From what I have seen, the ones doing 4K don't want it known as they 'claim' to be afraid, then that the providers find out how, whether it's just a L1 or more involved, instead of L3, which L3 are easy to get.
But I also think it was stated that extra hardware would be needed.
I think SF would be looked down on by those who do the 4k if SF came with a way to get 4K, and more aggressively, SF would be pursued and blocked by the stream providers.
As they know, they can charge more to provide 4K content. Netflix does, and as stated, HBO Max, or whatever name they are using at this time, has 4k. Most pay providers seem to have a package that offers it, but I don't think I ever saw one for Amazon, though.
When I saw HD come, and saw how long it took a certain cable provider to offer HD, and it was very limited for a very long time. I have not checked on the availability of 4K, I always had hopes of one day saving up the money for a 4K TV. Once I get a set amount, I will start looking for sales, although then my cable provider needs to swap the cable box to a 4K compatible box, as the one I have is only capable of 1080p. I do try to get 4K downloads now in some way or another, for when I may finally get a 4K TV. I can send files via Plex to my Roku, which has been able to do 4K. 1080p was a big improvement from 480p or even 540p, so it's still good when money is tight. And right now, the 4K movies will play on Roku, but knowing it's a 1080p TV, only show it on the TV as 1080p.
Also, unfortunately, I think many providers only offer 4K through their streaming app on a 4K-capable streaming device or TV. I could possibly find, once I get a 4K TV, that Amazon does have some movies in 4K, although they mark them UHD, but I think so does Hulu. I do know I have no plans of updating my Netflix plan to get 4k from them, although I do have the ad-free plan.
