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Mugan78 Author

Level 1

25 points

Apple 4kTV and YouTube 4k

I need some help or advice from folks in the community. I’ve tried searching google for a particular issue I am having but can’t find a similar scenario only issues with 4k and switching off match content etc. that’s not my issue. Bear with and I’ll explain.

I have a 4k Apple TV model number A1842 (32gb) updated to the latest firmware 17.4 (21L227) and this issue only seems to be present when watching content on the you tube app.

I am trying to watch YouTube content in 4k best picture quality and viewing pleasure and all that, however some 4k content will only play at max 1440p and the 2160p is not an option in the settings video quality.

What’s really strange is some 4k content will play in 4k and it seems totally random what will or won’t play in 4k even though the little 4k marker on the video states it’s 4k.

Another strange phenomenon is that I tried to play some 4k test videos, you know those ones that show amazing landscapes and animals close up and if the content is 4k HDR forget it. None of those will play in 4k at all only 1440p max.

Has anyone else experienced this and do they know a work around. I must have reset my Apple TV 100 times now thinking that something happens that causes this but have determined that it is completely random as to what will play in 4k and what won’t. I’ve resorted to watching YouTube through my tv’s app as that will play those videos in 4k even HDR that won’t play on my Apple TV.

Also forgot to mention stuff like; my hdmi cable is an 8k hdmi 2 compatible cable, my internet speed is 200mb p/sec min running through my Apple TV and it is plugged directly into a modem socket not over WiFi.

Have a video of the issue if needs be, just not sure if I can post as it shows other people’s YouTube content.

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Apr 13, 2024 7:27 AM

Similar questions

27 replies

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 15, 2024 11:57 AM in response to Mugan78

It doesn’t matter what choices you have on YT app settings during playback - anything over 720p is real-time YT software-generated gleam & shine that too only during playback.

Which is why there’s no download option - there isn’t a 4K video for this anywhere. I’d guess not even the author has one 😁

Mugan78 Author

Level 1

25 points

Apr 15, 2024 12:01 PM in response to hcsitas

Your missing the whole point of this post! I could not give two flying foots about downloading it not do I care about whether the video is being upscaled or it be youtube trickery. The point is. With every other device I own, a mobile, tablet, TV downstairs, TV upstairs, my pc each one gives the video quality a 4k option. My apple tv does not. Why? That is what I am trying to find out!

You already said in a previous post you sent to me: nuf said, I hope someone else can help you 👋, good luck! so let someone else help. I really do appreciate your input, I do. However I'm not sure you really understand and I certainly do not want to end up in a slanging match.

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 15, 2024 12:09 PM in response to Mugan78

You want to know why Apple won’t play along with Google’s fooling? Because they care more about their customers.

Listen, you’re being mislead and 4K fooled by YT for a plainer-than vanilla 720p video, no need to look any deeper. Suing might be an option - just wait it out until someone does eventually. And until then, do like Apple: don’t give a flying foot either 😂.

bgmeek

Level 4

1,207 points

Apr 15, 2024 2:17 PM in response to Mugan78

Ah. OK. I acknowledge what you're seeing from the YouTube app. I looked at some LG-uploaded 4K and also 8K demo videos and playing with the auto vs. specified bitrate does seem random as to what's playing and what's selectable. While I'm confident the videos could be delivered @ 2160p and better, there are times when the best you can select is 1440p or less, and the 'nerd stats' also report reduced incoming resolution - 1080p at times.

I'm not quite as cynical as some... I simply keep YouTube's business model in mind: Dish up the most popular vids to put eyeballs on ad$, reduce costs as much as possible to save energy and maximize profits. Simply put, they're going to reduce their bandwidth overhead as much as possible while maintaining acceptable video quality. This is what you're observing. I'm not surprised that YouTube apps on different platforms behave... a little differently in doing so.

Kcdaf40

Level 1

8 points

Jul 6, 2024 7:01 PM in response to Mugan78

I have the very same problem. Tried to watch the Flash in 4k and all I get is HD even though the blue 4k is on the film I am trying to watch. I also noticed on my guide that the 4k channels that are always there ( sports) are not there either. If this keeps up I'm switching back to my ROKU Ultra.

Kcdaf40

Level 1

8 points

Jul 7, 2024 8:52 AM in response to Mugan78

Saw the videos and doing the same thing. Playing in HD instead of 4K. I don't understand it at all. Does it to YouTubeTv as well. It makes me question though if it reads some in 4k that we actually 4k and others in HD that claim to be 4k but are only upconverted. I don't know the answer but if you ever figure it please let me know because I have no issues with the Roku Ultra but I do with the AppleTv 4k streamer.

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 13, 2024 8:00 AM in response to Mugan78

Only because you mentioned it: how long is the HDMI cable? And ignore the TV app measurements - unverifiable.

Mugan78 Author

Level 1

25 points

Apr 13, 2024 10:05 AM in response to hcsitas

Hi there, I think it’s a 2 meter cable

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 13, 2024 10:08 AM in response to Mugan78

Anything over 1m is inviting trouble. Shorter than 1m even better. Replace asap.

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 15, 2024 6:41 AM in response to Mugan78

Link to the video please?

hcsitas

Level 6

12,914 points

Apr 15, 2024 10:51 AM in response to txmike418

You’re missing the point - the video itself is 720p, anything above via settings that is a Google-assisted software gimmick. Nothing Apple to this 🤷‍♂️

Kcdaf40

Level 1

8 points

Jul 7, 2024 8:53 AM in response to hcsitas

Oh now I see well that explains that one away. It still doesn't the stuff on YouTubeTv though.

Apple 4kTV and YouTube 4k