DIRECTV is a satellite TV provider that can be characterized as one of the largest in the United States that provides its clients with hundreds of channels and various packages. With the development in technology, DIRECTV has enhanced its service by providing enhanced resolution for better picture quality. Therefore, what is available from DIRECTV today as the latest highest resolution product?
The maximum video quality that can currently be provided by DIRECTV is 4K Ultra HD. 4K is the density of the picture displayed on the screen horizontally; 4K represents about 4000 horisontalpixels. This is four times the resolution of the current 1080p high-definition format. When 4K is combined with High Dynamic Range HDR imaging, it offers significantly better and more realistic picture quality.
DIRECTV started the service in 4K in 2016. At that time, opportunities to view various programs in the 4K format were limited, and the number of available channels did not exceed several dozen. Nonetheless, the 4K lineup has grown tremendously over the years because networks upgrade their equipment, and there is more content in the 4K format. DIRECTV now offers more than 10 channels available in 4K on receivers and compatible TVs. They include the Fashion One 4K, NASA TV UHD, Nature Relaxation 4K, Travel Channel Ultra HD, and pay per view movies in 4K. DIRECTV also provides a selection of On Demand movies in the 4K format.
For one to be able to watch DIRECTV’s 4K programming, one requires a 4K Genie receiver like the HR54 and a 4K television. DIRECTV advises you to use an HDMI cable from your receiver that should be capable of 18Gbps bandwidth in order to accommodate the higher data transmission that comes with 4K resolution. Without the correct receiver, cabling, and television, you will not be able to view programming in 4K even if you have subscribed to a package with 4K channels.
4K has about 8 million pixels, while 1080p HD has about 2 million 1. This is excellent for attaining very high levels of image quality with realism that is very realistic and life like. 4K ranges from capturing the smallest things in sports fields for every blade of grass or the vast shots in nature documentaries. Fast motion sports and action scenes are also good examples of where 4K’s higher refresh rates and improved clarity can be beneficial.
Even though 4K is currently the highest resolution that DIRECTV has to offer, technology never stands still. New technologies of 8K resolution televisions and 8K content are coming closer which offer more than 33 million pixels. Although there is still no much content in 8K, DIRECTV has announced that 8K may be on the pipeline once the market is ready.
Therefore, even though 4K Ultra HD is the present apex of video quality that can be offered by DIRECTV, marvelous advancements are always in the foreseeable future. The use of technologies like 4K and HDR have continued to gain popularity among production houses and program distributors such as DIRECTV, thus, enhancing the viewer experience constantly. But for now, the users who have 4K equipment can only appreciate the sharpness that DIRECTV provides with the channels that are available in 4K today. In nature documentaries, which take viewers across vast landscapes, in sports, where each detail is important, and in action movies with a new level of intensity – 4K enables DIRECTV clients to experience a new dimension in home entertainment.