Streaming Vudu in 4K: What You Need to Know

As streaming media through Netflix, Hulu, and other services has exploded in popularity, more demands have been placed on content providers to deliver more. Namely, more TV and movie titles alongside improved video and audio quality.

What Does Vudu UHD Offer?

To answer the call, Vudu, along with Amazon, Netflix, and UltraFlix, offers a growing amount of content in 4K/UHD resolution.

In addition, HDR (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) and audio (Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound) are also included on many of Vudu's 4K streaming offerings.

With streaming, you don't have to put up with download wait times on systems such like Kaleidescape and Vidity, or buy movies on the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc format, to view content in 4K Ultra HD TV. You can just press play and let your broadband connection do the work.

What Devices Are Compatible With Vudu 4K?

Vudu 4K compatible devices include:

4K without HDR10 or Dolby Vision:

• Roku 4K TVs (Non-HDR models)
• Roku 4 and Roku Premiere media streamers (paired with a compatible TV)
• TIVO Bolt (watch for updates)
• VIZIO Non-Smartcast M and P-Series TVs (2015 Non-Smartcast models)
• Windows 10 PCs (watch for updates)

4K with HDR (HDR10 and, in some cases, Dolby Vision):

• LG 2016 (and going forward) 4K LED/LCD and OLED TVs (HDR10 or Dolby Vision)
• Philips 5000 and 6000 Series UHD TVs
• Samsung KU, KS, Q, MU, and select NU-Series 4K TVs (HDR10 only)
• Select Sony 4K UHD TVs (2016 model years going forward)
• TCL P and C Series 4K Roku TVs (HDR10 or Dolby Vision)
• Other branded Roku TVs with HDR support (this may be HDR10 only)
• VIZIO Reference Series 4K Ultra HD TVs (HDR10 or Dolby Vision)
• VIZIO 2016-2019 M and P-Series SmartCast 4K home theater displays and TVs (HDR10 or Dolby Vision)
• Google Chromecast Ultra media streamer (HDR10 only, requires a compatible TV)
• Nvidia Shield TV media streamer (HDR10 only, requires a compatible TV)
• Roku Streaming Stick+, Premiere+, Ultra (HDR10 only, requires a compatible TV)
• Philips BDP7303/F7 Ultra HD Blu-ray player
• Samsung UBD-M9500 UHD Blu-ray Disc player and media streamer (HDR10 only, requires a compatible TV)
• Sony UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc player
• Apple TV 4K (Vudu app version 1.1.1 or later)
• Xbox One S or X (HDR10 only, requires a compatible TV)

To access Dolby Atmos, a home theater audio system incorporating a Dolby Atmos-enabled home theater receiver, as well as an appropriate Dolby Atmos speaker setup is required.

If your TV doesn't provide either HDR10 or Dolby Vision enhancement, you can still watch Vudu UHD content. If you don't have a Dolby Atmos-enabled audio system, you can still access Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus surround sound signals.

Internet Speed Requirements

To ensure the best possible viewing quality, you need a fast broadband connection. Vudu recommends an internet streaming or download speed of at least 11 Mbps.

Lower speeds may cause buffering or stalling issues. Vudu may automatically down-rez your streaming signal to 1080p or a lower resolution in response to your available internet speed (which also means you won't get 4K resolution, HDR, or Dolby Atmos).

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi

In conjunction with fast broadband speed, it is best to connect a compatible TV or media streaming device to the internet using a physical Ethernet connection, even if your compatible TV or media streamer provides built-in Wi-Fi.

Although Wi-Fi is convenient in that you don't have to run a long cable to a router, it can be spotty and unstable. A physical connection prevents unwanted interference that may interrupt the signal.

Watch Your Data Caps

Depending on your ISP (internet service provider), you may be subject to a monthly data cap. For more downloading and streaming, these oftentimes go unnoticed, but with 4K streaming, you will use more data each month than you are now. If you don't know what your monthly data cap is, how much it costs when you go over it, or if you have one, contact your ISP for details.

You Have to Pay

Vudu is a pay-per-view service. Unlike Netflix, there isn't a flat monthly fee. Instead, you pay for each movie or TV show you watch (except for limited "Vudu's Free Movies On US offerings," which don't include 4K). However, for most content, you have both online rental and purchase options. (Purchases are saved in the cloud unless you use a PC or own a compatible media streamer that has built-in hard drive storage.)

If you purchase a 4K UHD title, prices range from $10 to $30. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate. Before you can rent or buy 4K content on Vudu, you must sign up for an account.

Titles Available and How to Access Them

For a complete list of 4K titles available on Vudu and additional rental and purchase information, refer to the Official Vudu UHD Collection page.

• If you have a Vudu UHD compatible TV or media streaming device, new titles and other information are accessible on the Vudu onscreen menu.
• If your device is compatible with Vudu 4K, that category is accessible from the selection menu.
• When you select a movie, it displays the features offered (4K UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Atmos) as well as rental and purchase options that may be available.