DirecTV is bringing its Ultra HD 4K content to more TVs with the launch of a paperback-book-size set-top box that connects via coaxial cable to the satellite-TV company’s Genie HD DVR.
The Genie HD DVR, launched last November, delivers DirecTV’s Internet-delivered 4K content through a wireless connection to select DirecTV-ready Samsung-brand 4K TVs located anywhere in the house. LG, Sony and other manufacturers also plan to offer TVs that connect to the DVR.
With the latest announcement, many 4K TVs connected via HDMI to the new $99 4K Genie Mini settop box will be able to access the DVR’s 4K content.
TVs compatible with the new 4K Genie Mini incorporate HDMI 2.0 connection, HDCP 2.2 content protection technology, and minimum 60fps frame rate.
The new device also offers Dolby Digital Plus audio decoding.
“Customers who want the best picture quality are creating more demand for 4K,” said Henry Derovanessian, DirecTV SVP of consumer premise engineering. “The new 4K Genie Mini allows us to meet that demand by expanding 4K access to more of our customers nationwide.”
The AT&T-owned company offers a variety of 4K titles, including newly released movies, popular films and nature documentaries.
The HD DVR is currently in millions of homes, the company said.
Requirements for compatible 4K TVs are at http://www.directv.com/technology/4k.
