The impending rise of 4K adoption rates will see 4K OTT users climb from the current 2.3 million to 189 million by 2021, according to Juniper Research.
The research firm’s ‘Digital TV and video: Network and OTT strategies 2016-21′ report claims that, in the US, one in ten residents will watch 4K content online in five year’s time, compared with just one in 500 this year.
This year has already seen the rollout of a number of 4K offerings, including Sky’s 4K-enabled Sky Q entertainment system in the UK.
“The popularity of online video has seen the use of set-top boxes from vendors such as Roku and Amazon soar, said Lauren Foye, Juniper analyst.
“However, delivery mechanisms for content have seen slower adoption, as the availability of 4K capable streaming devices is limited.
“New device launches, such as the 4K capable Xbox One S this month, among others, are likely to spur a boost in 4K usage.”
Connected TVs will be the ‘dominant channel’ for streamed 4K content, said Juniper.
