DIRECTV 4K UHD streaming FAQ

Learn how you can find and watch 4K content on DIRECTV and more.

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Quick answer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No! If you’re a subscriber to any base package and have a 4K-compatible TV, you’ll have access to 4K content.

It depends. 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 required.

DIRECTV via satellite customers do need to have 4K enabled for their accounts. Those who do so can also stream 4K programming at no extra cost.

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:
  • 105 (LIVE4K) – occasional live sporting events
  • 106 (LIVE4K2) – occasional live sporting events

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.
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If you know that your TV is 4K-compatible, but it is not being detected as compatible, try the following:
  • Confirm that the HDMI cable connected to your TV is HDMI2.0a 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.

  • Confirm that the HDMI cable connected to your TV is HDMI2.0a 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.

  • For users of DIRECTV streaming devices, check Settings > System > Display and confirm that HDR is toggled on. If you are unable to toggle it on, then you will need to confirm your TV is set up to use HDR.
  • For other streaming devices, check device settings as follows:
DeviceSettings
AppleTV 4K
  • Settings > Video and Audio > Format, Select 4K HDR (if available)
  • Match Content > turn on Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate
Amazon FireTV 4K
  • Settings > Display & Sounds > Display, Select Auto for Video Resolution
Google TV and Android TV
  • Profile > Settings, select Display & Sound, select Match Content.
Roku
  • Settings > Display type, select Auto Detect or 4K 60 Hz.

  • Check your TV’s settings to confirm that HDR is available and enabled for the port your device is connected to. Different TV manufacturers offer this setting in different places:
TV MakerSettings
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. Then 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 > HMDI 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.
VizioFor 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
Sharp
  • Settings > Device Preferences > Picture > HDR (High Dynamic Range) > AUTO


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

 

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.

Yes! 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 will only be able to play these recordings on 4K-compatible devices.