If you are here because you are on the verge of cancelling HBO Max due to errors while streaming 4K content on your Roku Streaming Stick, I hope this will help ease your frustration.
I have been streaming all kinds of content on my Roku Streaming Stick+ from all kinds of apps (Netflix, Disney+, Prime, HBO Max, Apple TV, and even Paramount+) without any issue. I also like the fact that I can use the iOS Roku Remote app to mute audio on the TV and stream it to my airPods Pro instead (except the Apple TV app which is another story to look into). Everything in my home entertainment world seems peachy until recently when I noticed a problem with 4K content on HBO Max. This is what happens when I try to play Dune (4K UHD version on HBO Max). I watched the whole movie on the HBO Max app on the Xfinity cable box so I didn’t notice this until now.
Like many others, I thought the problem was with the HBO Max app as there are many complaints out there regarding app crashing or other streaming issues on Roku Stick. However, I have no issue streaming other contents on the app. The problem most definitely, in my case at least, is only restricted to 4K contents. I tested many other titles and the same problem is only reproducible on 4K ones. I can stream regular HD titles successfully and smoothly. I, nonetheless, went through the usual steps of trying to solve problems (restarting, deleting and reinstalling) without much luck. After spending more time googling, I ran across something about setting the frame rate when I search on the Roku support page for this particular issue. Here is what I found on my Roku app setting (Settings → Display type).
It was set to auto detect and it was set as 4K HDR at 30fps HDCP 2.2.
I was not sure if the higher frame rate would do the trick but I gave it a try anyway. So I selected the 4K 60Hz TV option.
When I hit enter, it asked if want to use the new 4K setting.
I then need to confirm the setting if the screen looks good.
Now I am in 4K 60fps HDCP 2.2.
Then I try playing Dune 4K UHD on HBO Max again.
Success! If my TV supports 60fps, why didn’t Roku detect it and automatically set to the correct frame rate when playing 4K content? Anyway, I hope this helps your situation until it’s time to cancel HBO Max, again.