Hulu brings 4K streaming to Apple TV 4K and Chromecast Ultra
After quietly removing the feature in 2018, Hulu has brought back 4K to their streaming service -- this time, exclusively to the Apple TV 4K and the Chromecast Ultra.
In 2016, Hulu had added support for 4K content to its streaming service, and subscribers could stream Hulu Originals and select films in 4K on gaming consoles like the XBox One and PlayStation 4. In early 2018, Hulu had quietly removed this feature, with the intention of adding it back eventually.
As reported by Streamable, Hulu has finally brought back support for 4K streaming, exclusively to the Apple TV 4K and the Chromecast Ultra. At this time, there appears to be no mention of releasing 4K streaming to other hardware or reinstating it on gaming consoles.
Hulu had made the announcement without much fanfare, seemingly only in response to twitter user @RALPH4lyf, who had addressed the 4K issue the day of the release.
Subscribers will be able to stream Hulu Originals -- such as The Handmaid's Tale, Catch-22, and Castle Rock -- in 4K. Hulu's 4K UHD streams at 16 megabits per second, so users who wish to take advantage of this will need to have a fairly robust internet connection.
Hulu's 4K streaming supports Standard Dynamic Range, not HDR10 or Dolby Vision, so users may notice a decrease in contrast and color depth compared to other 4K content.
Many subscribers have complained about both the limited availability of 4K titles, as well as the fact that it is currently restricted to two devices. In comparison, Netflix has over 600 titles in 4K and Amazon Prime offers all original content and a few films in 4K as well.
In 2016, Hulu had added support for 4K content to its streaming service, and subscribers could stream Hulu Originals and select films in 4K on gaming consoles like the XBox One and PlayStation 4. In early 2018, Hulu had quietly removed this feature, with the intention of adding it back eventually.
As reported by Streamable, Hulu has finally brought back support for 4K streaming, exclusively to the Apple TV 4K and the Chromecast Ultra. At this time, there appears to be no mention of releasing 4K streaming to other hardware or reinstating it on gaming consoles.
Hulu had made the announcement without much fanfare, seemingly only in response to twitter user @RALPH4lyf, who had addressed the 4K issue the day of the release.
We have good news! 4K streaming was just re-released today on select devices: https://t.co/5BjUFgexXk. You'll be able to watch any of our Hulu Originals in 4K. We hope this helps!
-- Hulu Support (@hulu_support)
Subscribers will be able to stream Hulu Originals -- such as The Handmaid's Tale, Catch-22, and Castle Rock -- in 4K. Hulu's 4K UHD streams at 16 megabits per second, so users who wish to take advantage of this will need to have a fairly robust internet connection.
Hulu's 4K streaming supports Standard Dynamic Range, not HDR10 or Dolby Vision, so users may notice a decrease in contrast and color depth compared to other 4K content.
Many subscribers have complained about both the limited availability of 4K titles, as well as the fact that it is currently restricted to two devices. In comparison, Netflix has over 600 titles in 4K and Amazon Prime offers all original content and a few films in 4K as well.
Comments
In sets with HDR 4K is probably a given. But I wouldn't get a 4K set without HDR. If not already, soon they'll be a standard, not optional, team.
Wouldn't Apples service use the most expensive 4K cameras? Apple can afford it.
Believe it or not a lot of "4K" content isn't actually filmed in 4K. This requires newer digital cameras. I hope Apple TV+ will be the first service to offer full 4k/Dolby Vision content on every show and movie. Wouldn't THAT would be great!
I guess Apple made Apple TV 4K for no reason?
Maybe there will be an option to toggle off 4K on 3rd party devices.
There's a toggle for 4K content on Apple TV.
I'm thinking Apple can afford to film everything in true 4K Dolby Vision.
Why would an ATV need a toggle for 4K? Either the signal can be streamed at 4K or it can't, and it will scale automatically to the resolution that allows the stream. Maybe I should ask... what do you mean by a toggle for 4K content?
You say there's no benefit to customers but that's ridiculous. That would be the main reason I would be interested in their content. That would be a mega huge selling point for Apple. "Every show and movie filmed in 4K Dolby Vision".
"Why would an ATV need a toggle for 4K?"
Bandwidth(like you mentioned) and compatibility reasons.
"what do you mean by a toggle for 4K content?"
An on and off switch. Even Dolby Vision has this.