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.

You MUST have either the new Gemini device with your order or the C61K which are both clients of the Genie HD DVR and have the capability of showing 4K. Just as an FYI, DIRECTV currently only has 5 live 4K channels at the moment. They do, however, have a good variety of 4K on-demand content and PPV movies.

Here's what you need to watch shows and movies in 4k Ultra HD: A Genie® HD DVR (Model HR54 or above) connected to the internet. A 4K-compatible TV (like A DIRECTV® 4K Ready TV) connected to a 4K Genie Mini receiver.

“We have the 4K broadcast available on DIRECTV channel 104 for customers with Gemini or Roku Devices. In the coming weeks and months, more 4K content will be added on channels 105 and 106,” DIRECTV's customer service team said in a statement on the company's community forum.

Best for 4K content – DIRECTV Both DIRECTV's Gemini and DISH's Hopper 3 have 4K capabilities. Currently, DIRECTV offers more 4K channels than DISH. DISH's 4K options are mainly available via On Demand and the integrated Netflix app.

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.

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 UHD and 4K UHD/HDR content viewing requires an Xfinity X1 XG1v4 or Xi6 TV Box, or an XiOne streaming TV Box for Xfinity Flex.

4K-compatible HDMI cable: A “regular” HDMI 2.0 cable can handle 4K @ 60Hz, but an HDMI 2.1 cable does 4K @ 120Hz - but you'll need a TV with an HDMI 2.1 port. Internet connection: Can your internet connection handle the extra load from 4K streaming and the other internet activities in your house?

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.

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. The good news is that 4K TVs are becoming more reasonably priced.

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.

If you have old SD equipment and an SD dish, you'll be able to get a free upgrade to HD. In any case, you need to call DIRECTV (number in my greeting below) and ask an agent to schedule an upgrade for you. Be SPECIFIC about what you are upgrading, why, and what new equipment you would like.

HDMI 1.4 – If you want your HDMI cables to support 4K resolution, you need to make sure that they are High-Speed HDMI cables. They are tested to transmit video resolutions from 1080p to 4K with a richer color palette. With or without HDR, you need High-Speed HDMI cables.

The addition of more pixels creates more detailed images with expanded color space. A 4K HDMI cable's refresh rate is 60Hz, or 60 frames per second. With more pixels being refreshed faster, a 4K HDMI connector's bandwidth is 18 Gbps. This bit rate transmits data over three times as fast as a standard HDMI cable.

What do I need to view 4K media? To watch TV in 4K, you'll need a 4K TV (obviously), 4K content, a 4K streaming device, 4K Blu-ray player, a 4K–compatible HDMI cable, and plenty of internet speed. 4K TV: You can't play 4K content on a 1080p HD TV.