The launch of Paramount Plus UK won’t include 4K or HDR support (Brief Guide)

Paramount Plus is now available in the UK, however its launch does not include 4k or HDR Support. Read our blog to find out the reasons. 

Exciting news awaits UK viewers as Paramount Plus, the renowned American streaming service, has launched on June 22nd in the UK. However, it is worth noting that the UK launch does not initially include 4K/HDR content, despite the abundance of such titles available on the US version. 

Moreover, Dolby Atmos support, the cutting-edge audio format, is absent, with 5.1 Dolby sound being offered instead. This may come as a disappointment to UK fans who eagerly anticipate popular 4K/HDR streaming options like Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. 

Even if the 4k content is not available in the UK region on Paramount Plus, the streaming platform offers a fantastic variety of shows and movies. If you are traveling to any other region, you can access Paramount Plus UK with a VPN and enjoy seamless streaming. 

Nevertheless, Paramount has assured that plans are in place to introduce 4K/HDR and Dolby Atmos support in the UK at a later stage. As anticipation builds for the streaming service’s arrival, exciting new details about its features continue to emerge this week.

What Is Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is a popular streaming service with a plethora of fantastic content. It was launched in the US in 2014 under the name CBS All Access. In the UK, Paramount Plus has its own app and can be accessed on devices like Amazon Fire TV and Roku. 

The subscription cost is £6.99 per month or £69.90 per year, and there is a free 7-day trial available. Sky Cinema subscribers get Paramount Plus for free, but this offer is only for Sky Q and Sky Glass customers, not for NOW subscribers with a Sky Cinema membership. 

It’s important to note that a Sky subscription is not required to directly subscribe to Paramount Plus. When it comes to content, Paramount Plus has over 8,000 hours of content at launch, including original TV shows like Star Trek, Halo, and The Good Fight, as well as popular US shows like Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown. 

Thereis also a variety of movies available; including new releases like Scream 5 and possibly Sonic The Hedgehog 2 in the future.

What are the New Features of Paramount Plus UK?

Although there are still many details to be revealed about Paramount Plus in the UK; we can share some additional important information about the streaming service.

No 4K (Ultra HD) and HDR on Paramount Plus UK

4K, also known as Ultra HD, provides a significantly higher level of detail compared to Full HD. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, supported devices offer a much better picture quality.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology that enhances contrast between whites and blacks; resulting in more accurate and vibrant images. It also expands the color range and provides a greater variety of shades.

Various HDR formats exist, including HDR10, HLG (used by the BBC), and Dolby Vision, known for its exceptional quality.

To enjoy 4K and HDR content, your TV and player device (such as a streaming device or Blu-ray player); must support these features, as well as the streaming service you are using.

In the US, Paramount Plus offers numerous titles in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, including popular films like A Quiet Place 1 and 2; the Indiana Jones series, and the new Scream, along with a range of TV shows, including Paramount Plus originals.

In the UK, at its launch, Paramount Plus initially supported Full HD (1080p); with plans to introduce 4K support “in the future.”

Most other major streaming services in the UK already offer 4K support; with services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV including it at no additional cost. However, Netflix charges extra for 4K-quality content.

No Dolby Atmos on Paramount Plus UK

Dolby Atmos, developed by Dolby Laboratories, enhances surround sound by transforming audio elements into three-dimensional objects.

Unlike traditional surround sound systems with 5.1 or 7.1 speakers, Dolby Atmos adds a vertical dimension; allowing you to hear sounds as if they are coming from above you, creating a more immersive experience.

In the US, Paramount Plus already supports Dolby Atmos for select content.

In the UK, at its launch, Paramount Plus initially offer Dolby 5.1 support; with plans to introduce Dolby Atmos in a future update.

Similar to 4K, many other streaming services in the UK already provide Dolby Atmos support for certain content, including Disney+, Prime Video, and Netflix.

User Profiles on Paramount Plus UK

Users have the ability to create up to six individual user profiles within a single account on Paramount Plus.

This feature allows each family member to have their own personalized watchlists, “Continue Watching” rows, and watch history. It is particularly valuable when it comes to kids, as you may prefer them to watch different content from what you’re watching.

Many other streaming services in the UK already offer user profiles (although this wasn’t always the case); except for Sky’s NOW streaming service and BritBox, which do not currently provide this feature.

Subtitles on Paramount Plus UK

In the US, the majority of streaming services already provide subtitles (captions) for their content. Nowadays, more and more people use subtitles while watching TV, not just those who are hard of hearing.

According to Paramount Plus, most titles will have optional subtitles available in the UK library. 

However, in the UK, this is not always the case. It took Sky’s NOW service several years to add subtitles, which are now available. Unfortunately, Sky’s own TV service still does not offer subtitles for 4K content due to ongoing technical issues.

Interestingly, even the Peacock library of content on Sky and NOW does not have subtitles; despite being available on the US version of the streaming service.

Conclusion

While the launch of Paramount Plus in the UK is undoubtedly an exciting development for streaming enthusiasts; it is important to note that the absence of 4K or HDR support might be a disappointment for some viewers seeking the highest quality visual experience. 

Nevertheless, the platform’s user-friendly interface and diverse content library still make it an appealing choice for those looking to access a wide range of entertainment options.