The adoption of 4K TV technology could be in the hands of console gamers, if the history of HDTV is any indication. In 2005, when few households owned HDTVs, due largely to a lack of available HD content, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 helped transform the industry. “They gave people a reason to buy an HDTV and that gave content producers reason to invest in the formats it supported,” suggests Wired UK.

“That’s about to happen all over again — the next battle is 4K Ultra HD, and every major television manufacturer at CES this year was showing off their best entrants into this arena.” While 4K was a hot topic at the show, concern regarding its lack of content is reminiscent of the introduction of HDTV.

However, the timing may be ideal for a new driving force in this regard since new gaming console releases are anticipated from Microsoft and Sony this year. Wired UK believes it is inevitable that “these consoles will support 4K output and make Ultra HD desirable rather than just a passing fad.”

“It feels even more realistic when you consider how devoted Sony and Microsoft are to having their consoles as home entertainment hubs; both companies have been fearless in signing up everyone from Netflix to the BBC, Sky to LoveFilm, in order to make their console the de facto standard in living room media systems,” notes the article.

The PlayStation 4 “Orbis”and Xbox “Durango” will likely lead to a staggered rollout of 4K content, starting with 4K games (and possible upscaling options), followed by an eventual 4K VOD service from Sony that plays cloud-stored Ultra HD films via the console.

“These movies already exist within studio walls, they just need a way of conveniently getting into the living room,” adds the article. “A games console could be the doorway. Within five years, all games on both consoles will be output at 4K resolutions and both Sony and Microsoft will become dominant players in the disc-free distribution of Ultra HD movies.”