Watch movies and TV programmes in 4K Ultra HD and 4K HDR content using your Chromecast Ultra.
4K Ultra HD (also known as Ultra High Definition or UHD) offers enhanced picture resolution up to four times greater than HD and 1080p. When combined with a 4K TV and 4K content, Chromecast Ultra offers Ultra High Definition (4K Ultra HD) content with:
- Higher pixel resolution
- Smoother video
- Greater colour depth
Meanwhile, 4K HDR (also known as Ultra High Definition premium or 4K HDR) is a new and exciting television technology that promises an even better quality picture when you're watching movies or TV programmes. You can expect:
- Greater colour depth
- Brighter highlights
- Deeper blacks, whiter whites
- Wide colour gamut
What you need:
- A strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
- A 4K compatible HDTV
- An HDMI port that supports both HDCP 2.2 and 60 frames per second (60 FPS). Note: If you're using an AVR or soundbar, those will also need to support HDCP 2.2.
- A high-speed Internet connection of at least 20 Mbps (recommended)
- 4K programming from content providers (may require subscription, e.g. Netflix subscription plan)
- A high-speed HDMI cable. Recommended length: Less than 1.8 m.
- The power supply that was provided with Chromecast Ultra
Note: Chromecast Ultra will work on a standard HDTV, but will only stream 4K content if the above requirements are met.
What is HDCP 2.2?
HDCP is the copy protection technology that is required to stream 4K Ultra HD and 4K HDR content. You can only watch content in 4K Ultra HD and 4K HDR if your Chromecast Ultra is connected to an HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2. AVRs and soundbars also need to support HDCP 2.2 to stream 4K Ultra HD and 4K HDR content.
Note: Some TVs require you to manually turn on HDR from within the TV settings menu. Check your manual for instructions.
Here are a couple of ways to know whether a TV and its ports support HDCP 2.2:
- Manual: Many brands will specify whether the TV supports HCDP 2.2 in their manual.
- Ports: HDCP 2.2 may not be supported for all of the HDMI ports on a Ultra HD TV. Look for ports labelled:
- Mobile high-definition link (MHL)
- HDCP 2.2
- UHD, Ultra HD, 4K Ultra HD
- 4K
Recommended Internet speed to stream 4K Ultra HD content
To stream in 4K Ultra HD, you need a high-speed Internet connection of at least 20 Mbps. Some other video apps need even faster speeds to stream in 4K Ultra HD.
- YouTube – Search '4K'to find 4K content.
- Netflix – Search '4K' to find 4K content, search 'HDR' to find HDR content and search 'UHD' to find UHD content.
- Vudu – Search 'UHD' to find the UHD content category.
- Google Play Movies – Search '4K' to find 4K content.
- Disney+
If you're unable to stream 4K content,
- Make sure that you have:
- A 4K compatible HDTV
- An HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2
Note: If you're using an AVR or soundbar, those will also need to support HDCP 2.2. - A high-speed Internet connection of at least 20 Mbps (recommended)
- 4K programming from content providers (may require subscription, e.g. Netflix subscription plan)
- A high-speed HDMI cable. Recommended length: Less than 1.8 m.
- The power supply that was provided with Chromecast Ultra
- Try updating your TV’s firmware, if possible.