Amazon reportedly prepping 4K streaming for tentative October launch

By Alex Tretbar August 28, 2014

Samsung UHD 4K HU9000 Series Smart TV — Image used with permission by copyright holder

While Netflix is currently the top dog of 4K streaming, Amazon is set to begin piping its own 4K streams as early as October of this year. That’s according to a press release in which, interestingly enough, Samsung revealed the information. Samsung announced this morning that its 2014 smart UHD 4K TV line will be able to support Amazon’s Prime Instant Video Ultra-HD streaming service when it launches in October.

Related: ‘Breaking Bad’ now available on Netflix in sparkling 4K/UHD resolution

Last week the marketing director for the online retail giant’s Prime Instant Video service confirmed that Amazon has a team specifically dedicated to preparing and releasing 4K content this year and beyond. He didn’t, however, give any indication as to when the high-resolution video would be made available. Additionally, Amazon Studios has already announced its plans to shoot each of its original series in 4K resolution from here on out.

As the industry prepares for an inevitable rollover to the higher resolution that will expand exponentially within the next few years, many are choosing to additionally film movies and TV in UHD, though exactly how it will be distributed is still being determined. A recent study predicts that 4K televisions will trace a popularity/price trajectory similar to that of HDTVs over the last 15-year period – except 4K panels will become just as ubiquitous in 10-12 years, instead.

Amazon’s move into 4K territory will clearly benefit Samsung, too. While Netflix has managed to integrate 4K streams of its original series mainstays Breaking Bad and House of Cards online this year, we’ve yet to see anything else materialize for Netflix in the new format. With a serious lack of available 4K content currently, there’s not much of an incentive right now for most viewers to shell out for a screen that supports the resolution – especially considering prices for UHD/4K TVs are often as much as double that of their 1080p HD counterparts. Samsung’s move to support streaming of 4K offerings from Amazon is an initial step toward heightening awareness of and building buzz for the approaching 4K tide.

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Alex Tretbar, audio/video intern, is a writer, editor, musician, gamer and sci-fi nerd raised on EverQuest and Magic: The…

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Best Samsung TV deals: Save on 4K TVs, QLED TVs, OLED TVs, 8K TVs

A person watching a Samsung TV.

Samsung is almost always considered to be among the best TV brands, and while there are plenty of Sony TV deals, TCL TV deals, LG TV deals, and Vizio TV deals out there, here we’re taking a look at the savings a new Samsung TV has to offer. You’ll find both OLED TV deals and QLED TV deals among the best Samsung deals available to shop, as well as a variety of sizes such as 65-inch TV deals, 75-inch TV deals, and 85-inch TV deals. Below you’ll find all of the best Samsung TV deals going on right now — many of which compare well against the best TV deals overall — as well as some information on why each TV might make a good centerpiece for your home theater.
Samsung 65-inch QN85C QLED 4K Smart TV — $1,500, was $2,000

We find the QN85C to be sitting at just about the perfect price for a TV right now, while still maintaining the qualities and freshness of a much more quality TV. While it is 4K, it uses mini-LED tech, which allows for fine-tuned light control. Remember that the best QLED TVs are typically renowned more for their brightness than contrast; this tech can tip that need for contrast in the QN85C's favor. Other great features of this TV include audio with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound, 4K upscaling, and motion acceleration to keep fast moving content smooth.

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This 50-inch 4K TV is only $200 right now, and people love it

A Pioneer Xumo TV from Best Buy.

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest TV deals around, take a look at what Best Buy has to offer. Right now you can buy a Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV for just $200. It normally costs $300, so by buying it today you’re saving $100 off the regular price. Even better, the TV has reviewed surprisingly well by many of Best Buy’s customers. If you’re keen to know more about how good it is, keep reading while we take you through its offerings.

Why you should buy the Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV
You won’t see Pioneer on our look at the best TV brands but that doesn’t automatically mean you should write this TV off. Instead, check out the user reviews for this TV. One reviewer explains that the “picture is surprisingly clear for a television at this price point” while another says that “the picture and sound quality is fantastic” referencing how their kids use it while playing on their PS5 and Xbox Series X. Sure, it won’t compete with the best TVs for extensive features but the Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV has the essentials.

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Best Buy just discounted this 65-inch Samsung 4K TV to $400

The Samsung 75-inch LED 4K Smart TV on a media cabinet.

If you want a reliable 4K TV that’s just the right size for your living room, check out the TV deals going on at Best Buy right now. Today, you can buy a Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV for just $400. It normally costs $480, so you’re saving $80 on a TV that is already a great value. If you need a new inexpensive TV for your home but you want something from a reliable brand, this is your chance. Here’s everything else you need to know about it.

Why you should buy the Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV
From one of the best TV brands, the Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV is an ideal TV to enjoy plenty of benefits without breaking the bank. It has a great 4K picture with a PurColor Crystal Display which provides fine-tuned colors how they’re meant to be seen. It’s also Direct Lit so that blacks and whites are fine-tuned for enhanced contrast and there’s HDR for a wide spectrum of colors and visual details.