4k picture quality horrible on DirecTV Stream

Hi there. 4K content is only available on Gemini device. Currently, these devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Chromecast, mobile devices/tablets, Samsung TV) or even web browsers are not supported for 4K yet. 4K content will be available on other devices soon. Learn more here 4K UHD Streaming FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) | DIRECTV Support - Shania, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Which device are you using? LG doesn't have an app, and TCL runs Roku; Samsung has the Tizen version of the app. This comment above is not entirely true. Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Android TV are 4K capable with DIRECTV Stream.

I see this as a good thing because I'm guessing you all realized your 4K stream was not working appropriately on those devices.  However, I better get reimbursed for being told it would work on my Apple TV and it doesnt.  

Even though it says this: 

To watch 4K UHD content on DIRECTV via Internet or STREAM, you need:

• A 4K-compatible streaming device (Gemini via internet, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, or Apple TV). Note: NVIDIA SHIELD TV not currently supported.
• A 4K-compatible TV with a port that supports HDCP 2.2.
• An HDMI 2.0a or newer connecting cable.
• Although not required, for the best experience, enable HDR on your TV and streaming device.

I use the DirecTV Streaming apps available on Roku and Samsung, and the latest generation Firestick on the LG since LG doesn’t offer a DirecTV stream app.   The 4k picture quality SUCKS ! 

Yeah, all those devices are capable of 4K. Unsure what your troubles are with AppleTV @browncoat_28, but do basic troubleshooting (make sure you have the latest and greatest version of the DIRECTV app, make sure you have the latest tvOS, make sure you have a suitable HDMI cable, restart the device, clean cache, etc.) 104 and 105 are 4K channels. They work across different devices (note that NVIDIA Shield is one that's not supported yet for 4K). 

To be clear, it "works" but looks like hot garb.  On three separate TVs it looks like its 20 fps, and one of those TVs is a QLED powerhouse so its not the TV.  I've also done a slew of troubleshooting from changing the settings on the atv to the tv itself.  Overall, it just looks awful compared to 4K content from Disney+ or any other source really. 

Is it all content with bad picture quality? Or is it specific 4K content (sports, for example)? @DIRECTVhelp: @browncoat_28 needs some help. I'd advise Authenticating for DTV to check your account/device and see if they identify something that might be going on at the content level (as it's interesting this is only happening on 4K channels). 4K content comes from different service providers, and some upscale it.

I found that my Roku TVs have a so-called “secret menu”  to access certain settings.   It’s accessed by a sequence of button pushes on the remote [push the “home” button 5 times, then: rewind, down, fast forward, down, rewind].  This opens up a menu to alter the HDR capability preference.     This provided some significant improvement to the 4K picture quality - especially the color rendering.    

Its just 4K from the DTV App.  4k from everything else is awesome.  I will say, its mostly 4K live sports that suffers because thats when its the most noticeable.   Take soccer for example.  When you're watching from the app, the ball looks like its streaking across the field vs. moving smoothly.  At 1080p, its great and smooth. 

Its a bummer because thats when I actually want it.