Solving playback issues

Find troubleshooting tips and resources for Roku playback speed issues, HDCP messages, power issues, and more. Join the community discussion for assistance.
cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Diggy
Reel Rookie

Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

I have three Roku Ultra 4800Xs with a 4K GoogleTV,  4K LG, and also a 1080 projector. This issue exists on all of them. 

The streaming quality using the Roku Ultra is very poor compared to the native apps on the TV. Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO etc all of them look so much better using the app on the TV. To the point where I don't even use the Roku Ultra anymore! Once you notice the quality difference, you can't unsee it. 

Display Type setting: 4K TV or 4K Dolby Vision HDR

Software: 14.0.4

When using the Roku, sane streaming service, same show, same part of the show, the difference is glaring. Especially darker scenes, the Roku makes the shadows big blocky square chunks, as if the stream is highly compressed.  Meanwhile, the native apps on the TVs look awesome no complaints.

Do the Roku Ultras add compression to the streams?  Is there a setting I don't know about to fix this? 

Labels (1)
0 Kudos
1 Solution

Accepted Solutions
RokuEmmanuel-D
Community Moderator
Community Moderator

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

Thanks for joining us here in the Roku Community, @Diggy!

Having to deal with these issues can be pretty frustrating and we completely understand that. Let's get this sorted!

Picture quality issues can also be caused by a slow internet connection, and Roku Ultra needs a high-speed connection to establish high picture quality.

Here are a few things we can check...

  • Have you tried connecting to a different internet to see if the issue persists? We can try a Mobile Hotspot and observe if it'll do the trick.
  • How many devices are connected to your home network? If multiple, have you tried disconnecting some of them to see if the picture quality improves?
  • Have you tried rebooting your Router? If not, we would recommend doing so. 
  • Have there been any updates recently? If so, could you tell us the software version of your Roku Ultra? 

Let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Emman

Emmanuel-D.
Roku Community Moderator

View solution in original post

0 Kudos
6 REPLIES 6
RokuEmmanuel-D
Community Moderator
Community Moderator

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

Thanks for joining us here in the Roku Community, @Diggy!

Having to deal with these issues can be pretty frustrating and we completely understand that. Let's get this sorted!

Picture quality issues can also be caused by a slow internet connection, and Roku Ultra needs a high-speed connection to establish high picture quality.

Here are a few things we can check...

  • Have you tried connecting to a different internet to see if the issue persists? We can try a Mobile Hotspot and observe if it'll do the trick.
  • How many devices are connected to your home network? If multiple, have you tried disconnecting some of them to see if the picture quality improves?
  • Have you tried rebooting your Router? If not, we would recommend doing so. 
  • Have there been any updates recently? If so, could you tell us the software version of your Roku Ultra? 

Let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Emman

Emmanuel-D.
Roku Community Moderator
0 Kudos
steveindanville
Streaming Star

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

I have the exact same problem and it's driving me crazy.  I've done all the things you suggest and none of them solved the issue.  Next tier of service please.  I have 8K cables, fast dependable internet feed (if the feed was weak, why would the native apps on my Vizio look so much better?), rebooted my cable modem and router (my 4660 runs and looks great in another room).  I'm about ready to reinstall my 4802 and send the 4850 back.  I still have software 14.0.  I absolutely won't watch the apps through my TV's apps because I lose my AVR's 5.1 surround sound.  What's going on?

0 Kudos
RokuEmmanuel-D
Community Moderator
Community Moderator

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

Thanks for reporting this here in the Roku Community, @steveindanville!

We completely understand that this is affecting your user experience, and we're here to take a closer look at this so we can get this sorted out quickly. 

You mentioned that you have an AVR in the setup. Have you tried isolating the problem by connecting the Roku Ultra directly to the TV? Also, is the video quality issue happening on all apps or only on a specific app? 

Let us know what you find out. 

Best,
The Roku Community Team

Emmanuel-D.
Roku Community Moderator
0 Kudos
atc98092
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

@Diggy wrote:

Do the Roku Ultras add compression to the streams?  Is there a setting I don't know about to fix this? 


No, the Roku players do not so anything like that. I'm currently watching Disney+ on my Ultra 4850 connected to an LG Nano85. I've tried two different 4K/DV titles. The Dolby Vision tag displayed when the video started, and the image is sharp and absolutely 4K. I also played a couple of 4K/DV test files from my DLNA server using Roku Media Player. The video is outstanding. Before I received this 4850, I had an Ultra 4800 on the same TV, and it provided the same results.

I can't explain why you're having issues, but I have none with any of my Roku players connected to both 1080 and 4K TVs. My home network is wired Gigabit and WiFi 802.11ac/ax and an Internet connection that typically measures at 950 Mbps. 

Dan

Roku Community Streaming Expert

Help others find this answer and click "Accept as Solution."
If you appreciate my answer, maybe give me a Kudo.

I am not a Roku employee, just another user.
0 Kudos
frankkasten
Binge Watcher

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

Use the Display Setting that's doesn't include Dolby Vision.  If your TV 's don't support it, the Roku's quality it poor when it's on Dolby vision.

0 Kudos
atc98092
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Why is Roku Ultra streaming quality poor vs native apps on TV?

Jump to solution

It the display doesn't support Dolby Vision, it's not a selectable resolution. 

Dan

Roku Community Streaming Expert

Help others find this answer and click "Accept as Solution."
If you appreciate my answer, maybe give me a Kudo.

I am not a Roku employee, just another user.
0 Kudos
Need Assistance?
Welcome to the Roku Community! Feel free to search our Community for answers or post your question to get help.

Become a Roku Streaming Expert!

Share your expertise, help fellow streamers, and unlock exclusive rewards as part of the Roku Community. Learn more.