14 DAY TRIAL // Netflix, the large streaming media giant from the US, suggests that Sony and Microsoft will roll out new versions of their PS4 and Xbox One consoles that will come with HDMI 2.0 connections that can support 4K videos running at 60fps.
The PS4 and Xbox One launched back in November of 2013 and boasted quite a lot of interesting media capabilities, with the Xbox One in particular coming with an HDMI 1.4 connection that allows it to output videos at 4K resolution and 30fps. Sony didn't go into detail about the HDMI port on its PS4 but it's apparent that it can't support 4K, meaning that it's only a 1.3 version.
New and better PS4 and Xbox One versions are coming, apparently
However, in order to further profit from the 4K movement, Netflix is confident that both Sony and Microsoft will reveal upgraded versions of their consoles that come with HDMI 2.0 ports.
The large streaming service reveals, via Forbes, that it expects Sony and Microsoft to present their two-year hardware updates, which would possibly take place around November of this year. The new consoles would have all the components required to ensure that 4K videos can run at 60fps, meaning an HDMI 2.0 connection and the necessary hardware and software features that should enable a smooth playback.
Sony and Microsoft aren't commenting
Meanwhile, the two actual companies aren't ready to comment on their 4K plans.
Microsoft mentions that "We remain committed to bringing leading entertainment features and services to the living room. Beyond that, we have nothing to share at this time."
Sony does hint at better support for 4K assets in the future but doesn't pledge anything concrete. "Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time," it says.
Sony's PS3 revisions have appeared every three years, with the original console rolling out in 2006, followed by the Slim edition in 2009 and the Super Slim one in 2012.
Microsoft has been much more reticent about the upgrades, as the original version made its debut in 2005. The "Slim" version appeared in 2010, while the latest model launched in 2013.