• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

All About Chromecast

  • Home
    • About AllAboutChromecast.com
    • Privacy
    • Forum
    • Contact
  • Manual
  • How-to Guide
    • How to use Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers (as Chromecast Audio does)?
    • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
    • How to use VLC media player on PC to stream music and video to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio?
      • How to use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast?
    • How to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents?
    • Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
      • How to stream local video to Chromecast?
      • How to use Chromecast to share desktop screen (and audio) to TV?
      • How to use Plex media server to stream local media to Chromecast (from your PC)
      • How to use Videostream extension to stream local videos for Chromecast?
      • How to launch Videostream (and other Chrome apps as well)?
      • How to use Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast?
      • How to use Android screen mirroring with Chromecast
    • Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring
      • Chromecast VS Amazon Fire TV stick: which one is for you?
    • How to reset Chromecast (Factory Data Reset,FDR)?
      • How to rename Chromecast?
      • How to change Chromecast WiFi network?
      • How to change Chromecast time format and time zone?
      • How to use Chromecast backdrop to customize the TV screen?
      • How to use Chromecast guest mode?
      • How to check and claim Chromecast offers?
    • How to use Chromecast on Amazon Fire tablets (Fire HD, Fire HDX and Kindle Fire HDX)
    • How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?
    • How to use the new Chromecast app?
    • Chromecast Preview Program: Everything you need to know
    • How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?
    • How to use Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast?
    • How to disable Google Home and Chromecast casting notification?
  • Chromecast Audio
    • Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: which one is for you?
    • How to use Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers (as Chromecast Audio does)?
    • How to setup Chromecast Audio?
    • How to use Chromecast Audio to stream music? and how to control Chromecast Audio?
    • Meaning of Chromecast Audio LED colors
    • What are the 3 compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio? and why it matters?
    • Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth
    • What are supported systems for Chromecast Audio companion device?
    • How to factory data reset Chromecast Audio?
    • How to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback?
  • Chromecast 101
    • Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) is coming!
    • What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
    • Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd Gen
    • What’s new in the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015)
    • Google released $15 Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast
    • Chromecast Preview Program: Everything you need to know
    • A Guide to Chromecast Offers
    • Chromecast VS Amazon Fire TV stick: which one is for you?
    • Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring

How to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents?

Ads:

6 requirements of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, and solutions for problems related to 4K content streaming

By simon Leave a Comment

use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contentsIf you want to stream 4K contents, among Chromecast family (Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra), only Chromecast Ultra (update: and the Chromecast 2020, aka Chromecast with Google TV) has this capability.

Table of Contents hide
1) The 6 requirements of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents
2) Why is a 4K TV not sufficient for using Chromecast to stream 4K contents? You need a 4K TV with HDCP 2.2 support!
3) You must use the original power adapter to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents
4) Your internet connection speed should be fast enough
5) You need 4K content sources
6) I got a blank screen when I connect Chromecast Ultra to my TV? What’s the solution?
7) Does HDMI cable matter for 4K streaming? Do I need an HDMI 2.0 cable?
8) Can I use an HDMI switcher when using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents?
9) I am streaming 4K contents, but it seems it is not 4K. Why?
10) Can you use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents now?

But a lot of Chromecast Ultra owners found they cannot stream 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.

What are the possible causes? What are the solutions?

This Chromecast guide first explains the requirements of using Chromecast to stream 4K contents, then show you the solutions for some problems related to streaming 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.

The 6 requirements of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents

Chromecast Ultra is a very powerful streaming gadget.

You can use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K Ultra HD contents with HDR.  While normal Chromecast (Chromecast and Chromecast 2nd Generation)  can only stream full HD contents (1080p) without HDR.

Although Chromecast does not require a 4K TV, there are a few requirements to meet if you want to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, including:

  1. a 4K TV;
  2. fast internet connection (at least 10-20Mbps);
  3. HDCP 2.2  support;
  4. the original power adapter;
  5. a high-speed HDMI cable;
  6. 4K contents.

Among these 6 requirements, 2 are related to the TV: 4K resolution and HDCP 2.2 support. The other 4 are related to connection, content source and accessories.

Why is a 4K TV not sufficient for using Chromecast to stream 4K contents? You need a 4K TV with HDCP 2.2 support!

Chromecast Ultra actually works with any TV with HDMI input.  It can scale video quality automatically for the TV it connects to.

A 4K TV is required only if you want to enjoy any 4K contents.

But when you want to enjoy 4K contents, then a 4K TV is not sufficient.

You need a 4K TV with HDCP 2.2 support.

This is the most tricky requirement of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents.

Most old TVs only support HDMI 1.4. And HDCP 2.2 is only available in HDMI 2.0.

Even more tricky, some HDMI 2.0 ports may not support  HDCP 2.2. This depends on TV vendor’s implementation.

Most new 4K TVs should have at least one HDMI port with HDCP 2.2.  You need to check the specs of the TV carefully.

But if you have an old 4K TV, or unbranded 4K TV, you may find you cannot use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents,

If you connect Chromecast Ultra TV to an HDMI switcher or AV receiver, then the HDMI switcher or receiver must also support HDCP 2.2.

You must use the original power adapter to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents

The power adapter for Chroemcast Ultra has an Ethernet port.

You are NOT required to use the Ethernet connection. You can stream 4K contents with wireless connections.

But if you use other USB power adapters, Chromecast Ultra will detect it and will then stream contents in 1080p only.

The power output of the adapter you used does not matter. Google just wants you to use the bundled original power adapter if you want to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents.

Your internet connection speed should be fast enough

To use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K content, you need a fast enough internet speed.

Normally, for 4K contents, the bandwidth (speed) required is at least 15-20mbps.  You can test the maximum connection speed with Speedtest app.

If your internet speed is lower than 10Mbps, the streaming quality may be automatically scaled down to 1080p or even lower.

This requirement is consistent with other streaming devices, for example, Amazon TV.  Actually, 10-20Mbps is required to stream 4K contents on any devices.

You need 4K content sources

Of course, to stream 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra, you need to have a 4K content source.

Most content providers now offer 4K contents. Some label them as 4K UHD.  Netflix and YouTube have lots.

As mentioned, if your connection speed is not fast enough, or your TV does not support HDCP 2.2, then the streaming will be automatically scaled down.

I got a blank screen when I connect Chromecast Ultra to my TV? What’s the solution?

Normally, Chromecast Ultra should not give you a blank screen.

If something is wrong, it should show something in the screen telling you the problem.

Anyway, if you get a blank screen, you need to check:

  • the color of the LED in the Chromecast Ultra. It should be solid white. If it is solid orange, you may try to power off Chromecast Ultra, then power it on.
  • if Chromecast Ultra is connected to an HDMI switcher or AV receiver, you can try to connect it to the TV directly.
  • in some TVs, some HDMI ports are different from others. You may switch to other HDMI port in the TV.
  • whether HDMI source is chosen properly on the TV.
  • whether you are using the bundled original power adapter.
  • when you power on/off Chromecast Ultra, does the TV screen flash?

In some rare configurations, the TV may also give you a blank screen, for example:

  1. Your 4K TV supports HDCP 2.2;
  2. You are using the original power adapter;
  3. You are connecting Chromecast Ultra to an HDMI switcher (or receiver) which only supports HDMI 1.4.

If this is the case, you can use non-original USB power adapter to get 1080P streaming, not 4K.  You will get a normal screen on the TV and it tells you that you are using a non-original adapter.

The solution for this situation is:

  • to connect the Chromecast Ultra to the TV directly; or
  • to get an HDMI switcher that supports HDCP 2.2.

Does HDMI cable matter for 4K streaming? Do I need an HDMI 2.0 cable?

The quality of HDMI cable does matter when streaming 4K contents, especially when streaming 4K HDR contents.

But technically there are only 4 types of HDMI cables:

  • Standard speed HDMI cable without internet (category 1)
  • Standard speed HDMI cable with internet over HDMI  (category 1)
  • High-speed HDMI cable without internet  (category 2)
  • High-speed HDMI cable with internet over HDMI (category 2)

When you use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, you do not need internet through HDMI.  So, essentially, you are considering standard speed or high-speed HDMI cable.

For 4K contents, you need high-speed HDMI cable. Standard speed HDMI cable can only handle up to 1080i.

For high-speed HDMI cables, some vendors may tout HDMI 2.0 cable. In reality, there is NO standard or certification for HDMI 2.0 cable.

All high-speed HDMI cable should work with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.

But if you think all high-speed HDMI cables are identical, then you are wrong.

The official high-speed HDMI (category 2) certification requires 10.3Gbps data rate (for 3 channels). This is sufficient for 4K contents. And high-speed HDMI cables were actually designed for contents from 1080p to 4K.

Some high-speed HDMI cables may have data rate up to 18Gbps. The vendors usually tout such cables as HDMI 2.0 cable. These cables are needed only for very rare situations.

If you want to get most from your 4K contents, especially 4K HDR contents at 60fps, you should get “HDMI Premium Certified Cable“. These cables are certified for 4K@60fps.

Can I use an HDMI switcher when using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents?

Yes, you can.

But you need to make sure both your TV and the HDMI switcher support HDCP 2.2.

I am streaming 4K contents, but it seems it is not 4K. Why?

Very likely, your connection speed is not fast enough.

Most streaming service providers will scale down the quality if your connection speed is not fast enough.

Please note, the speed referred here is the connection between the Chromecast Ultra and the service provider’s server. Speedtest normally only tests the maximum speed to your ISP.  If the content provider’s server is not located in your region, the connection speed may be far slower than what you get in the speed test.

The solution to this connection speed issue is to use a wired connection to Chromecast Ultra.

The original power adapter for Chromecast Ultra includes an Ethernet port. You can connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable. The connection should be faster and more stable than the wireless connection.

Can you use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents now?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems on using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will try to help you find the solution.

For more Chromecast Audio guides, please visit Chromecast Audio guide page.

If your question is on Chromecast including both 1st generation Chromecast, and new Chromecast (aka Chromecast 2015), please visit Chromecast how-to guides page.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Reddit

Filed Under: Chromecast tips and tricks Tagged With: 4K, Chromecast Ultra, HDCP, HDMI cable, HDMI switcher

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Be the first one to get the update, tips and tricks on Chromecast? Get our free Newsletter Today!

Primary Sidebar

Site Search

Chromecast Tips and Tricks

free Audible membership 30 days

RSS Headphone Guides

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds Live vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus vs Apple AirPods Pro
  • A Complete Guide for Jabra Elite Sport
  • 5 best new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus (Galaxy Buds+ vs Galaxy Buds)
  • Top 10 new features of AirPods Pro (vs AirPods 2)
  • How to use Samsung Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds+?
  • What is active noise canceling (ANC)? How active noise-cancelling headphone works?
  • What are the differences among in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones?
  • Wireless Earbuds Guides

RSS Moto G Guide

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?
  • Official Moto G6 user manuals, Moto G6 Play user manuals and Moto G6 Plus user manuals

RSS Moto X Guide

  • Official Moto X4 User manual (User guide for Moto X 4th Gen , Moto X 2017)
  • What’s new in Android Marshmallow update for Moto X (Moto X 2015, Moto X 2014, Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition)?
  • Top 5 new features in Moto X 2015 (Moto X Style, Moto X Pure edition and Moto X Play) vs Moto X 2014

RSS Galaxy Note Guides

  • Top 11 disappointments of Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
  • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
  • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
  • How to Use Galaxy Note 10 Camera App?
  • Galaxy Note 10 SIM Card Guide
  • How to use Samsung DeX for PC with Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+?
  • How to use Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover (S View cover)?
  • How to charge Galaxy Note 10 battery?
  • How to use and remap Galaxy Note 10 Side key?

RSS Samsung Galaxy S5 Guide

  • How to use app folders in Galaxy S5 home screen?
  • How to access and use Galaxy S5 notification panel?
  • How to use Galaxy S5 toolbox

RSS Moto E Guide

  • How to use Moto E6 camera?
  • How to use SIM cards on Moto E6, E6 Plus, E6 Play, and E6s 2020?
  • How to remove Moto E6 back cover (including Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play)?
  • Official user manual for Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play, and Moto E6s

RSS Drive In Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore

© 2013–2021 · All About Chromecast: The best Chromecast guide, tips and tricks for Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio. · Hosted by PTRHosting
· Powered by Genesis framework for WordPress

Disclaimer: Chrome, Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, and Chromecast Audio are trademarks of Google Inc. This website is NOT affiliated with Google Inc in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.

Add All About Chromecast to your Homescreen!

Add
We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.OKRead more