Rumours, started by video-streaming content provider Netflix of all people, suggest that we’ll be seeing refreshes of both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this year. Refreshes, they say, that add 4K support to the consoles.
Now, before console owners rejoice and PC gamers look around all confused – the consoles seem barely capable of hitting 1080p half the time, after all – this rumoured 4K support would be for video only. According to Netflix’s CPO Neil Hunt in a now mostly retracted statement, Sony “promised” the company a new PlayStation 4 revision that would offer 4K video playback.
“Aside from the lack of screens available to buy right now, there is also a dearth of set-top boxes capable of showing 4K HDR. Hunt said Sony had “promised” a hardware rev for the PS4 that will include a 4K video capability and that they would “expect eventually” for it to support HDR,” Said the Huffington Post, “as one example of where the industry will seek to catch up. But in the meantime any HDR TV will probably have a Netflix app built in, Hunt said, which solves the problem for now.”
Hunt has since said that he can’t speak for the platform holders and their plans. When asked for comment, Microsoft remained mum.
“We remain committed to bringing leading entertainment features and services to the living room. Beyond that, we have nothing to share at this time.”
Sony issued a similar comment.
“Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time.”
Netflix began streaming UHD content back in April last year.
Personally, I’m not sure we’re ready for a 4K revolution – in games or consumable video media- just yet. While prices are indeed coming down, it’s still prohibitively expensive. I’m also of the opinion that they’re just not worth it. Yes, the extra clarity is nice and all, but I’m still pretty happy with watching things in good old 1080p.
As for games? While cards like the Nvidia GTX 980 and the AMD R9 290X edge us ever closer to viable 4K gaming, I suspect the adoption of the standard is progressing slower than anyone in the industry would like – though much like any of these technologies, it’s being driven by enthusiasts.
“4K adoption is very popular amongst the elite enthusiasts, but understandably slower being adopted in lower-end segments,” said AMD’s Robert Hallock. “I couldn’t characterize the rates with hard numbers as that’s not my area of expertise, but this is the sense I’m getting from interacting with the AMD community every day.”
Last Updated: February 3, 2015
Geoff Murphy
February 3, 2015 at 09:33
So if the rumour is true, does this mean brand new PS4’s and XBOX Ones?
CypherGate
February 3, 2015 at 09:36
Im thinking the same thing and if that happens im sure many people who jumped into buying the new consoles would be beyond pissed off.
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 09:37
I’d buy an Xbox SlimO
Admiral Chief
February 3, 2015 at 09:44
So, still larger than the PeeEssFawr?
Tosh MA
February 3, 2015 at 09:56
Probably, but it’s not like I’m carrying to LANs or anything, so it can sit and look pretty and make my hands happy with that amazing controller
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 10:23
lol
Uberutang
February 3, 2015 at 09:37
Probably only to the display port on the consoles to support 4k. Like when the xbx 360 added HDMI a few years into the system life.
http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/156790-xbox-one-and-ps4-analyzing-their-support-for-4k-video-and-gaming
FoxOneZA
February 3, 2015 at 09:36
Maybe then only will the PS4 will come DLNA and MKV support o_O
Uberutang
February 3, 2015 at 10:10
Xbox supports those now I believe?
FoxOneZA
February 3, 2015 at 11:48
Yep but it the Media Player app needs some tweaking. Still beats playback on the standard Smart TV app.
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 10:02
They might as well release the PS5 and Xbox Two(think Xbox 4K sounds better)if they ever hope to hit 4K on games, i really don’t know what type of GFX card you need for 4K video playback. but lets see what happens.
heavyforest
February 3, 2015 at 10:06
Next Xbox name will be Xbox 1440
Ghost In The Rift
February 3, 2015 at 10:07
LOL why 1440?
Ryanza
February 3, 2015 at 10:10
more like 144p with 4k netflix streaming and 1080p cloud streaming.
Ryanza
February 3, 2015 at 10:15
4k video stream will just need a certain hdmi or display port connection.
They working on new blu ray players to play 4k blu rays and 48 frames per second movies like the hobbit.
maybe by the end of the year, a new PS4 with a new blu ray drive, could work.
GFX card for 4k console 30fps gaming. R9 290x and up.
WitWolfy
February 3, 2015 at 10:04
I have a small android box that claims it can reach 4K resolutions.. Then I went into the resolutions and 1080P was its max. LOL Should’ve known!
HairyEwok
February 3, 2015 at 10:10
Sooooo consoles get 4K (maybe), for South Africans it means absolutely F#@KALL! 4K is still way to expensive to purchase here and let’s not even start with the internet line you’ll need to stream 4K material.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 3, 2015 at 10:19
4K native or 4K scaled?
Corrie
February 3, 2015 at 10:23
Wait!! they’re supposedly trying to bring 4K Support to these consoles yet they can’t even get 1080p right?
even if it’s video support now you’ll get fan boy’s will be screaming we have 4K support we are the console m?a?s?t?e?r? ?r?a?c?e? group of people whom feel superior to others because our plastic vibrates……
WitWolfy
February 3, 2015 at 10:33
Apparently it can reach 4K when movies are involved but games are locked at 1080P. Wrap your mind around that!
Corrie
February 3, 2015 at 10:49
Wait which console are you referring to with games locked at 1080P ? the Xbone’s favorite number is 900p and the PS4 sometimes if lucky gets 1080
WitWolfy
February 3, 2015 at 10:56
PS4 really, I remember them saying at one point shortly after release that 4K movies will be compatible on the console, but 4K gaming wont ever be a possibility on current hardware.
Corrie
February 3, 2015 at 11:01
Yeah I remember hearing of 4K video and even back then newsites were spouting it even skynews and that
Odd though that it seems they can’t achieve it without having to sell you something new
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 10:23
LULZ.
Corrie
February 3, 2015 at 10:24
LULZ.LULZ.
RinceThis
February 3, 2015 at 10:37
So they going to do this again?
Gavin Mannion
February 3, 2015 at 11:43
This reminds me a lot of the push for Blu-Ray back in the early days of the PS3 and while Blu-Ray is now relatively common you would be a special kind of fanboy to believe it has knocked DVD off its perch
HOWEVER I never saw the real benefit in BluRay and neither did a lot of people but when you see a 4K movie you know you are seeing something special. Also since 4K is not a trademarked technology you can expect prices to plummet a hell of a lot quicker
FoxOneZA
February 3, 2015 at 11:52
Sony is burning money with Blu Ray these days. Their plants are running at a loss. MS isn’t helping the Blu Ray cause either by running those ridiculous Games with Gold sales and then adding EA Access to the mix.
Kromas Votes LAG WCMovie Event
February 3, 2015 at 12:44
Witcher 3 PS4 Edition 4k resolution 2FPS. 😛