4K & HDR Streaming Guide: Ultimate High-Quality Setup

Streaming in 4K with HDR offers unmatched visual clarity, making your content stand out. However, achieving high-quality streaming at this level requires the right hardware, encoding settings, and platform support. This guide walks you through the process of setting up a 4K HDR stream.

System Requirements for 4K & HDR Streaming

Streaming at 4K resolution with HDR requires powerful hardware and a high-bandwidth internet connection. Below are the essential requirements:

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• CPU: Intel i9-10900K / AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or better
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 XT or higher
• RAM: 32GB DDR4 or DDR5
• Storage: SSD or NVMe drive for fast video processing

Internet Speed Recommendations

• Upload Speed: Minimum 20 Mbps, recommended 35 Mbps or higher
• Bitrate: Between 15,000 - 51,000 Kbps (platform-dependent)
• Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD)
• Frame Rate: 60 FPS preferred for smoother motion

Best OBS Settings for 4K & HDR Streaming

OBS Studio is one of the best tools for high-quality streaming. Below are the recommended settings for 4K HDR output.

Encoder Settings

• Encoder: NVIDIA NVENC (H.265/HEVC) or x264 (slow preset, high-profile)
• Bitrate: 25,000 - 51,000 Kbps
• Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
• Rate Control: CBR (Constant Bitrate)
• Color Format: Rec. 2100 PQ (for HDR), Rec. 709 (for SDR)

Resolution and Frame Rate

• Base Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K UHD)
• Output Resolution: 3840x2160 (Match source for best quality)
• FPS: 60 FPS for smoother motion, or 30 FPS for lower bandwidth

Which Platforms Support 4K & HDR Streaming?

Not all streaming platforms support 4K and HDR streaming. Below is a breakdown of platform capabilities.

YouTube

YouTube fully supports 4K 60 FPS with HDR. The best platform for high-bitrate streaming.

Twitch

Twitch does not officially support 4K streaming yet, but 1080p at 60 FPS with high bitrate is the best alternative.

Facebook Gaming

Currently limited to 1080p at 60 FPS with no HDR support.

Kick

Kick supports 1440p streaming but has no official 4K or HDR support yet.

Best Capture Cards for 4K & HDR Streaming

If you are streaming from a console or secondary PC, you will need a 4K HDR-compatible capture card. Here are some recommendations:

• Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 - Best internal PCIe capture card.
• AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K - Great for HDR passthrough.
• Blackmagic DeckLink Mini 4K - Professional-grade capture for production.

Troubleshooting Common 4K & HDR Streaming Issues

• Lag or stuttering? Lower bitrate and check network stability.
• HDR looks washed out? Ensure proper Rec. 2100 PQ color settings.
• OBS dropping frames? Use NVENC instead of CPU-based encoding.
• Platform rejecting stream? Make sure the bitrate is within platform limits.