One of the challenges with 4K Ultra HD TV, like any new format or technology, is the lack of content. Sure, any Ultra HD TV worth its salt can upconvert standard definition and high definition content up to 4K for display on the panel, but this really doesn't compare with having native 4K content.
Roku, one of the most popular over-the-top streaming technology platforms, announced this week that it will soon support 4K Ultra HD streaming. But there's a caveat: the 4K streaming capability announced is on the Roku TV platform, not the Roku streaming box. Roku TV is a partnership between the streaming provider and select TV makers which actually embeds the Roku platform inside the TV. Roku has built out what's called a "reference design" platform of the 4K-capable Roku TV module for TV manufacturers to evaluate for inclusion within their TVs. This week Chinese TV maker TCL has announced that they will come to market with a 4K Ultra HD TV model later this year which includes the new Ultra HD-enabled Roku TV platform.
So it looks like TCL customers will be the first to stream 4K content over the Roku platform. Meanwhile Roku is also working with Netflix to make sure that the popular subcription-based streaming service will be among the first 4K-enabled streaming partners on the Roku platform.
"With the maturation of 4K, including the dramatic price reductions of 4K TVs, the growing amount of 4K content available for streaming and the increased consumer awareness of the benefits of 4K, the time is right for Roku to offer Roku TV 4K solutions to global TV OEMs," said Roku Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wood. "We are very bullish on 4K as we believe that streaming will be instrumental in its adoption. Bringing 4K to the Roku platform will give consumers even more choice and control of their entertainment viewing, and deliver the best streaming experience available."
As for streaming 4K Ultra HD content from a stand-alone Roku over-the-top streaming box, Roku is surely working on this as well but did not have any specific announcements at CES with details. Based on Ultra HD's requirements for HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, it's very likely that Roku will need to release a new version of the actual over-the-top streaming box in order to support 4K. But at least this interrim announcement is a step in the right direction.
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