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Disney Plus: No More 4K and HDR in Germany – HEVC Dispute Escalates

Philipp Briel
Philipp Briel · 6 min. read
Disney+

For the time being, Disney+ will no longer offer 4K and HDR content in Germany. The streaming service completely disabled both features at the end of July 2026, initially without notice—this affects all titles and all subscription plans, up to and including the most expensive Premium subscription. This move comes amid an escalating patent dispute over HEVC video compression with the licensing company InterDigital. Anyone currently streaming on Disney+ will receive a maximum resolution of 1080p in standard dynamic range (SDR).

Key Points at a Glance

  • Disney+ has completely disabled 4K UHD and HDR in Germany—effective since the end of July 2026.
  • This was triggered by an order from the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Düsseldorf Local Chamber, in the HEVC dispute with InterDigital.
  • Even the premium subscription for 15.99 euros/month now only offers Full HD (1080p) and SDR—at the same price.
  • According to reports, Dolby Atmos and the parallel streams will remain available.
  • The Lower Saxony Consumer Protection Agency is once again considering legal action and advising customers to seek a price reduction.

Why Disney+ Is Removing 4K and HDR in Germany

The reason lies not in the technology, but in court. Since early 2025, Disney+ has been in a protracted legal battle with InterDigital—a company that holds patents related to video compression and HDR and charges licensing fees for them. The current suspension stems from an order issued by the Düsseldorf Local Chamber of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). Specifically, the dispute centers on European Patent EP 2 449 782, which protects a method for signaling intra-prediction for large blocks in video encoders and decoders—in other words, a core component of HEVC compression.

InterDigital argues that HEVC is a central component of high-quality streaming and is what enables providers like Disney+ to charge higher subscription prices in the first place. Accordingly, the company is demanding a fair share of subscription revenues or licensing fees. Josh Schmidt, Chief Legal Officer at InterDigital, made his position clear in an earlier statement: “It is clearly time for Disney to sign an agreement that appropriately values our innovation.” Disney has so far been unwilling to make such payments—and instead pulled the plug on picture quality.

This conflict is not new. As early as February 2026, Disney+ was forced to disable HDR10(+), Dolby Vision, and 3D content following a court ruling, though it was subsequently able to resume offering HDR10 for the time being. Nor is this the first defeat: According to InterDigital, the company has obtained several injunctions against Disney—in Germany and Brazil—regarding, among other things, HDR, the overlaying of video streams, and HEVC and AVC compression. The current move is thus the final stage of escalation for now.

Premium Subscription: Here’s What’s Changing for You

Paying Premium customers, who pay extra specifically for 4K and HDR, are hit the hardest. The following table shows what remains of the Premium plan in Germany at this time:

Feature (Premium) Before Now in Germany
Resolution up to 4K UHD Max. Full HD (1080p)
Dynamic Range HDR10+, Dolby Vision SDR only
3D content Available Disabled
Dolby Atmos (Audio) Available Remains available
Parallel streams 4 Remains (4)
Price €15.99/month €15.99/month (unchanged)

Interestingly, Disney+ has not, as of yet, actively informed its customers about the service suspension. The subscription overview continues to advertise 4K and HDR—meaning subscribers are paying the full price for services that are currently not being provided. Disney itself is remaining tight-lipped, stating only that it regrets the decision, shares its customers’ frustration, but felt compelled to take this action given the legal situation.

Your Rights: What Affected Customers Can Do Now

Consumer advocates are critical of this unilateral reduction in service. According to a report by heise online, the Lower Saxony Consumer Protection Agency is once again considering legal action against Disney+ due to the service suspension. The central issue is whether customers must continue to pay the full subscription price despite a significantly reduced scope of service.

Even during the last dispute, the Consumer Advice Center had recommended that subscribers reduce their subscription price due to the limited service and demand a refund of the difference—in some cases even providing a sample letter. Anyone who signed up for the Premium subscription primarily for the picture quality should think this through carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is 4K and HDR no longer available on Disney+ in Germany?
Because of a court order in the patent dispute with InterDigital over HEVC video compression. The Unified Patent Court in Düsseldorf ruled in favor of InterDigital, prompting Disney+ to disable 4K and HDR in Germany as a precautionary measure.

Are paying Premium subscribers also affected?
Yes. The suspension applies to all plans, including the most expensive Premium subscription (15.99 euros/month). The price remains unchanged, even though 4K and HDR are no longer available.

Can I ask for a refund?
Consumer advocates believe a price reduction is possible and recommend claiming the difference back. The Lower Saxony Consumer Protection Agency is exploring further legal steps in this regard. However, a final court ruling is still pending.

Will Dolby Atmos and multiple streams remain available?
Yes; according to reports, only resolution and dynamic range are affected. Dolby Atmos audio and the parallel streams included in the Premium subscription will remain available.

When will 4K and HDR return?
That remains to be seen. A return depends on whether Disney and InterDigital reach a licensing agreement or whether Disney prevails in court. During the last dispute, HDR10 was at least restored after a short time.

Conclusion: The dispute is being played out at the expense of customers

As bitter as it is: In the end, it’s the paying subscribers who are paying the price for the licensing standoff between Disney and InterDigital. The fact that 4K and HDR are disappearing from the premium subscription of all things, while the price remains at 15.99 euros and the subscription page continues to advertise precisely these features, is more than just a minor flaw—here, you’re paying for something that doesn’t currently exist. From a business perspective, Disney’s obstructionist stance may be understandable, but in terms of communication, its silence toward customers is an own goal. Still, last time HDR10 returned relatively quickly. Whether history will repeat itself or Disney will dig in its heels longer this time will likely be decided less in the streaming menu than at the negotiating table.

Sources