like Playstation and Xbox already have streaming capabilities, so you will not need a streaming box to stream 4K. If you have neither, a 4K streaming device will cost you from $50 to $500 depending on what you need.

● Upgrade your internet service: If you're streaming or want to make the most of all the special features your shiny new DVR has, you'll need high speed internet with speeds that are at least 50 Mbps. Streaming 4K uses a lot of bandwidth, more than you've ever experienced before. Cable and fiber optic internet providers handle streaming the best, but some satellite and DSL internet providers can stream as well. Check with your internet service provider for what internet plans are available at your address. Internet service can cost you anywhere from as little as $20 a month to more than $300 a month. If you're streaming, the one thing not to scrimp on is your internet service or you'll have a negative experience.

● Pick up a speaker bar: While a speaker bar isn't needed to start watching in 4K, why not upgrade your audio too while you're at it? Sound bar speakers have greatly come down in price too. You could spend as little as $100 for a speaker bar or more than $1,000. It's completely up to you.

Who Has 4K Content Available?

4K is here to stay and is slowly growing in popularity amongst TV providers like DISH Network, DirecTV, and DishLATINO TV, as well as with content creators like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix. Here's all the traditional TV providers and streaming services that currently broadcast or make 4K available for streaming: