Netflix Tests Pricey Ultra Tier For 4K Streamers
If you purchased a new television recently, there's a better-than-good chance that it is a 4K Ultra HD set, as those have become the norm, and not the exception. One way to take advantage of the added resolution (over Full HD) is through select content on Netflix. Depending on the luck of the draw, however, you might be charged an added fee to have access to 4K streams.
But wait, isn't that already the case? It sure is, but Netflix is reportedly testing a new tier that is pricier than the current Premium tier. Here is how things currently stand:
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Netflix currently offers three tiers—Basic ($7.99/month), Standard ($10.99/month), and Premium ($13.99/month). The Basic plan lets subscribers view standard definition content on a single screen, while the Standard plan offers access to HD videos on up to two screens, and the Premium plan adds 4K Ultra HD on up to four screens.
According to Italian blog site Tutto Android, Netflix is testing a couple variants of a fourth tier. In one of the tests, the new Ultra tier would differ from the Premium tier by offering access on up to four screens, and downgrading the Premium tier to just two screens. In another test, both the Premium and Ultra HD tiers would have be able to watch 4K Ultra HD on up to four devices, but high dynamic range (HDR) would only be available on the Ultra tier (shown above).
A spokesperson for Netflix told CNET that it is not uncommon for the company to test new pricing plans, though no specifics were offered on the purported Ultra tier.
"We continuously test new things at Netflix and these tests typically vary in length of time," Netflix said. "In this case, we are testing slightly different price points and features to better understand how consumers value Netflix."
The Ultra plan converts to around $19.80 in US currency, though looking at the other plans, it would likely run $16.99.
