4k Content on Roku

Archived
1

Hi folks, as you are probably aware, Roku announced a 4k reference platform at the beginning of the year.

Here is some useful information if you are planning to deliver 4k content on the Roku platform in the future:

(HEVC Main 10)
Video Codecs: h.265 or VP9
Streaming Protocols: MPEG DASH / HLS / Microsoft Smooth (with optional PlayReady DRM)

2160p
1:1 pixel/color at 30fps
2:1 pixel/color at 60fps

HDR won’t be supported initially.

Not possible to mix h.265 4k content with h.264 content in an HLS playlist, variants must all be h.265 for 4k.

If you are capable of, or already able to deliver UHD content at the present time, please fill out this spreadsheet and email to developer@roku.com with subject: [name of your company or channel] 4k content on Roku

If at all possible, please include stream URLs that can be tested.

Device detection and other developer information will be added to this post later.

We won’t be able to answer many questions on this subject in the forums at this time.

  • Joel
2

Will Roku support 4K with h.264 in an mp4 container?

3

No, only h.265 or VP9 and not in a progressive format like MP4.

Joel

4

“RokuJoel” wrote:

Video Codecs: h.265 or VP9
Streaming Protocols: MPEG DASH / HLS / Microsoft Smooth (with optional PlayReady DRM)

Can MPEG-DASH be used with PlayReady DRM or is it only Microsoft Smooth Streaming?

5

It looks like we do support MPEG-DASH with Playready.

  • Joel
6

From what I hear Netflix is going to support 4k media .. not sure of another 4k media

FYI- you need a TV that can output 4k resolution to even use the big added future of the roku 4

7

“jeer232002” wrote:
FYI- you need a TV that can output 4k resolution to even use the big added future of the roku 4

More specifically, you need a TV that supports HDCP 2.2 - not all 4k televisions will work.

  • Joel
8

Joel, I was disappointed in that the Roku 4 doesn’t seem to play any 4k videos through the usb. Am I right about this? Also if it does, it looks like the h264 needs to be converted to h265, correct? If so, can you suggest a converter?

9

can the roku 4 play 4k video through the usb?

10

I’m having issues getting the SDK to play 4k at all. We managed to find someone who could make H265 HLS / MPEG DASH files (bitcodin).

For HLS:
Url: “http://testingask.s3.amazonaws.com/test4k/119246_fb33c06eb5e3d71a9eddd90f1bf6bceb/119246.m3u8”
The video plays but the audio is completely messed up.

For MPEG DASH:
Url: “http://testingask.s3.amazonaws.com/test4k/119246_fb33c06eb5e3d71a9eddd90f1bf6bceb/119246.mpd”
I get "Unexpected codec ‘hvc1.1.c.L93.90’ "

Could someone please take a look and let us know what is wrong with these files? It would be really helpful if Roku posted links to some 4k sample files used for testing (Roku tested 4K with the SDK, right?) and/or some suggested methods to make compatible files.

11

I tried the straight MP4 on a whim and it works fine.

Which is odd because Joel said:
“No, only h.265 or VP9 and not in a progressive format like MP4.”

12

Was it a 2160p h.264 mp4?

  • Joel
13

Nope - 2160 H265 MP4. I can ask our guys to make a publicly distributable version like the m3u8 and mpd samples I posted. I’d rather get them working though.

14

“adamkaz” wrote:
Nope - 2160 H265 MP4. I can ask our guys to make a publicly distributable version like the m3u8 and mpd samples I posted. I’d rather get them working though.

its the performance of mp4 over the internet that is the blocker - we haven’t had good results with progressive h.265 MP4 files - they should work fine over a LAN or from a USB chip though.

  • Joel
15

“RokuJoel” wrote:

“jeer232002” wrote:
FYI- you need a TV that can output 4k resolution to even use the new wealthy affiliate system is a big added future of the roku 4
More specifically, you need a TV that supports HDCP 2.2 - not all 4k televisions will work.

  • Joel

Oh, really? Can you recommend a good 4ktv out now that supports HDCP 2.2? Preferably not too expensive. Thanks.

16

“righteye” wrote:
Oh, really? Can you recommend a good 4ktv out now that supports HDCP 2.2? Preferably not too expensive. Thanks.

:mrgreen: http://www.cnet.com/products/insignia-n … k-roku-tv/ :mrgreen:

  • Joel
17

“RokuJoel” wrote:

“jeer232002” wrote:
FYI- you need a TV that can output 4k resolution to even use the big added future of the roku 4

More specifically, you need a TV that supports HDCP 2.2 - not all 4k televisions will work.

  • Joel
    Hi Oh, really?
    Can you recommend a good 4ktv out now that supports HDCP 2.2? Preferably not too expensive.
    Thanks.
18

I don’t think so it will support 4k content.