4K / UHD - when is it coming to Fios?

[slick161]

Can't find anything regarding upcoming support and with the market flooded with UHD TV's, this should at least be noted somewhere on the Verizon site, whether it is coming or not. There's an news article from 2013 stating once it is mainstream, they'll be delivering content, but haven't seen a word about support anywhere.

[tns2 · Accepted solution]

Remember you are talking to peers here.  Verizon is unlikely to ever answer even if they are actively planning something for 4k/UHD.

Currently there are almost no regularly broadcast or cable channels doing 4k althouch their has been some testing using ATSC 3.0 and some stations such as WRAL are active . Their are however some services Such as Amazon, Neflix, etc that offer some 4k channels.  Much of the ATSC 3.0 protocols are approved and among many other things it supports UHD. 

I don't expec much to happen until such programming becomes more common and ATSC 3.0 is finished.

[CRobGauth]

Remember when we were all waiting for all of the 3d content?

And there are still a number of SD channels out there.

[slick161]

Got it. Just wonderning if I was missing something... All the 4K TV's being sold and not much to play on them. Thanks!

[optivity]

IMO digital TV manufactuters release new technologies to keep buyers "buying" technology there is no content available to make use of.

CableCard 2.0 spec., 3D TV and now UHD are prime examples.

Not only do BIG Screen makers: Sony, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, etc., want you to buy their 4K products; if you have an older AVR you need to buy one of those too in order to support the newer HDMI spec's for 4K video.

It's a never ending cycle. Content providers & ISPs finished upgrading their infrastructures to support 1080p within the last decade and given their desire to recoup that investment I doubt you'll see any native UHD content on Cable TV anytime soon. Probably another 10 years at least and by then you'll be seeing Super Duper UHD being touted as the next best thing.

Netflix recommends 25 Mbps to stream UHD content and I (?) just how many of those connections Verizon will really support.

[JP_05]

If  the 4K broadcast issues are understood ie: network TV does not yet offer 4K programming, there wouldn't be as much push on Verizon to offer this feature.   

The issue now is related to the fact that THEY'RE offering a link to Netflix from the Guide, Menu and or Widgets.  THERE is no way to select a Netflix 4K broadcast.  THEIR offerings are many and growing.  This is a paid for feature with no way to access via Verizon's remote control or apps.    Thinking out of the box idea may be a way to bypass THIER STB when Netflix is selected and get to the TV like you would via Smart TV, DVD, Play Station etc remote controls.

[jonjones1]

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@JP_05 wrote:

If  the 4K broadcast issues are understood ie: network TV does not yet offer 4K programming, there wouldn't be as much push on Verizon to offer this feature.   

The issue now is related to the fact that THEY'RE offering a link to Netflix from the Guide, Menu and or Widgets.  THERE is no way to select a Netflix 4K broadcast.  THEIR offerings are many and growing.  This is a paid for feature with no way to access via Verizon's remote control or apps.    Thinking out of the box idea may be a way to bypass THIER STB when Netflix is selected and get to the TV like you would via Smart TV, DVD, Play Station etc remote controls.

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Since Netflix is subscriber based, you select the 4K feature for Netflix. Fios is not paying for Netflix you are.

on my Roku or Apple TV I have Netflix and it runs I believe $12.99 a month for viewing in UHD/4K additionally my 4K televisions have Netflix and when I login the view is under the 4K so it’s up to you to go into your Netflix settings and up your plan. 

Fios just gives the channel selector for your own paid Netflix subscription.

[JP_05]

Thanks JJ...   You missed both points.

1) I have Netflix 4K service and have enjoyed it over the last 2 years.  Verizon is now offering a link to Netflix.    This is to be a convenience but does not allow access to 4K for the started and understood reasons.  Anyone wanting 4K viewing CANNOT use the VZ access to Netflix.  Therefore 2 remote controls are now back in play.

2) THERE is a difference in the words that sound like ..     oh never mind... Thanks for the reply

But you know what JJ ...  

Your words. ....and when I login the view is under the 4K so it’s up to you to go into your Netflix settings and up your plan. My response:  (Does not make sense...  ) When you log into Netflix you have options for both 4K and non-4K if you subscribe to 4K.

Your words ....Fios just gives the channel selector for your own paid Netflix subscription.  My response:  AND MY POINT...my paid Netflix subscription includes 4K.  

Anyway....  I am hopeful that VZ will update THEIR box to provide 4K so that customers will be able to use more of the VZ offerings without having to use a potential competitors product.  Thereby strengthening THEIR position.  

[jonjones1]

Sometimes the answer may be overwhelming.

Lets try again.

1- Yes Fios now has a link to Netflix 

2- Yes it is linked via your plan. Not Fios 

3- You have to not only have the 4K/uhd plan but the tv to view it. (Seems logical)

4- Notwithstanding the Fios connection, the 4K TV , Roku, Apple TV 4K have the ability to access Netflix. And there are other devices.

if you have a 4K tv then Netflix with 4K will be shown in 4K/UHD on your television it has absolutely nothing to do how your Fios channel accesses the service. 

Fios is only giving a quick way to access your paid subscription. The Fios is not controlling your viewing of Netflix only your plan on Netflix and your tv control that.

[JP_05]

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@jonjones wrote:

Sometimes the answer may be overwhelming.

Lets try again.  (Ditto)

 .....

 if you have a 4K tv then Netflix with 4K will be shown in 4K/UHD on your television it has absolutely nothing to do how your Fios channel accesses the service. 

Fios is only giving a quick way to access your paid subscription. The Fios is not controlling your viewing of Netflix only your plan on Netflix and your tv control that.

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Your ending quoted just above here is where you are lost.  MY paid subscription IS 4K and my point is that IF THE FIOS REMOTE IS USED TO SELECT/CHOOSE NETFLIX YOU CANNOT SELECT A 4K  PROGRAM.  Stop and read the last part again, because, that is the point.   To view 4K you MUST use a controller (remote) from a streaming device or TV that has the Netflix app or access.  This means that for anyone who has FiOS you CANNOT use the FiOS remote control to watch Netflix 4K regardless of what your paid Netflix subscription refects.  

I first saw the FiOS feature as an advantage to reduce the need to use 2 remote controls to 1.... Only to find out there s no access to 4K.  If you could see 4K offerings and when chosen you received an error message it would be better.  But there are no instructions or caveats etc offered.  Not even input on choosing options.

So please tell me that you are on board with my point, if not I quit and you win.

[jonjones1]

No I am not saying that what is happening is not happening.

and yes the use from another streaming stick like a Roku and Apple TV works as it should, but you want the Fios tv controller to allow 4K streaming of the Netflix programming . 

So I understand what you are writing. Now here is where my understanding must not be in sync. Now having the ability to stream in UHD/4K with smart 4K tv’s and streaming devices like I mention above, why would accessing Netflix through the Fios set top box not allow 4K streaming to view it as such?

The premise is on the Fios controller to work as a streaming controller like with Roku’s  and Firesticks, and Apple tv’s with their own controllers. Or as in using the Netflix app on the 4K TV’s with the tv controller. 

This is where I get a little hazy. The Fios controller should show the Netflix stream as in your plan with your 4K tv. I am going to assume that the Fios tv box is overriding the Netflix control to operate in 4K/UHD 

My ignorance must be that I use my Netflix through a Roku, Apple TV,Blu Ray players, and of course through my supplied tv controller. It would then be to question why using the stb to access Netflix would not simply use the 4K tv settings to override the Fios tv.

i would contact Netflix and explain what happens on your Fios service. Like Apple they will probably say that it is the app developer that has to create the app to be used as it should with Fios.

trust me I went through the crap with Acorn TV which stopped working when they updated the Apple TV app. Which worked with every other device.

[JP_05]

We are close... 

In layman's terms Streaming Netflix with your referenced controllers or in my case with my Sony TV controller vs. my FiOS remote control is this.  All of the above controllers sans the FiOS controller rely on Ethernet, Bluetooth or similar internet connection.  The FiOS controller uses their STB - set top box.  Their top of the line Quantum STB's cannot handle 4K.  Therefore, when you are in Netflix menu via FiOS STB there are no references to 4K offerings.  It appears as if you do not subscribe to 4K service.

[jonjones1]

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@JP_05 wrote:

We are close... 

In layman's terms Streaming Netflix with your referenced controllers or in my case with my Sony TV controller vs. my FiOS remote control is this.  All of the above controllers sans the FiOS controller rely on Ethernet, Bluetooth or similar internet connection.  The FiOS controller uses their STB - set top box.  Their top of the line Quantum STB's cannot handle 4K.  Therefore, when you are in Netflix menu via FiOS STB there are no references to 4K offerings.  It appears as if you do not subscribe to 4K service.

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We are close....

i don't subscribe to Fios tv since I use a 4K/UHD tv’s in our home. Hence my reference to Apple TV, Roku,Smart TV controller,or our Blu Ray devices.

Directtvnow at $35 a month, no taxes or bogus fees and HBO to Go free for a year or $5 a month there after.

I referenced the set top boxes Fios uses as “what should happen” yes I understand that Fios tv is not 4K yet. But, the statement that it is on the menu at channel xxx is for the convenience of accessing your Netflix account. I am again thinking that after reading your previous posts that even though you would like to access UHD/4K from using Fios stb and controller this is being impossible due to Verizon not having such a ability.

I use my Apple TV 4K boxes to access Netflix to watch in UHD/4K and as of this week Amazon Prime is broadcasting some programs in 4K as well as through the tv apps.

I don’t care about having to use the extra controller.

[Joe3651]

If there is no 4K I will look for one that does.

[jonjones1]

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@Joe365wrote:

If there is no 4K I will look for one that does.

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That may not be possible at present since cable is toying with offering viewing in limited 4K (you still must have the tv) and I know the satellite providers are also offering trials. On my amazon prime and Apple TV they are of course using 4K UHD (Apple requires the 4K version of Apple TV 4th. Generation . 

I highly doubt Fios is offering any 4K UHD viewing at this time.

[pturner]

Cable channels are now offering 4K UHD. ie NBC Sports Premier League soccer broadcasts. Therefore is Verizon FIOS not providing this pass through signal. I have a Quatum router and top level STB media center and 4K UHD TV. If I'm not getting this service I feel like I'm being duped by Verizon.

[jonjones1]

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@pturnerwrote:

Cable channels are now offering 4K UHD. ie NBC Sports Premier League soccer broadcasts. Therefore is Verizon FIOS not providing this pass through signal. I have a Quatum router and top level STB media center and 4K UHD TV. If I'm not getting this service I feel like I'm being duped by Verizon.

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You cannot be duped if Verizon Fios tv never said they offer 4K UHD.

the service was spelled out on the day you accepted the service. 

[Philistine]

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@jonjoneswrote:

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@pturnerwrote:

Cable channels are now offering 4K UHD. ie NBC Sports Premier League soccer broadcasts. Therefore is Verizon FIOS not providing this pass through signal. I have a Quatum router and top level STB media center and 4K UHD TV. If I'm not getting this service I feel like I'm being duped by Verizon.

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You cannot be duped if Verizon Fios tv never said they offer 4K UHD.

the service was spelled out on the day you accepted the service. 

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@If @pturner feels he's been duped you can't tell him that 'just because 4k wasn't in the agreement', he can't feel this way.  An arrogant and non value adding response to dictate to someone how they should and shouldn't feel.

I'm a long term Fios customer, if Verizon can't articulate a strategic vision to the demand for 4k they're opening themselves up to customer migration.

[jonjones1]

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@Philistinewrote:

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@jonjoneswrote:

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@pturnerwrote:

Cable channels are now offering 4K UHD. ie NBC Sports Premier League soccer broadcasts. Therefore is Verizon FIOS not providing this pass through signal. I have a Quatum router and top level STB media center and 4K UHD TV. If I'm not getting this service I feel like I'm being duped by Verizon.

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You cannot be duped if Verizon Fios tv never said they offer 4K UHD.

the service was spelled out on the day you accepted the service. 

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@If @pturner feels he's been duped you can't tell him that 'just because 4k wasn't in the agreement', he can't feel this way.  An arrogant and non value adding response to dictate to someone how they should and shouldn't feel.

I'm a long term Fios customer, if Verizon can't articulate a strategic vision to the demand for 4k they're opening themselves up to customer migration.

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You cannot be duped if the terms and conditions of what you subscribed to are met.

that is a simple as it can be stated. Even if in the future Fios decides to offer 4K UHD only via extra cost, they have a right to do so. My reply is the value in that it’s is honest and how the situation presently is.

if in the future Verizon puts out a commercial saying “now in 4K UHD” then that is a value to garner more customers. Again Verizon is not offering it, Cable is testing it in certain markets. And nothing in your service agreements state you are entitled to it.

it really is that simple.

[CRobGauth]

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@Philistine wrote:

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@jonjoneswrote:

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@pturnerwrote:

Cable channels are now offering 4K UHD. ie NBC Sports Premier League soccer broadcasts. Therefore is Verizon FIOS not providing this pass through signal. I have a Quatum router and top level STB media center and 4K UHD TV. If I'm not getting this service I feel like I'm being duped by Verizon.

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You cannot be duped if Verizon Fios tv never said they offer 4K UHD.

the service was spelled out on the day you accepted the service. 

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@If @pturner feels he's been duped you can't tell him that 'just because 4k wasn't in the agreement', he can't feel this way.  An arrogant and non value adding response to dictate to someone how they should and shouldn't feel.

I'm a long term Fios customer, if Verizon can't articulate a strategic vision to the demand for 4k they're opening themselves up to customer migration.

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I remember when 3D was going to be all the rage. I bought my first big screen LED HDTV with 3D (came for free). What ever happened to it?

There is not a lot of 4K content available via cable channels at this point.

I hear 8K is in the works. Its not cheap to develop a new STB. ANd given the large number of people that still have SD boxes, where's the buyback?

Yes some customers might leave for other providers. And others might just cut the cord. But most of the cable providers don't announce future plans.

Verizon did beta an IP based service that support 4K but shut it down.

To me, that is a sign of their short term plans for 4K.

[jonjones1]

And even given those factors you mentioned the way technology is going in leaps and bounds even the 8K and beyond will not be enough.

i remember when 3D was first out there. Not too many years ago. I remember as a child wearing 3D glasses in the movies and thought it was great.

all gone now for the most part.

growing up back in the 50’s I remember a small black and white tv with 4 stations, 60+ years later our tv’s cover our wall in the living room and bedroom. And in vibrant colors and definitions. Technology is wonderful.