Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In May 2025, Roku acknowledged an HDR washout issue affecting a small subset of Roku TVs, with reports focused mainly on Disney+. Roku said it was rolling out a fix, but its public thread was marked “Solved – Pending Release”—so the announcement did not confirm that every affected TV had received a fix or identify a resolving software build. If your Roku picture looks faded, first check whether the problem is limited to one app or HDR content, then review your TV’s HDR input and picture settings.
What Roku acknowledged about washed-out HDR
On May 6, 2025, Roku community representative RokuAustin wrote: “We have identified an issue impacting HDR on a small subset of TVs, and we’re rolling out a fix for users in the coming days. We apologize for the inconvenience.” The Roku Community known-issues thread was labeled “Solved – Pending Release.” That status records an announced rollout, not confirmation that the fix reached every affected device.
A contemporaneous HotHardware report quoted a Roku community team member saying, “We’re investigating the Disney Plus HDR content that was washed out after the recent update.” The report described complaints mostly about Disney+, with some users mentioning Prime Video as well. Those are user reports, not a measured count of affected devices or proof that all apps were affected. Roku’s quoted official update specifically named Disney+ HDR.
The available public statements connect the reports with a recent update, but do not establish that one Roku OS update caused every reported color problem. They also do not confirm the final rollout scope or the software build that resolved this particular issue. There is no supported basis here to say the 2025 incident is still active across Roku devices today.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
How to narrow down the cause
Compare the picture in ways that help separate an app-specific HDR problem from a TV, input, or connection setting. These checks can point toward a cause, but none alone proves what is wrong.
- Compare apps: Check Disney+ and another streaming app. If only one app looks washed out, that points toward an app or content-specific issue; if several apps do, continue checking the TV and Roku setup.
- Compare HDR with non-HDR: See whether the problem appears only during HDR playback or also in HD/SDR content. A difference can help isolate HDR handling from general picture settings.
- Compare sources: If you have a Roku TV, compare its built-in apps with an external HDMI device. On a Roku streaming player, compare its output with another source on the same TV input if practical.
- Check the picture and input settings: Confirm that HDR is enabled for the HDMI input being used, where the TV requires it, and review the TV’s HDR picture mode.
Checks to try on a Roku TV or player
Roku’s support guidance covers general HDR setup and picture-quality problems. These steps may help with configuration issues, but Roku did not present them as a confirmed workaround for the May 2025 Disney+ incident.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Check the TV’s HDR input setting. Some televisions require HDR to be enabled separately for an HDMI input. Roku’s 4K Ultra HD setup guidance also advises checking whether the TV software needs an update.
- Verify the Roku player’s display type. On a Roku streaming player, check that the selected display type is supported by the TV, including the resolution and frame rate. Roku explains this in its display-type support guide.
- Review the HDMI cable chain if you use a streaming player. Roku says HDR-capable players ship with an HDMI 2.0-compatible cable. If you cannot use the supplied cable, its guidance recommends a Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable; an unsuitable cable can contribute to poor 4K HDR performance. A cable replacement is relevant to a connection problem, not a guaranteed fix for an app or Roku software defect.
- Adjust HDR picture settings on supported Roku TVs. Roku’s picture-quality guidance suggests trying HDR Dark, HDR Standard, or HDR Bright when available for a dim or faded HDR picture. Brightness, color temperature, and local dimming can also affect the image. Available controls and their effects vary by model.
- Check for updates or reset picture settings. Roku notes that picture defaults may change after an update. Its support guidance recommends checking for updates or resetting picture settings if the image changed. When contacting support, record the TV model, Roku OS version, and affected app.
When to contact Roku support
If the image remains washed out after checking HDR input and picture settings, document where the symptom occurs before escalating. Note whether it affects one or several apps, HDR only or other content too, and a Roku TV’s built-in apps or an external player. Include the TV model, Roku OS version, and app name so support can distinguish a device-specific setup issue from an app or platform problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
