Sony collaborates with Netflix on 4K

Sony is optimising its 2014 line of 4K Ultra HD TVs to support 4K streaming from Netflix, which is expected to launch on compatible TVs in the first half of this year.

Showcasing its latest 4K home entertainment developments at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Sony said that its 201 Ultra HD TV line is optimised to support new codecs and a variety of forthcoming 4K video services – including Netflix and 4K photo services like picture community 500px and PlayMemories, Sony’s online photo and video service that can be used to display 4K photos on 4K TVs.

Sony said this would complement its own expanding Video Unlimited 4K download service, which launched in September and now includes more than 140 feature films and TV shows.

“It may be cliche to say content is king, but when talking about 4K Ultra HD TV, it reigns over consumer decision-making. Sony is a company of firsts and we continue to lead the way with 4K from lens to living room,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ home entertainment and sound division.

Sony said that its 4K Ultra HD TVs are capable of displaying 4K streaming video at 60 frames per second by incorporating a decoder compatible with the latest HEVC video compression format.

Sony’s 4K Ultra HD TV line-up includes three new series and a total of nine models in a variety of sizes, ranging from 49 to 85-inch screen sizes.