In May 2025, Roku acknowledged reports that HDR video looked washed out on a small subset of Roku TVs, particularly in Disney+, and said it was rolling out a fix. Roku’s forum thread was marked “Solved – Pending Release,” which announced an intended rollout but did not confirm that every affected TV received a fix or identify a resolving software version.
What Roku said about the washed-out HDR reports
RokuAustin, identified on Roku’s official community forum as a Roku community representative, wrote: “We have identified an issue impacting HDR on a small subset of TVs, and we’re rolling out a fix for users in the coming days. We apologize for the inconvenience.” The May 6, 2025 thread was marked “Solved – Pending Release”. That status records Roku’s announcement; it does not establish the fix’s final release status across models.
In a contemporaneous report, HotHardware quoted a Roku community team member as saying, “We’re investigating the Disney Plus HDR content that was washed out after the recent update.” The report said most complaints it had seen involved Disney+, while some users described problems in other apps, including Prime Video. These were user reports, not a measured count of affected devices. Roku’s quoted official update specifically identified HDR on Disney+.
How to tell whether the issue is app-specific or part of your setup
Before changing settings, compare the picture in a few ways. These checks can help narrow down where the problem lies, but they cannot by themselves prove a particular cause.
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- Compare apps: Check whether the washout appears in Disney+ only or in other streaming apps too.
- Compare formats: See whether HDR titles look washed out while HD or SDR content looks normal.
- Compare sources: If you use a Roku streaming player, compare its picture with the Roku TV’s built-in apps or another HDMI source, where available.
- Check timing: Note whether the change began after an update and record the Roku TV model, Roku OS version, and affected app before contacting support.
What to check on the TV and Roku device
Roku’s support guidance covers general HDR and picture-quality problems. These steps may identify a configuration issue, but Roku did not describe them as a confirmed workaround for the May 2025 Disney+ incident.
Confirm the TV’s HDR input setting
Some televisions require HDR to be enabled separately for an HDMI input. Check the TV’s input or HDMI settings for the port connected to your Roku player, if you use one. Roku also recommends checking whether the television software needs an update. See Roku’s 4K setup guidance.
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Check the Roku display type and HDMI connection
For a Roku streaming player, open Settings > Display type and verify that the selected resolution and frame rate are supported by the TV. Roku says HDR-capable players ship with an HDMI 2.0-compatible cable. If you cannot use the supplied cable, Roku recommends a Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for the setup; an unsuitable cable can affect 4K HDR performance. Replacing a cable is a connection check, not a remedy for a Roku app or software defect. Details are in Roku’s display-type instructions.
Review picture controls on supported Roku TVs
On supported Roku TV models, check the picture mode and HDR picture settings. Roku’s general guidance for a dim or faded HDR picture suggests trying HDR Dark, HDR Standard, or HDR Bright when available, and reviewing brightness, color temperature, and local dimming. The available controls differ by model. Roku also notes that picture defaults can change after an update; check for updates or reset picture settings if the picture changed. Its guidance is on picture settings and image quality.
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What the public update does—and does not—confirm
Roku described the issue as affecting “a small subset” of TVs but did not publish a numeric estimate. The available public statements do not identify a software build that resolved this particular incident or confirm the rollout reached every affected model. The May 2025 announcement therefore should not be treated as proof that all devices were fixed—or that the issue is still active today.
HotHardware’s account tied reports to a recent update, but the public evidence does not establish that one Roku OS update caused every reported color problem. If the checks above do not help, contact Roku support with the model, OS version, app, and the content or source where the washout occurs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
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- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
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