Something Wrong with My 4K TV, or Something Wrong with My Internet?

bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 16:42
Last edited 06/02/2019 - 19:45

Hey guys, tried to look this one up first prior to posting on here but I'd like to see what the consensus is regarding my TV:

I purchased a second-hand Hisense 55K321 4K UHD TV and, under the assumption given its namesake, thought I could play YouTube / Netflix / Stan, etc, considering I already had premium subscriptions to the latter two.

My internet speed is around 14mbps, and I can get 1080/4K on my PC on YouTube, but for some reason the TV maxes out at 720p, auto. Have tried resetting the app and I can't uninstall it from the TV. The TV is connected via ethernet.

Has anyone got insight here as to what's going on?

YouTube Specs

Version 13a9b55c
Device Hisense/LTDN50K321UWT(1)//0,Opera(22.0.1481.0)

Viewport 1280 x 720 @ 30
Codecs avc1.4d401f (136) / mp4a.40.2 (140)

Running at around 11.34Mbps

Electrical & Electronics TV UHD TV

Comments

  • Cliche Guevara on 06/02/2019 - 16:48
    +2

    Netflix recommends 25Mbps to watch 4K.

    • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 16:57

      Cool, that’s fine - so following from that I assume it’s an internet issue since YouTube is forcing a 720p resolution on me as a result of my 14Mbps?

    • Soothsayer on 06/02/2019 - 17:07

      In practice, 4K can be streamed at much less. I only have 12Mbps and stream 4K fine using the inbuilt Netflix app in my TV (LG).

      YouTube is the same. Amazon is the worst of the 3 (guessing due to less efficient / aggressive encoding) but still manages 4K eventually.

      OP, you might want to check your router settings for any QoS that might be throttling streaming for your TV. Apart from that, try the standard stuff like switching LAN ports, trying WiFi, factory resetting TV, etc. You didn't mention if both YT and Netflix won't stream higher than 4K?

      If none of that works your other option is to get a Chromecast Ultra, SHIELD, Mi Box, etc. to stream those services in 4K.

      EDIT: Found the following review for this model which says "There is also BBC iPlayer and YouTube but the lack of VP9 codec support means the latter is restricted to HD, rather than Ultra HD". It does confirm the Netflix app is 4K enabled however.
      https://www.avforums.com/review/hisense-55k321-LTDN55K321UWT…

    • blonky on 06/02/2019 - 17:41

      They recommend 25Mbps but 4k actually comes on as low as 7Mbps in Netflix, and the bitrate increases to match the available speed.

      Youtube on the other hand, will let you run 1440p at best but that will likely consume your entire download bandwidth

      You should be able to use the Info button on your remote when in Netflix to see what res it's currently displaying. Be aware that only specific TV shows on Netflix are 4k; the majority are 1080p and I'm assuming you also have the $18 Netflix plan, not just the $12 one.

      Alternatively, chromecast ultra plugged into the TV should give you 4k Netflix

      • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 17:49

        Thanks for your advice, so basically from what I gather from these comments, If I'm SOL in that the apps for some reason don't support anything above 720p, I should get a Chromecast Ultra which would resolve all these issues?

        And yes, there's not much commentary on the issue that I'm experiencing other than the same AV forums thread you stumbled upon.

        • Randxyz123 on 06/02/2019 - 18:39

          I should get a Chromecast Ultra which would resolve all these issues?

          Yes, the smart tv apps suck.

          Can you do a speedtest on the tv?

  • HighAndDry on 06/02/2019 - 16:57

    and I can get 1080/4K on my PC on YouTube

    Can you stream 4K Netflix/etc on your PC?

    • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 16:57

      [EDIT] Can’t confirm 4K Netflix on PC, but can confirm 4K/1080p on YouTube, and as mentioned in the above, the Hisense will only go up to 720p.

      • HighAndDry on 06/02/2019 - 17:00

        Youtube uses a different codec from Netflix that (supposedly) uses much less data for 4K resolution video. That could explain the difference. Alternatively, Netflix might have higher/more stringent requirements for buffering and bandwidth because stuttering/resolution changes when watching a Youtube video would be more palatable than the same thing when watching a TV series/movie.

  • apple2016 on 06/02/2019 - 17:01
    +1

    The app on the tv might be limiting it to 720p. Does the app support 4K streaming?

    • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 17:48

      Would love to give you a reply to this but I can't check any further details on YouTube other than the app version, 0.1 something… Will have the proper details when I get back home.

      • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 19:46

        Thread updated with app details…

  • poohduck on 06/02/2019 - 17:49

    have you tried to update the firmware on the TV? Often they have that option buried in the settings menu somewhere.

    • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 17:50

      Yes, firmware has been updated to the latest version. Short of resetting everything to factory settings, I've performed the basic troubleshooting (reset YouTube/logged out of YouTube, etc)

      • xoom on 06/02/2019 - 19:27

        Just buy a vodafone tv box for $72.

        • bossmode on 06/02/2019 - 19:37

          Definitely looking into it after your comment, but it seems to be a mixed bag in terms of what it can output? Users are reporting on the deal that it doesn't support Stan/Netflix @ 4K

  • Richardc on 06/02/2019 - 18:15

    For something that old, just don't use the build in app.

  • jhmtaylor on 07/02/2019 - 09:09
    +1

    If you are using wifi, you should use the 5ghz band for streaming. I
    It is worth checking and possibly an easy fix.

    • xylarr on 07/02/2019 - 09:41

      I vote this. If not 4K you shouts least get 1080p, even 1080p @ 60fps.

  • OldnBroke on 21/11/2019 - 21:58
    +1

    I know I'm late to the party, but I have Hisense 55K321UWT, same model different size to yours, and have exactly the same issue. A Xiaomi Mibox on a slower segment of the same network has Youtube running 4K content no problem at all.

    Did you happen to find a solution?

    • bossmode on 12/12/2019 - 22:39

      I ditched the in-house Netflix, etc app and purchased a Chromecast, that resolved my potato quality issues.

      Late to reply! We're both guilty.

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