Netflix is testing a new high-end streaming plan called “Ultra” that will allow subscribers to stream four Ultra HD streams or HDR content. The Ultra plan costs $16.99 per month while the current Premium plan is only $13.99 per month. (h/t Variety)
HDR content is short for high-dynamic range, which provides more vibrant colors and higher contrast (not surprising, but it looks better). Multiple versions of the Ultra plan are being tested. One lets subscribers see up to four Ultra HD streams while Premium users stream two at a time, while the second gives both Premium and Ultra subscribers four Ultra HD streams, but limits HDR formatting to Ultra users.
This is a play from Netflix to see if users are willing to pay extra for more advanced HD content. In other words, will people pay more for incremental increases in video quality?
The last Netflix price hike came toward the end of last year. The Premium plan rose $2 per month and the two-stream HD tier rose $1 per month.
