Advanced Television

Sony, Intel bring 4K movies to PCs

August 31, 2016

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and Intel Corporation have confirmed that ULTRA, SPHE’s 4K movie streaming service, will debut on computers powered by 7th Gen Intel Core processors beginning Q1 in 2017.

Coinciding with the expanded availability of the service, ULTRA will add new features such as 48 hour rentals and free 10 minute previews, allowing customers to experience a sample of any film on the service in full 4K resolution before buying.

With its new 7th Gen Intel Core processor, Intel is bringing 4K content to mainstream PC users. According to the pair, this latest processor sets a higher bar for richer experiences and incredible performance and responsiveness, with long battery life and true 4K entertainment. More than 100 new devices powered by 7th Gen Intel Core will be available this holiday season, and some will be available as early as September.

By leveraging new hardware security technologies in its processor, computers powered by 7th Gen Intel Core will be the first PCs to provide secure access to premium 4K movies and television content through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s ULTRA 4K service.

“More and more people are turning to their PC as their main movie viewing device. At the same time, studios like Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are leading the way in producing beautiful 4K content,” said Navin Shenoy, general manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group. “The combination of the amazing technology in our 7th Gen Intel Core processors combined with the fantastic 4K titles on ULTRA means that anyone with these new computers will be immersed in a 4K viewing world.”

“Audiences have shown a strong and growing appetite for premium 4K content, and ULTRA takes advantage of the latest industry innovations – high dynamic range, digital movie extras, and now the 7th Gen Intel Core with Intel hardware security technologies – so viewers get the most out of their movie collections,” said Pete Wood, SPHE’s Senior Vice President, Digital Distribution.

ULTRA offers a variety of movies for purchase and streaming in 4K, many with Digital Extras, taking full advantage of the latest display technologies and interactive capabilities.

“By enhancing our ULTRA streaming service with the addition of rental and free preview options, and teaming with Intel to provide users greater access to their collections, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is making ULTRA an even more flexible, user-friendly destination for consumers who demand a premium 4K viewing experience,” added Richard Berger, SPHE’s Senior Vice President, Worldwide Digital Strategy and Advanced Platforms.

ULTRA initially launched in early 2016 on Sony 4K Televisions. Films available on the service for purchase, rental, and streaming on ULTRA include new releases as well as a library of classic films. New releases are priced at $29.99 to own in 4K with HDR, and will be $7.99 for 48 hour rental. Library titles are priced at $25.99 to own.

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