DirecTV 4K Ultra HD TV Channels - What You Need to Know

DirecTV has a growing selection of 4K Ultra HD channels. Here's where else you can find 4K content:

• Via internet streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc.
• Limited broadcasting is expected to start in 2020; standards have already been adopted for 4K over-the-air TV broadcasts. However, it will be a couple of years after that before routine broadcasts and a sufficient number of TVs with tuners that can receive them will be available.
• On cable, things are progressing slowly as Comcast and Altice are the only major cable services offering 4K which includes access to Netflix 4K streaming content and limited special event programming.

4K Live via DirecTV Satellite

DirecTV offers three 4K Ultra HD Channels. Channels 104 and 105 are full-time channels, and Channel 106 is a part-time channel.

• Channel 104 offers pre-recorded content with an emphasis on documentaries, travel, and original series, as well as a Saturday night concert series.
• Channel 105 provides pre-recorded pay-per-view movies and live sports events.
• Channel 106 is primarily reserved for special live events.

DirecTV's 4K TV programming is limited but growing. Some events are seasonal and include Major League Baseball, the NBA, NFL Football, College Football and Basketball (including select March Madness matches) English Premier League Soccer, the annual Masters Golf Tournament, and more. Check out their continually updated schedule (includes live and pre-recorded programs).

What You Need to Receive DirecTV's 4K Channels

To receive DirecTV's 4K channels, you need to have a Direct-TV compatible 4K Ultra HD "RVU" TV (specific DirecTV 4K-Ready TVs are provided by Samsung, LG, and Sony) in conjunction with the DirecTV Genie Model HR54 or HS17 Set-Top box. You also have to subscribe to DirecTV Select or above program package.

Features of the DirecTV Now Genie HR54

Here are some other features that you will get with the DirecTV Genie HR54 Receiver/HD-DVR.

• Tuners: The Genie HR54 has 5 Built-in Tuners. However, keep in mind that there are only three 4K channels available.
• Built-in DVR Storage: 1 Terabyte
• HDMI-CEC: This is a control feature available via HDMI that will automatically set your TV to the correct input when turned on.
• Picture-in-Picture: You can watch two channels (up to 1080p) on the screen at the same time in a side-by-side display format.
• Movies via the Internet: DirecTV offers movie titles and TV Shows-on-Demand when the HR54 is connected to the internet via Ethernet.
• Transport Control: Pause and rewind live TV for up to 90 minutes as well as slow-motion, and instant replay. You can also Fast-forward in 30-second intervals and get a high-speed look at the show you've recorded (or pass through any commercials).
• Off-Site Control: You can enable recording from via a cell phone or PC with a special app installed.
• TV Program Recording Options: For TV programs, you can record single TV episodes or an entire season or series.
• Connectivity - Video: 1 HDMI Output (meets HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 specifications), 1 set component video outputs (not 4K compatible), 1 composite video output (standard resolution only).
• Connectivity - Audio: 1 digital coaxial, 1 digital optical, 1 analog stereo (Note: The HDMI output also transfers audio signals).
• Additional Connectivity: 1 satellite In, 1 RF antenna, 2 USB ports (front/rear), 1 Ethernet port, 1 eSATA port (for connection of compatible external hard drives, 1 AC power inlet connector.
• Alexa Control: Some features of the HR54 can be voice-controlled with an Amazon Echo device via the DirecTV Alexa Skill.