4K video playback isn’t currently available on PS4 and Xbox One, but Netflix believes support for such media will be part of revised hardware versions coming this November, reports Forbes.
Netflix first noted the new 4K hardware revisions at CES last month, when chief product officer Neil Hunt said that Sony has ‘promised’ a PS4 hardware revision to support 4K video.
After being contacted by Forbes, Netflix declined to provide more information, stating it can’t speak on Sony’s plans. However, Netflix did explain the thought process behind Hunt’s comments at CES.
Hunt’s belief is that PS4 and Xbox One are due the ‘traditional two-year hardware refresh’ in October/November, at which point the consoles will be updated to support 4K playback.
Neither Microsoft or Sony are currently prepared to commit to a 4K future.
“We remain committed to bringing leading entertainment features and services to the living room. Beyond that, we have nothing to share at this time,” said Microsoft.
Sony commented: “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.”
Forbes says that to support 4K the consoles will need to add the following components:
It may be possible to update the systems via software to support 4K to some degree, but it looks like some form of hardware revision will be required to take full advantage of the format. Whilst gaming output at 4K seems unlikely, given 1080p is often missed, less graphically intense games could support an increased resolution.
Source: Forbes
