DIRECTV 4K UHD streaming FAQ

Watch 4K content at no extra cost

If you’re a subscriber to any base package and have a 4K-compatible TV, you’ll have access to 4K content at no extra cost.

4K activation requirements

If you're a subscriber to any base package on DIRECTV via internet or DIRECTV STREAM, you’ll have access to 4K content when you use a 4K-compatible device and system setup. No activation is required.

DIRECTV via satellite customers need to have 4K enabled for their accounts. Once enabled, they can also stream 4K programming at no extra cost.

Find 4K content

DIRECTV 4K channels can be found in the guide for users of DIRECTV via Internet or STREAM with Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Android TV devices.

Live 4K streaming channels include:

• 105 (LIVE4K) – Occasional live sporting events.
• 106 (LIVE4K2) – Occasional live sporting events.

Equipment needed to watch 4K content

To watch 4K UHD content on DIRECTV via Internet or STREAM, you need:

• A 4K-compatible streaming device.
  Note: NVIDIA SHIELD TV, web browsers, mobile devices, and tablets are not supported.
• A 4K-compatible TV with a port that supports HDCP 2.2.
• An HDMI 2.0a or newer connecting cable.
• For the best experience, enable HDR on your TV and streaming device.
  • For Samsung Tizen, LG, and Vizio users, an HDR-compatible TV is necessary.
  • Apple TVs should have HDR and Match Dynamic Range settings enabled.

Troubleshoot a 4K compatibility error

If your TV is 4K-compatible but is not being detected as compatible, try the following:

• Confirm that the HDMI cable connected to your TV is HDMI 2.0a or newer.
• Confirm that the port you’re using supports HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and HDMI 2.0a or higher. This may require changing ports or changing TV input settings.
• Confirm that your TV and streaming device are set to use 4K resolution in the display settings.
• For Apple TV users, confirm that HDR is enabled and check that Match Dynamic Range is enabled in Settings > Video and Audio > Match Content.
• For Vizio users, an HDR-compatible TV is necessary.

Troubleshoot an HDMI cable message

If you receive a message asking you to check your HDMI cable:

• Confirm that the HDMI cable connected to your TV is HDMI 2.0a or newer. You may need a higher-quality HDMI cable that is certified for 4K HDR.
• Confirm that the port you’re using supports HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and HDMI 2.0a or higher. This may require plugging the cable into a different port or changing port or input settings.

Enable HDR for 4K content

If you can stream 4K content but see a message suggesting that you enable HDR, check the HDR settings on your streaming device and TV.

DIRECTV streaming devices

Go to Settings > System > Display and confirm that HDR is turned on. If you are unable to turn it on, confirm that your TV is set up to use HDR.

Other streaming devices

Device	Settings
Apple TV 4K	Settings > Video and Audio > Format > Select 4K HDR, if available. Match Content > Turn on Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate.
Amazon Fire TV 4K	Settings > Display & Sounds > Display > Select Auto for Video Resolution.
Google TV and Android TV	Profile > Settings > Display & Sound > Match Content.
Roku	Settings > Display type > Select Auto Detect or 4K 60 Hz.

Enable HDR on your TV

Check your TV’s settings to confirm that HDR is available and enabled for the port your device is connected to. Settings vary by TV manufacturer.

TV Maker	Settings
Hisense	Settings > System > HDMI format > Enhanced format. OR: Select the HDMI port you are using > Menu > Picture > HDMI > 2.0 Format > Enhanced Format. OR: Home > Settings > Picture > Picture Mode Settings > Select the HDR icon or Apply Picture Settings All Sources.
LG	HOME > HDMI > Settings > Advanced > Picture > HDMI ULTRA DEEP COLOR > On > Restart. OR: All Settings > Picture > Additional Settings > HDMI ULTRA HD Deep Color > Select the HDMI port > On. OR: All Settings > General > Devices > HDMI Settings > HDMI Deep Color > Select 4K.
Philips	Preferences > HDMI mode > Select the HDMI port > 4K Mode.
Roku TVs	Settings > TV Inputs > Select the HDMI port > HDMI Mode > Standard or Auto.
Samsung	Menu > Picture > Picture Options > HDMI UHD Color > On. OR: Settings > Picture > Picture Options > HDMI HDR Color > On. OR: Settings > General > External Device Manager > HDMI UHD Color > On. OR: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Input Signal Plus > Select the correct HDMI port > On.
Sharp	Home > Settings > Device Preferences > Picture > HDR (High Dynamic Range) > AUTO.
Sony	Home > Settings > External inputs > HDMI signal format > HDMI > Select the HDMI port > Enhanced mode. OR: Home > Settings > External inputs > HDMI signal format > HDMI > Enhanced format. OR: HOME > Settings > TV > Picture & Display > Picture adjustments. The HDR icon will appear on the Picture adjustments screen.
Vizio	For 2018 or newer P series, use any HDMI port except port 5. For 2016 D, E, or M series, you must use HDMI port 1. Input Settings > Select the HDMI port > Full UHD Color.
Toshiba	Settings > System > Sources > Select the HDMI port > Enhanced.

If these menu options do not correspond to your TV’s settings, check the user’s guide for your television model.

Troubleshoot 4K picture quality

For the best experience, you need to have at least 25 Mbps available to stream 4K UHD resolution on your device. Your internet connection bandwidth may need to be higher to accommodate all usage within a household.

DIRECTV will automatically stream 4K content at lower than 4K UHD resolution when network conditions are not sufficient to play at 4K UHD resolution.

Sometimes it can take a few minutes for your streaming device to move up to the highest-quality video available for your current internet conditions.

Record 4K UHD programs

You can schedule recordings for 4K UHD channels and programs and watch them on 4K-compatible devices. Your My Library DVR playlist will show 4K UHD recordings even on non-4K UHD-compatible devices, but you can only play these recordings on 4K-compatible devices.