Amazon Video: 4K Streaming Now Requires Extra Payment

Amazon Prime Video Ups the Ante: 4K Streaming Now Costs Extra

Hold on to your remotes, Amazon Prime members! Big changes are coming to Amazon Prime Video, and not everyone is going to be thrilled. Amazon is revamping its membership structure, and unfortunately for the over 180 million Americans who subscribe to Prime, access to 4K video streaming will now require a higher-cost tier.

The New ‘Ultra’ Tier: What You Need to Know

Previously, standard Amazon Prime members – paying either $14.99 monthly or $139 annually – enjoyed streaming in 1080p HD or even 4K/UHD. Those wanting an ad-free experience could add $3 per month. Now, things are different. The basic Prime Video package is capped at 1080p resolution. To unlock 4K, you’ll need to upgrade to the newly branded “Ultra” tier, adding an extra $4.99 to your monthly bill.

What Does the ‘Ultra’ Tier Offer?

Amazon isn’t just taking away access; they’re attempting to sweeten the deal with additional perks for Ultra subscribers. These include:

Increased Download Capacity: Download up to 100 titles for offline viewing (up from 25).
Immersive Audio & Visuals: Enjoy support for Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision picture quality.
More Simultaneous Streams: Share your account with more family members – up to five simultaneous streams (previously three).

Good News for Basic Prime Members?

It’s not all doom and gloom. Basic Prime Video members will also receive some upgrades. They’ll gain access to Dolby Vision support and an increase in concurrent streams from three to four. However, the 4K resolution remains locked behind the ‘Ultra’ paywall.

Is 4K Streaming Even Worth It?

While the upgrade to ‘Ultra’ might seem mandatory for home theater enthusiasts, it’s worth considering whether you can even see the difference. True 4K streaming requires significant bandwidth, and many users may not have the internet speed to support it. Furthermore, many streaming devices, particularly smartphones and tablets, don’t fully support true 4K UHD resolution. You can learn more about 4K streaming requirements at Digital Trends.

The Bottom Line

For those heavily invested in Amazon Prime Video as their primary streaming service, the ‘Ultra’ upgrade might be a necessary evil. However, it’s crucial to assess your internet capabilities and viewing setup before committing to the additional monthly cost. Amazon is clearly aiming to monetize its higher-quality streaming, and consumers will need to decide if the added benefits justify the price increase.