Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is clearly committed to delivering quality content to its subscribers, and continuing the trend it today revealed its intentions to stream the immensely popular series Breaking Bad in the Ultra HD format. The streaming company will make available all 62 episodes, which are distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, in the new 4K format.
On Monday, Netflix spokesman Joris Evers announced on Twitter, “Breaking Bad now streaming in Ultra HD 4K everywhere @netflix is available.”
Limited access
Initially, access will be limited to connected TVs that support Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) in 4K and HEVC/H.265 decoding capabilities. Earlier this year, Netflix revealed plans to equip 4K streaming app on the new versions of sets from makers including Sony, LG Electronics, Vizio and Samsung Electronics. The app facilitates decoding of signals without a separate streaming device.
It must be noted that this is not the company’s first foray in the ultra HD format. Previously, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) confirmed screening House of Cards Season 2 in the ultra high-definition format. Also, the company added Smurfs 2, Ghostbusters, and Ghostbusters 2 to its 4K movie library.
Among U.S. cable operators, Comcast is planning to come up with a 4K VOD app, which is expected to launch at the end of the year on new Samsung 4K TVs. The app will have the capability to deliver content over the customer’s high-speed Internet connection. The company is also in the process of developing next-gen boxes for its X1 platform, which makes use of HEVC, and will be able to decode native 4K signals.
Analysts raising price target on Netflix
Separately, Morgan Stanley analysts have raised the price target on the movie and video subscription platform to $500, compared to yesterday’s closing price of $430.26. Analysts expect Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) to reach 55 million U.S. subscribers by the end of this decade.
Recently, Evercore analysts assigned an Overweight rating to the stock with a price target of $500. Oppenheimer also reiterated its Outperform rating on the stock, and raised the price target to $517. Analysts at Topeka Capital markets have a Buy rating on the company with a price target of $517. Overall, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has a consensus price target of $420, and the highest target from any analyst is $525.
