DirecTV: Oh, one more thing, 4K setup will set you back $50

Trumpeting the debut of U.S. pay-TV's first 4K service with a Nov. 13 press release announcing a hodgepodge of older Paramount titles and K2 nature films in the Ultra HD format, DirecTV (NASDAQ: DTV) said its subscribers needed only a Genie DVR and Samsung 4K TV set to enjoy the super high-resolution fare.

Of course, it couldn't be that easy, or cheap, as TV Predictions points out. Before a DirecTV subscriber can enjoy the 1963 John Wayne film McLintock! in 4K, or Steven Spielberg's 1997 historical drama Amistad, they need to pay the satellite operator a $50 setup fee.

Speaking to DirecTV customer service, TV Predictions was told that a professional installer is needed because the Samsung TV must be programmed to operate as a Genie client box.

For more:
- read this TV Predictions post
- read this DirecTV press release

Related links:
DirecTV's 4K launch highlights include Forrest Gump, nature films
DirecTV 4K service set to launch 'a few' VOD movies, will require Genie DVR and Samsung TV
Envivio CEO talks multiscreen 2.0, 4K and the changing pay-TV landscape
Netflix  now shooting all its originals in 4K, Sarandos says