DIRECTV is the first U.S. pay TV provider to bring you a channel with Ultra HD around the clock. Choose from a huge selection of 4K content - including original series, travel shows and more. Since you're getting four times the picture resolution of Full HD 1080p, it's the next best thing to being there.

DIRECTV programming is NOT broadcasted in 4K, just 720p/1080i. There are select PPV and On-Demand movies that are in 4K along with four or so channels, but that's pretty much it. There's no charge for 4K, you are just required to have a wired C61K client along with the HR54 because the HR54 itself does not do 4K.

4K Live via DirecTV Satellite DirecTV offers three 4K Ultra HD Channels. Channels 104 and 105 are full-time channels, and Channel 106 is a part-time channel.

Currently, we only have channels 104, 105 and 106 for DIRECTV STREAM on 4K quality, and you must have a 4K capable TV and any other connected equipment that supports HDCP 2.2, an HDMI 2.0a or newer connecting cable.

4K resolution pixel count is 4096 x 2160 which is 256 pixels wider than UHD - meaning the picture quality is slightly superior. Even on TV screens of the same size, the 4K TV picture quality ends up being more vivid and detailed thanks to the greater pixel density – which makes them especially great TVs for gaming.

4K (also known as Ultra HD or Ultra High Definition) is a screen resolution that quadruples the number of pixels in a standard HD picture from 1920x1080 to 3840x2160.

4K content is becoming more widely available, but it's still far from becoming the new norm and replacing 1080p. But as long as you have the right internet speed to use 4K technology, there's no reason to avoid 4K TVs. That said, it's not worth paying extra until more 4K content is available.

A Genie™ HD DVR (Model HR54 or later). A manufacturer-certified DIRECTV 4K Ready TV. NOTE: If you have 4K TV that is not certified DIRECTV Ready, the DIRECTV installer will use a 4K Genie Mini (C61K) as part of the connection. Professional installation.

Top 4K cable and satellite TV providers

Most of the content you can watch on cable or satellite TV is not 4K, even if you are using your provider's 4K set-top box. The majority of HDTV shows still come through at a 720p or 1080i resolution.

DIRECTV has more channels and package options, plus an advantage when it comes to 4K content. Determining which provider is better for you also depends on what channels are important to you.

Top live TV 4K streaming services