By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.
TV Answer Man, I saw a commercial that said you can watch channels in 4K with a TV antenna. Is that true? What shows are in 4K on an antenna? Do the networks like CBS have 4K with an antenna? — Jerry, Reston, Virginia.
Jerry, I have seen those same commercials advertising products that claim you can watch 4K programming if you install a TV antenna. But the reality is that you cannot watch 4K with an antenna, or any device that delivers over-the-air (OTA) signals.
While you can get high-def signals using a TV antenna, you will not be able to watch a 4K broadcast that way. Unfortunately, Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC, nor their local affiliates, transmit 4K feeds.
The only way to watch 4K programming from the networks is via a specialty channel on a pay TV provider, such as YouTube TV, Fubo, Optimum, Verizon, DIRECTV, Dish or Comcast, or a streaming app such as Fox Sports. Using those formats, the networks occasionally broadcast a sporting event in 4K, such as this year’s Super Bowl.
Why don’t the networks offer 4K broadcasts over-the-air?
Money. The networks, and their affiliates, spent a small fortune nearly two decades ago to upgrade their local stations to High-Definition. However, it was worth it because so many consumers had purchased HDTVs and were demanding shows in the format.
But there’s been no evidence of a similar call for 4K programming. While a rapidly growing number of Americans own 4K sets, it seems that most of them are content to watch high-def shows and movies on them.
There could be many reasons for this, but the difference in picture quality between 4K and HD is relatively small compared to the difference between HD and standard-definition. Viewers really, really wanted HD because it was so much better than SD.
In the last few years, some local stations have rolled out a new broadcast standard called ATSC 3.0 which can support 4K programming. But there have been no 4K channels yet despite advertising claims from local stations and national broadcasting groups to the contrary. Broadcasters seem more interested in other 3.0 features such as emergency alerts and multiple channel feeds.
Jerry, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann
