IPTV SMARTERS
The television picture and sound quality revolution is here with 4K Ultra HD IPTV. With a resolution four times greater than Full HD, enhanced by HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies, the viewing experience reaches unprecedented heights. IPTV SMARTERS offers you over 500 channels in 4K and a catalogue of 50,000+ Ultra HD content to transform your living room into a true home cinema experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything about the latest picture and sound technologies, the equipment needed to fully enjoy them, and how IPTV SMARTERS gives you access to the best 4K content available in the United Kingdom. Whether you're passionate about Premier League football, a film enthusiast, or love nature documentaries, 4K quality will transform how you watch television.
- What is 4K UHD and HDR? Explained Simply
- SD, HD, Full HD and 4K Comparison Table
- HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: Premium Technologies
- Technical Requirements (TV, Internet 25+ Mbps, HDMI 2.0+)
- Compatible Devices and TVs for 4K
- IPTV SMARTERS 4K Catalogue: Sports, Cinema, Documentaries
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is 4K UHD and HDR? Explained Simply
Before diving into the technical details, let's first understand what these terms that you hear everywhere actually mean. If you're new to the world of IPTV, this section will enlighten you about the technologies that make television pictures so spectacular today.
4K Ultra HD in Simple Terms
Imagine a photo made up of millions of tiny coloured dots called pixels. The more pixels there are, the more detailed and sharp the image becomes. That's exactly what 4K Ultra HD does: it quadruples the number of pixels compared to the old Full HD standard.
Specifically, 4K displays 3840 x 2160 pixels, that's 8.3 million pixels on your screen. To give you an idea:
- Your old HD television displayed about 1 million pixels
- A Full HD television displays 2 million pixels
- A 4K television displays 8 million pixels
The result? Exceptionally sharp images where you can see the smallest details: blades of grass on a Premier League football pitch, pores on an actor's skin in your favourite series, textures of clothing in a fashion documentary. On a large screen of 55 inches or more, the difference is staggering.
The term "4K" comes from digital cinema where the horizontal resolution is approximately 4000 pixels (4096 x 2160 to be exact). Ultra HD (UHD) is the television standard slightly adapted to 3840 x 2160 pixels. In everyday practice, the two terms are interchangeable for consumers.
Why Screen Size Matters for 4K
One of the major advantages of 4K is that it allows you to sit closer to your television without seeing individual pixels. With a 55-inch Full HD screen, you need to sit at least 2.2 metres away to avoid distinguishing pixels. With a 4K screen of the same size, you can sit just 1.1 metres away whilst still enjoying a perfectly sharp picture.
This is why 4K particularly shines on large screens of 55 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches or more. If you have a small 32-inch screen and you're sitting 3 metres away, the difference between 4K and Full HD will be barely perceptible.
Comparison Table: 4K vs Full HD vs HD vs SD
To better understand the evolution of picture quality over the years, here's a detailed comparison table of the different resolutions available:
| Feature | SD (480p) | HD (720p) | Full HD (1080p) | 4K UHD (2160p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 480 | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Pixel Count | 345,600 | 921,600 | 2,073,600 | 8,294,400 |
| Internet Speed Required | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 25+ Mbps |
| Ideal Screen Size | Under 32" | 32" - 42" | 42" - 55" | 55" and above |
| HDR Support | No | No | Limited | Yes (HDR10, Dolby Vision) |
| Data Usage/Hour | 0.5 GB | 1 GB | 3 GB | 7-10 GB |
| Colour Quality (bits) | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10-bit / 12-bit |
As you can see, the move to 4K represents a considerable quality leap. On a 65-inch or larger television, the difference is immediately noticeable: images are crystal clear, movements are smooth, and immersion is total.
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Over 500 4K channels and 50,000 Ultra HD VOD content included in all subscriptions.
View 4K PlansHDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: Premium Technologies Explained
If 4K improves picture sharpness, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies completely revolutionise the audiovisual experience. Here's everything you need to know about these technologies that transform your living room into a cinema.
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Revolutionary Colours and Contrast
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology that considerably improves the colours and contrast of the picture. Unlike traditional SDR (Standard Dynamic Range), HDR allows the display of:
- Brighter whites: The sun in a scene truly shines with realistic intensity
- Deeper blacks: Night scenes have real shadows with preserved details
- Over one billion colours: Compared to just 16 million in standard SDR quality
- More detail in bright and dark areas: You see everything, even in the darkest or brightest corners of the image
The result is a picture that looks much more like what your eyes see in real life. Sunsets are breathtaking, explosions in action films are dazzling, and dark scenes reveal all their details without losing contrast.
There are several HDR formats:
- HDR10: The basic format, free and open, supported by all HDR televisions
- HDR10+: Enhanced version with dynamic metadata (Samsung, Panasonic)
- HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma): Used for live TV broadcasts including BBC iPlayer
- Dolby Vision: The premium format with the best performance
Dolby Vision: The Pinnacle of Picture Quality
Dolby Vision is the premium version of HDR, developed by the experts at Dolby Laboratories. It's like going from a sports car to a Formula 1 in terms of visual performance:
- 68 billion colours: Compared to 1 billion for standard HDR10 (thanks to 12-bit)
- Scene-by-scene optimisation: Dynamic metadata adjusts each frame individually for constant perfection
- Brightness up to 10,000 nits: For dazzling and realistic highlights
- Guaranteed backwards compatibility: Dolby Vision content also works on HDR10 TVs
Films and series in Dolby Vision offer an unparalleled visual experience, approaching that of an IMAX cinema. Content creators use Dolby Vision to ensure you see exactly the picture they imagined.
Dolby Atmos: 360-Degree Immersive Audio
Dolby Atmos is the audio revolution that perfectly accompanies the 4K HDR picture. Unlike traditional surround sound that positions sound only around you (left, right, front, rear), Dolby Atmos adds a vertical dimension:
- 3D sound: Sounds can come from anywhere, including the ceiling
- Individual audio objects: Each sound (helicopter, bird, raindrop) is treated as an independent 3D object
- Up to 128 audio tracks: For exceptional sonic precision
- Automatic adaptation: The system adapts to your setup (soundbar, home cinema, headphones)
To enjoy Dolby Atmos, you can use:
- A Dolby Atmos soundbar: The simplest solution (Sonos Arc, Samsung HW-Q990D, LG S95QR)
- A 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 home cinema system: With ceiling or upward-firing speakers
- Compatible headphones: AirPods Pro, certain Sony and Bose headsets
The combination of 4K HDR Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos sound creates a truly immersive home cinema experience. Imagine watching a Champions League match where you hear the crowd all around you, or an action film where explosions seem to come from every direction.
Technical Requirements for 4K Streaming
To fully enjoy 4K Ultra HD IPTV with HDR and Dolby Atmos, certain equipment is essential. Here's our complete guide to optimising your setup.
1. 4K TV Compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision
Television choice is crucial for your 4K experience. Here are the essential features to look for:
- Native 4K resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels minimum (essential)
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility: For enhanced colours and contrast
- HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 ports: Essential for 4K bandwidth at 60fps
- 60Hz minimum refresh rate: 120Hz recommended for sport and gaming
- Recommended size: 55 inches or more to truly appreciate 4K
- eARC support: For Dolby Atmos passthrough to your soundbar
Recommended brands for 4K HDR:
- LG OLED: The best blacks and best Dolby Vision support
- Samsung QLED: Excellent HDR brightness and durability
- Sony Bravia XR: Exceptional picture processing and Google TV
- TCL / Hisense: Excellent value for money for tighter budgets
Check out our guide How to Set Up IPTV SMARTERS on Smart TV for detailed instructions.
2. Internet Connection: 25 Mbps Minimum for 4K
Your internet connection is fundamental for uninterrupted 4K streaming. Here are our detailed recommendations:
- Absolute minimum: 25 Mbps for basic 4K SDR
- Recommended: 50 Mbps for smooth 4K HDR
- Optimal: 100 Mbps+ for 4K Dolby Vision without any compromise
- Multiple devices: Add 25 Mbps per additional 4K device used simultaneously
Wired vs WiFi connection: A wired Ethernet connection is always preferable to WiFi for 4K streaming stability. If cabling isn't possible, use at minimum WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or ideally WiFi 6 (802.11ax) to avoid interruptions and buffering.
Tips to optimise your connection:
- Position your WiFi router near your television if you're not using a cable
- Avoid obstacles (thick walls, microwaves) between the router and television
- Use the 5GHz band rather than 2.4GHz for less interference
- Consider a WiFi repeater or mesh system if your living room is far from the router
With full fibre now available to most UK households through BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and various Openreach-based providers, 4K streaming is accessible to everyone.
3. Essential Cables and Accessories
- Certified "Premium High Speed" HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cable: Essential for 4K HDR at 60fps (old HDMI 1.4 cables won't work)
- Cat 6 or Cat 6a Ethernet cable: For a stable, fast connection (up to 10 Gbps)
- Dolby Atmos soundbar: To complete the immersive audiovisual experience
- Quality router: A recent router with WiFi 6 significantly improves streaming stability
Test Your Internet Connection
Check that your speed is sufficient for 4K Ultra HD streaming before subscribing.
Test My ConnectionCompatible Devices and TVs for 4K
IPTV SMARTERS is compatible with a wide range of devices to let you enjoy 4K HDR Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos wherever you are. Here are the available options:
Smart TVs
- Samsung Smart TV (2017+): Tizen OS with native app, HDR10+
- LG Smart TV (2016+): WebOS with full Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Sony Bravia (2016+): Android TV/Google TV with all HDR formats
- TCL / Hisense: Android TV / Google TV, excellent value for money
- Philips Ambilight: Android TV with immersive lighting
- Fire TV Edition: Televisions with Amazon's built-in Fire OS
4K Streaming Boxes and Sticks
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Excellent value, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd gen): The most powerful with built-in Alexa voice control
- NVIDIA Shield TV Pro: The absolute benchmark for 4K HDR streaming with AI upscaling
- Apple TV 4K (2022): Premium quality with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and Apple integration
- Chromecast with Google TV 4K: Compact, affordable and effective
- Roku Ultra: Popular choice with excellent 4K and HDR support
- Formuler Z11 Pro Max: High-end Android TV box for enthusiasts
For more details, see our guide How to Set Up Fire Stick.
Mobile Devices and Computers
- iPhone and iPad: iOS app with AirPlay support to Apple TV
- Android smartphones: App available on Google Play Store
- Android tablets: Optimised experience for large screens
- Windows PC / Mac: Via web browser or dedicated application
Compatible 4K IPTV Applications
IPTV SMARTERS works with the best IPTV players on the market:
- IPTV Smarters Pro: Intuitive interface with built-in TV guide, 4K support
- TiviMate: The best player for Android TV with Dolby Vision support
- GSE Smart IPTV: Compatible with iOS and Android
- VLC Media Player: Free and universal
- Kodi with IPTV add-ons: For advanced users
IPTV SMARTERS 4K Catalogue: Sports, Cinema, Documentaries
IPTV SMARTERS gives you access to an impressive catalogue of channels and content broadcasting in 4K Ultra HD. Here are the main categories available for the UK market:
Sports in 4K Ultra HD
Experience sport like never before with breathtaking picture quality. Every detail matters in 4K: the grass texture, the ball trajectory, the players' expressions.
- Sky Sports Ultra HD: Premier League, F1, Cricket, Golf in 4K HDR
- TNT Sports 4K: Champions League, Europa League, UFC in 4K HDR
- BT Sport Ultimate: Premium football and rugby coverage
- Eurosport 4K: Tennis (Wimbledon, Australian Open), Cycling (Tour de France), Winter Sports
- DAZN 4K: Boxing, MMA, international football
- Sky Sports F1 4K: Formula 1 in stunning Ultra HD
Cinema and Series in 4K Dolby Vision
Enjoy the latest blockbusters and best series in cinema quality at home:
- Sky Cinema Ultra HD: Hollywood blockbusters and classic films
- Sky Atlantic 4K: Premium HBO series (House of the Dragon, The Last of Us)
- Netflix 4K: 4K Dolby Vision catalogue with the best original productions
- Disney+ 4K: Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic in Ultra HD
- Amazon Prime Video 4K: Amazon Original films and series
- Apple TV+ 4K: Apple productions in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Paramount+ 4K: Exclusive Paramount content and original series
Documentaries and Nature in 4K
Nature documentaries are particularly impressive in 4K HDR:
- BBC iPlayer 4K: Planet Earth, Blue Planet, natural history masterpieces
- National Geographic 4K: Nature, exploration and adventure
- Discovery Channel 4K: Science, technology and discoveries
- Sky Nature 4K: Wildlife documentaries
- History Channel 4K: Historical documentaries
- Smithsonian 4K: Educational and nature content
Try IPTV SMARTERS on All Your Devices
Connect up to 4 devices simultaneously and enjoy 4K HDR Dolby Vision throughout your home.
24-Hour Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions About 4K Ultra HD IPTV
Conclusion: Upgrade to the 4K Ultra HD Experience
4K Ultra HD IPTV with HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos represents the future of home entertainment. With a picture four times more detailed than Full HD, breathtaking colours and 360-degree immersive sound, every viewing moment becomes a cinematic experience.
IPTV SMARTERS offers you access to this audiovisual revolution with over 500 4K channels and 50,000 VOD content in Ultra HD. Whether you want to watch the Premier League in stadium quality, the latest blockbusters in cinema quality, or breathtaking nature documentaries, 4K will transform your living room.
To fully enjoy 4K, make sure you have:
- A 4K TV compatible with HDR/Dolby Vision (55" or larger recommended)
- An internet connection of at least 25 Mbps (50 Mbps recommended)
- A compatible streaming device (Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Apple TV 4K, etc.)
- Certified HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables
Ready to discover the 4K difference? Contact our team with any questions or start your free trial now.
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