Can I stream Amazon Video in HD from my Macbook Pro HDMI out to my TV?

No, you can't stream Amazon Video / Netflix in 4k 60Hz from MacBook pro mid 2015 HDMI output or Mini DisplayPort. Supports 4k 30Hz max over both HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. Using 4k 30Hz creates mouse lag, resolution needs to be 4k @ 60Hz for smooth response. Amazon/ Netflix seem to cap video streaming to a second monitor at 1080 (maybe for HDCP reasons).

macbook mid-2015 specs

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp719?locale=en_US

mini display to HDMI

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HHLN2ZM/B/belkin-4k-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter

Will use 1080 resolution for computer to TV with no noticeable lag.

Will use AppleTV for 4k movies / streaming.

Well, sorry for the confusion. Amazon Video wasn't playing 4k from my laptop to TV, it was 1080. It appears to be capped at 1080 from HDMI out. Netflix is playing 1080 as well (1920 x 1080) when video is in 4k format.

No longer getting HD unavailable from amazon video quality selection drop down menu, but that's referring to the fact it's in 1080HD (not 4k UHD).

So it looks like:

1. I can't stream 4k from my HDMI out to TV because of incompatible laptop.
2. connecting laptop to the 4k input on TV made overall picture much more crisp and bright, but did not increase resolution when streaming video on amazon video or Netflix.
3. no longer getting HD unavailable message in amazon video.
4. no longer getting HDCP message in amazon video.
5. mouse still has slight lag connected to 4k input on TV versus non-4k input.
6. changing settings on apple tv as listed in post directly above fixed amazon video low quality streaming issue.

Hi Leanne_68,

Thank you for your response. Are you asking if I can play Amazon Video in HD directly on my Macbook Pro? If so, then yes, I can play HD directly on my laptop. The problem is when I plug an HDMI cable into the port on my laptop the HD function becomes unavailable on Amazon Video.

I wasn't referring to HDR, just HD. My laptop is intel-based 2015 model so it looks like it doesn't support HDR, but it seems like it should support HD on Amazon Video. I think the issue has to do with HDCP protection and going through an external display.

Screenshot of Amazon Video HD unavailable.

Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

MrHoffman,

Thanks for your response. I upgraded to Mojave 10.14.6 and am experiencing the same problem. I don't want to upgrade to Big Sur because I use some 32 bit apps.

I contacted Amazon and they said Prime Video doesn't support streaming video in HD to a second screen. They also said my system isn't compatible.

It sounds like the streaming services limit streaming quality in browsers to deter piracy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrycollins/2020/07/24/whats-the-best-browser-for-netflix-clue-its-not-google-chrome/?sh=37b2a3bc5503

I think my best option is to get a 4k Apple TV. Let me know if there is a better option.

Thanks everyone!

Updates with solution! Setup was not as easy on Apple TV as originally thought with regard to getting the settings correct.

The Amazon Video app on my Apple TV was not streaming 4k and was blurry (looked worse than 240p). After much searching I found that my settings were incorrect on the Apple TV. I had the format set to 4k HDR and Match Content set to off. CHANGING THE FORMAT TO 4K SDR AND MATCH CONTENT SETTINGS BOTH ENABLED GOT AMAZON VIDEO WORKING IN 4K ON APPLE TV.

For my original question to get 4k from my HDMI out on MacBook Pro to TV, I stumbled on the solution by complete accident! I was labeling my TV inputs and noticed apparently inputs 2 and 3 on my TV are enhanced for 4k (definitely thought all inputs were 4k). (The setting on my TV Sony XBR 55X900E is press "Home" on remote control>click settings on top right corner>external inputs>HDMI signal format>enhanced format). I plugged my computer into input 2 (instead of 4), and instantly got 4k video from my laptop HDMI out to TV! Ugg! Both exciting and frustrating it was something so simple! Strange that setting is buried in the TV settings. One minor complaint about this versus having on the other input (not in 4k) is my bluetooth mouse seems to have a bit more lag now. Nothing horrible, but noticeable. Will update if I find solution for that.

Hope this helps!

got HDCP error while laptop was connected to 4k input on TV. strange as i was not getting that earlier.

not using 4k input on TV for laptop as there is lag with the mouse, and getting this HDCP error now.

Any explanations are appreciated.

I bought a 4k Apple TV and happy with the quality and easy setup.

Thank you both for your replies!

(did not solve problem, but helpful. Thank you)