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First, identify what is—and is not—showing 4K
4K Ultra HD resolution is 3,840 × 2,160 pixels. Your TV’s panel can support that resolution while the current HDMI connection or program uses a lower one. An HDR setting or a 4K option in a device menu also does not, by itself, prove that the picture currently playing is 4K.
Write down the TV model, source device and model, HDMI input number, and any receiver, soundbar, or HDMI switch between them. Check the TV manual for that exact input’s resolution, frame-rate, and HDCP capabilities. Ports on one TV may differ: some older models support HDCP 2.2 on only one input, and 4K/60 may be limited to selected ports. [Roku’s 4K setup guidance] [Roku’s 4K/60 settings guidance]
For protected 4K playback, Roku says the connected devices in the chain need HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2; a device that lacks either can cause a 4K movie or show to play at a lower resolution, such as 720p or 1080p. That chain can include the TV, player, and receiver or soundbar—not just the cable. [Roku]
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Check the source device and the content
Set the output to a supported 4K mode
Open the source device’s display or video settings and select Auto or a 4K output mode supported by both the device and the TV input. If the device offers a way to view the detected display capabilities, check that it recognizes the TV’s 4K mode. The exact menu varies by device.
Confirm the program or stream is actually available in 4K
A 4K television cannot turn a 1080p program into a 4K source signal. For streaming, check that the specific title is offered in UHD, your service plan includes 4K if the service requires it, and the app’s playback-quality setting permits it. Streaming quality can also depend on the service’s network requirements; those requirements vary by service, region, and current offering. [Sony’s 4K HDR guidance]
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Enable the correct HDMI signal mode for the connected input
Many TVs have a high-bandwidth or enhanced format setting that must be enabled separately for the HDMI input in use. Find the setting for the port your source is plugged into, then match it to the device and signal format. Names and paths vary by model and software:
- Samsung: UHD HDMI Color or Input Signal Plus.
- Sony: HDMI signal format or Enhanced format.
- LG: HDMI ULTRA HD Deep Color.
- Hisense: Enhanced Format.
- Philips: 4K Mode.
- Vizio: Full UHD Color.
These are examples, not universal menu paths. Consult the manual for your exact TV model. Samsung describes enabling UHD HDMI Color/Input Signal Plus for the relevant input; Sony’s guide notes that Enhanced format depends on the TV model and connected format. [Samsung support] [Sony Help Guide] [Roku]
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Enhanced mode is not automatically the best choice for every setup. It can cause picture or sound trouble with incompatible equipment. If enabling it breaks the connection, switch that input back to Standard and try another supported configuration. [Sony Help Guide]
Bypass the receiver or soundbar to isolate the problem
- Turn off the source and TV, then temporarily disconnect the source from the receiver, soundbar, or HDMI switch.
- Connect the source directly to a TV input verified to support the required 4K mode and HDCP level, using a known-good cable.
- Turn the devices back on and check the source’s detected display format or the resolution information shown by the TV or source.
- If 4K works directly, check the intermediary’s HDMI input and output specifications and its 4K or enhanced-signal setting. Reconnect the chain and test again.
If the direct connection still does not offer a supported 4K mode, the intermediary is less likely to be the cause; continue with the TV input, source, and cable checks.
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Check the cable after checking settings and ports
Do not assume the cable is at fault just because the picture is 1080p. First verify the source, input, and any intermediary. If those are compatible, test with a known-good cable rated for the signal you want to use. For the high-quality 4K formats covered by its guidance, Sony specifies a Premium High Speed HDMI cable supporting 18 Gbps. Roku advises an appropriately rated Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed cable for supported 4K HDR configurations; older or unlabeled cables may not be suitable for 4K HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision at 60 fps. [Sony Help Guide] [Roku] [Roku 4K HDR setup]
A cable cannot add 4K support to an incompatible HDMI port, a device without the required HDCP support, an incapable receiver, a non-4K program, or a source configured for a lower output. Roku streaming sticks that plug directly into the TV do not need a separate HDMI cable. [Roku]
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Update and restart, then recover from a failed mode change
- Install available software updates for the TV and source device. Roku notes that a TV update may be needed for HDR behavior. [Roku]
- Restart the TV, source, and any receiver or soundbar after changing HDMI signal settings.
- If a Roku player shows a gray picture or other display trouble after choosing 4K HDR, try 4K or 1080p without HDR, then revisit the TV’s compatibility and cable requirements. [Roku]
- If Sony Enhanced format causes signal problems, return that input to Standard. [Sony Help Guide]
When to contact support
If the source is connected directly to a verified capable port but still cannot select or detect a supported 4K mode, consult the manuals or support pages for both devices using their exact model numbers. Specify which HDMI port you tested, whether an intermediary was removed, the source’s output setting, and the cable rating. Without those details, it is not possible to distinguish a port limitation from a source, firmware, app, or hardware fault.
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