June 2026
The Kaleidescape Strato K Installation Guide describes how to set up and configure the Strato K movie player and add new components to an existing installation.
The Strato K is an 8K Ultra HD movie player with high dynamic range (HDR) capability including Dolby Vision. It has a compact form factor with internal movie storage that can be used when the player is operating in standalone mode.
A Strato K in standalone mode can store approximately 7 Kaleidescape 4K CinematicTM titles in solid-state storage.
Alternately, Strato K can be used in grouped mode allowing it to be used as part of a larger system that includes Terra movie servers. When in grouped mode, all movies in onboard storage are deleted and the storage is disabled. Strato K will display and play the movies stored on the servers in the system.
This document covers the Strato K movie player. There are separate installation guides for the Strato V, Strato E, Strato M, Strato (with storage), and Strato C movie players.
Strato K is easy to set up and provides amazing convenience without compromising quality.
Strato K enables you to:
Strato K easily integrates with audio, video, and whole-house control systems.
Strato K can be used by itself as a complete Kaleidescape system, or it can be used as a player when grouped with Terra movie servers as part of a multi-zone system.
When Strato K is grouped with a system that includes a Terra or Terra Prime movie server, it automatically switches to grouped mode. In this mode, all movies in onboard storage are deleted and storage is disabled. Strato K will display and play the movies stored on the servers in the system.
Strato K cannot be grouped with a system comprised solely of Strato with Storage movie players. A Terra or Terra Prime movie server must be part of the system.
Kaleidescape recommends that a large system be designed such that all of its storage is in the Terra movie servers (i.e., using only Strato K, Strato V, Strato E, Strato M, or Strato C players), because Terra can support more concurrent playback streams.
Gigabit Ethernet connections are required for all components in a multi-component system. 100Base-T Ethernet networks are not acceptable because of the bandwidth required for 4K Ultra HD.
The following accessories are packaged with Strato K:
There are no buttons located on the front panel of Strato K.
Strato K will illuminate the front panel logo in amber to indicate an error under any of the following conditions:
When the front panel is amber, check the player's browser interface for details about the error condition.
Use the following guidelines when installing system components to ensure proper clearance and ventilation. These guidelines apply to all installations including rack mounting. (Rack-mount hardware sold separately.)
Kaleidescape component power supplies are universal input and operate on any nominal line voltage between 100–240 V, and frequency between 50–60 Hz. Verify that power outlets are grounded and preferably shielded from power surges and brownouts.
Kaleidescape recommends a grounded outlet with a high-quality surge protector for the power source for players and servers. A UPS is optional.
A Gigabit Ethernet network is recommended and is required when Strato K is used with any other Kaleidescape components. Connect Strato K using an unshielded Ethernet cable. Strato K can operate without a network connection when used as a single-component standalone system, however, the player cannot download new content, movie guide updates, nor software updates.
Before beginning the installation, determine the type of display and audio equipment that will connect to your Strato K.
Strato K supports the following outputs:
A means to control the onscreen display should be selected. There are several Kaleidescape options available for controlling Strato K.
Strato K can also be controlled by several types of third-party control devices.
Kaleidescape provides control modules along with touch panel templates and sample programs for most leading control systems. Kaleidescape also provides databases and IR codes for popular IR remotes.
For specific product support, including modules and reference manuals, go to https://support.kaleidescape.com/article/control-systems.
Installing Strato K in a rack requires a rack-mount kit (KMOUNT-RACKSHELF), sold separately. One or two Strato K players can be installed in one rack unit of space. The rack-mount kit includes the parts necessary for single or dual installation.
Connect network, audio, and video cables before connecting the AC adapter.
To play 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision™, or 8K content, all devices in the signal chain — including the display, AV receiver, switch, or soundbar — must support the required HDMI and HDCP standards. Many products have only a single port that supports the most advanced video formats, so be sure the player is connected to the correct input.
For the best possible visual experience, connect Strato K to the display input intended for the highest-bandwidth video formats and confirm that any intermediate devices in the signal path also support the desired resolution, frame rate, and HDR format. Some displays require an input-specific setting to enable their highest-performance HDMI mode for advanced formats; if available, enable that mode for the input used by Strato K. After installation, verify on the display and in the signal chain that the expected video mode is being received and displayed correctly.
Note that display menu wording can vary by model/year. Use an 8K-capable external device and an HDMI cable rated for the required 8K signal, and verify the TV reports the expected input signal.
| Brand | Configurations |
| Samsung |
Enable Input Signal Plus for the connected HDMI port: Home/Menu > Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Input Signal Plus. |
| LG |
Enable the higher-bandwidth HDMI mode for the connected HDMI port. Depending on webOS version/model, this may be found under either: All Settings > Picture > Additional Settings > HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour or, on other menu versions: All Settings > General > External Devices > HDMI Settings > HDMI Deep Color. On LG 8K models that expose 4K / 8K / Off choices, set the connected port to 8K for 8K input support. If the connected device does not support the selected Deep Color mode, LG notes the picture may not work properly; set the option back to Off if needed. |
| Sony |
For 8K-capable BRAVIA models, connect the 8K source to the HDMI port designated for 8K input. Sony's 8K BRAVIA guidance specifies HDMI 4. Settings > Channels & Inputs > External inputs > HDMI signal format > HDMI 4 (8K) > Enhanced format (4K120, 8K) or, on other menu versions: Watching TV > External inputs > HDMI signal format > HDMI 4 (8K) > Enhanced format (8K). |
The best quality spatial audio is achieved via HDMI (VIDEO).
Note: The DIGITAL AUDIO ports are limited to 2 channel PCM (up to 96KHz/24-bit) and Audio Output must be set to PCM Stereo.
A wired Gigabit Ethernet network connection is required if any other Kaleidescape components are used with Strato K (e.g., a Terra or Terra Prime server, etc.). Connect Strato K using an Ethernet cable (avoid shielded Ethernet cables, they will couple the noisy network ground planes to the A/V equipment). Even when using Strato K in standalone mode, an Ethernet connection is required for movie downloads and movie guide data updates.
After making the audio, video, and network connections, make sure your television is set to the correct HDMI input, then connect Strato K's AC adapter. You should see the Kaleidescape logo on the display, and after a few minutes, the initial setup menu appears.
If you do not see the Kaleidescape logo and the setup menu, first check that Strato K has power. Check the AC adapter's connection; the green LED on the adapter should be lit and make sure that the Kaleidescape logo on the front of the player is glowing. If it is not, try pressing the power button on the Kaleidescape mobile app remote control or an IR remote control (available as an optional purchase).
If you still see no image, double-check that the correct input is selected on the display. If there are other devices in the video chain, like audio receivers or switches, ensure that they are configured properly. You may want to try connecting Strato K directly to the display with the supplied HDMI cable to rule out compatibility issues with intermediate devices or cables.
After installing your Strato K and powering it on, you will be prompted to configure the network and activate the Strato K using the onscreen display. A wired Ethernet network with internet connectivity is required.
Scroll down and select Network from the onscreen menu. In most cases, Strato K will automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.
If a consistent IP address is needed (e.g. to communicate with a control system), Kaleidescape recommends creating a MAC address reservation on your network's router and leaving the Strato K configured for DHCP. However, if it is necessary to set a static IP address, select Set static IP configuration and enter your network information.
Select Done to save the information entered.
After a valid network connection is set up, select Continue to proceed to the next step.
NOTE: Using the Kaleidescape mobile app for system activation requires version 1.17.0 or higher of either the iOS or Android mobile app.
To begin activating your Strato K, ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same network as the Strato K and then scan the QR code presented on the Strato K's onscreen display. This will open the Kaleidescape mobile application and initiate the activation process.
Tap the Continue button to start. On the following screen, either enter your email address and tap Begin Activation to begin creating a new Kaleidescape movie store account or tap the I Already Have an Account if you are adding a new system to an existing store account.
Once you have submitted your email address, an email will be sent to that address. On your mobile device, tap the link included in that email to set up a Kaleidescape store account and continue the activation process.
Enter your contact information on the next screen and tap Continue. On the following screen, you will create a password for your new store account. Tap Continue.
On the following screen, read and accept the Kaleidescape Service and License Agreement and tap Continue. A confirmation screen showing your new system's name and the contact information will be displayed. If all information is correct, tap the Activate button. If changes need to be made, tap the < Back button at the top of the screen to back up through the activation process and make changes.
Once your system has been activated, you will be prompted to add a payment method to your account. Tap Continue, enter your payment information and tap Save.
Creation of your store account and activation of your Strato K is now complete.
If you are planning to add your Strato K to an existing system for use as an additional zone, you can skip this section and proceed to the Adding Strato K to an existing system section below.
To continue setting up your Strato K as a standalone player, select Set up this player as a standalone player.
To use your Strato K, you need to activate it. To activate your Strato K, select Begin activation from the Activation page on the onscreen menu.
Note: For testing and calibration purposes, installers can skip the activation step by selecting Finish despite this option appearing unavailable. The system will need to be activated later so that the customer can use it.
Enter the email address of the system owner using the onscreen keyboard and then select Done on the keyboard. Check your email for registration instructions.
If you already have a Kaleidescape Movie Store account, use the same email address so that titles in your library can be downloaded to this new system.
The email address you use to activate your system will be used for all communication from Kaleidescape including store receipts.
If the email is not received within several minutes, check the spam or junk folder. If the email still cannot be located, select Send email again to resend the email, or Change email address to send the email to a different email address. The online activation steps linked from the email must be completed to enable full functionality of Strato, including the ability to download movies.
Once the email address has been submitted, the Finish option in the onscreen menu will be available. Select Finish to exit the initial setup menu and start using your Strato K.
Note that Terra servers may be added to this Strato K standalone system later from the Strato K's browser interface.
If you are adding your Strato K player to an existing system that contains at least one Terra or Terra Prime movie server, select Add this player as a new zone to an existing Kaleidescape system, after having configured the network:
If you don't see this page, ensure that your Strato K is on the same local area network as the existing system, and that the existing system is powered on. Then, choose Go Back to Page 1 to return to the network setup screens, then select Continue again.
Highlight the system you want the Strato K to join and press OK on the remote. Once you have selected the system to join, setup is complete. The Strato K will automatically switch from standalone mode to grouped mode which will disable Strato K's onboard storage. You can select Finish to begin using your Strato K.
NOTE: Strato K can be restored to standalone mode at any time. Refer to the instructions in the Returning Strato K to Standalone Mode section below.
After configuring the Strato K's network settings, activate your Strato K along with a new Terra or Terra Prime movie server by selecting Set up this player as a new system with a Terra movie server.
An instruction popup will be displayed indicating that the grouping and activation of the system will need to be completed using the Terra's browser interface.
To access the browser interface, use a device that is on the same local network as your Strato K movie player. Load the browser interface using the URL provided in the onscreen display message. Alternately, you can easily find the correct URL by going to the onscreen Settings menu and choosing the Other Settings option. This option displays the URL to access the settings in the Browser Interface.
Otherwise, on a Windows computer, type http://my-kaleidescape into your web browser. On a Mac or an iPad, type http://my-kaleidescape.local.
More details on finding the browser interface can be found here: https://support.kaleidescape.com/article/Accessing-the-Browser-Interface
The browser interface for a Strato K in standalone mode defaults to the Component Settings page.
To group the Terra movie server with the Strato K click the Add Terra movie server button at the bottom of the page:
If the Add Terra Movie Server section is not visible on the page, check that all components are powered on and connected to the same local network.
The View Another System popup lists all systems on the local network. Select the Terra from the list of available systems.
Click the link for the system that contains the Terra movie server(s) you wish to add to the new system. The main browser window will open the browser interface for the selected system. Click the Settings tab and then click the Add component button at the bottom of the page.
The Add Component page lists all components found on the network. Click the Add button beside the Strato K you wish to group with the Terra. Note that a Strato K operating in standalone mode will be listed in the "Movie Players with Storage" section of the component list.
A confirmation dialog will be displayed indicating that any content currently downloaded to the Strato K will be deleted and the Strato K's internal storage will be disabled.
Click Yes to group the Strato K with the Terra or No if you wish to leave the Strato K in standalone mode.
NOTE: Strato K can be restored to standalone mode at any time. Refer to the instructions in the Returning Strato K to Standalone Mode section below.
Once you have grouped your Strato K and Terra movie server(s) together, close the pop-up window and refresh the Component Settings. It may take several minutes for the Strato K to join the system, especially if a software update must be performed. Components may perform multiple resets.
With the Strato K and Terra movie server grouped, you can now proceed to activate the new system.
System Activation
Systems that are not currently activated will present an Activation screen on the On-screen Display of any player in the system each time the player is restarted or is taken out of standby.
Toggle the standby button on the Strato K's remote, begin the activation process by scanning the QR code on the screen using a mobile phone that is connected to the same network as your Kaleidescape system, or point your web browser at the link address presented at the bottom of the screen.
Alternatively, you can start activation directly from the Browser Interface:
Enter http://my-kaleidescape.local or http://my-kaleidescape into a web browser connected to the same local network as the Kaleidescape components.
OR
Enter the Browser Interface URL found in the System Summary of a player's onscreen display. Use a remote control to select Menu ➝ System ➝ Status ➝ System Summary. You will see the URL at the bottom of the system summary screen.
More details on finding the Browser Interface can be found here:
https://support.kaleidescape.com/article/Accessing-the-Browser-Interface
From the Browser Interface:
Most of Strato K's settings are configured in the onscreen Settings menu. However, video and audio settings, settings related to IR and IP control, Lutron lighting settings, and component linking are all accessed via the system's browser interface.
With the Kaleidescape mobile app: If you haven't already, download and install the free Kaleidescape mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Ensure the device is on the same network as the Kaleidescape Strato K. Start the app and press the Remote button at the bottom of the screen. Ensure you are connected to the new Strato K movie player by pressing the Select Zone drop down at the top center. Select the correct player from the list, or press Connect to another system... and enter the IP address of the correct Strato K. Press the Menu icon at the bottom of the app screen.
With a Programmed remote, or Kaleidescape remote: Press the Menu button.
Select Settings.
The Settings menu is navigated in the same way as the first-time setup menus.
To access the browser interface, refer to instructions included earlier in this guide or the Accessing the Browser Interface Knowledge Base article.
When the browser interface opens, it will automatically open the Component Settings sub-tab by default.
To change the settings of your player, click the "Settings" button.
You can also use the Add Terra movie server button if you need to add additional components to your system, such as a Terra or Terra Prime movie server.
When a Strato K is grouped with a Terra or Terra Prime movie server, the onboard storage of the Strato K is erased and disabled, and the player is switched to grouped mode. To return a Strato K back to standalone mode, simply press and hold the reset button on the back panel until the front panel LEDs begin blinking – approximately 5 seconds.
The Strato K will then reboot. The following actions will occur automatically:
Complete the activation steps as described in the Activating your Strato K as a standalone player section above.
For more information on optimizing and troubleshooting HDMI video and audio refer to Kaleidescape support article Getting the Most out of Strato at https://support.kaleidescape.com/article/Getting-the-Most-out-of-Strato
There are several Kaleidescape options available for controlling Strato K.
Strato K can also be controlled by several types of third-party control devices.
Kaleidescape provides control modules along with touch panel templates and sample programs for most leading control systems. Kaleidescape also provides databases and IR codes for popular IR remotes.
For specific product support including modules and reference manuals, go to support.kaleidescape.com/article/control-systems.
A control device can communicate with Strato K with IR, or by using a simple text-based protocol over the network.
For more information on control connections, refer to the Kaleidescape System Control Protocol Reference Manual at support.kaleidescape.com/article/Control-Protocol-Reference-Manual and the IR Hex codes at support.kaleidescape.com/article/IR-Control-Hex-Codes.
The Kaleidescape mobile app provides a rich experience for selecting and purchasing movies, and controlling the playback of feature films, concerts, and TV shows.
Browse and search the greatest films in the Kaleidescape store anytime, anywhere, and buy with ease.
The Kaleidescape mobile app's touchpad remote allows a user to focus on the big screen rather than the phone. Beyond basic navigation, the application also supports a set of gestures to facilitate complex navigation. See the Mobile App Gesture Guide for more details.
The app can be used stand-alone or is even more powerful when integrated with third-party control systems. Learn more in the guide Integrating with the Kaleidescape Mobile App
The app is available for free download on iOS, iPad OS, and Android.
The Kaleidescape Second Screen app provides an immersive experience for browsing and searching your movie collection. The app extends the Kaleidescape experience to the iPad, displaying your movie collection with vivid high-resolution cover art, synopses, and other details.
The app can be used stand-alone or is even more powerful when integrated with third-party control systems. Learn more in the guide Integrating with Kaleidescape Second Screen.
A Kaleidescape IR remote control is available as an optional purchase. It features one-button access to Search and the contextual menu (movie info when playing a movie and the navigation menu when in the Onscreen Display). It also provides the ability to toggle subtitles via the CC button.
Learn more in the Using the Remote Control support article.
NOTE: The Kaleidescape Child Remote can only be used with a Strato K when it is grouped with a Terra or Terra Prime movie server. A Strato K in standalone mode does not support the simplified child user interface.
When the Child Remote is used, the onscreen user interface automatically switches to the simplified child user interface, eliminating all text-based menus in favor of pure graphical navigation of movie covers.
In addition to the preprogrammed Kaleidescape Child Remote, the child user interface commands can be sent to any programmable controller. Refer to IR Control Hex Codes for Kaleidescape Systems or the Kaleidescape System Control Protocol Reference Manual.
Kaleidescape provides a wide range of templates, modules, and sample programs for control systems from several manufacturers.
Some manufacturers also provide templates, modules and IR libraries to control Kaleidescape systems.
Control devices can be simple IR remotes or touch panels.
The simplest control device is a generic IR remote control for a DVD player.
When using an IR repeater with Strato K, you can use the IR repeater jack on the rear panel of the Strato K if supported by your IR repeater system.
Or you can use an emitter/receiver system by placing the repeater's IR emitter directly over the player's IR receiver located in the center of the front bezel below the glass.
For more information, see: https://support.kaleidescape.com/support/article/Use-of-IR-Repeaters
The Kaleidescape movie player supports two major infrared remote control code sets.
IR remotes (other than the Kaleidescape Remote) fall into the following basic categories:
Pre-programmed remotes only require setting the remote to control a Toshiba or Kenwood DVD player. Custom buttons that jump directly to Kaleidescape menu selections are not available.
Learning remotes can be used two ways: as a general remote with a Toshiba or Kenwood code set or set to accept (learn) Kaleidescape-specific commands from a device that can generate these commands (for example, the Kaleidescape Remote).
PC Programmable remotes can support commands specific to the Kaleidescape interface and provide a more complete experience. The manufacturer provides software that allows the remote to be programmed via a computer. This type of programming often allows IR codes to be imported in hex format (usually copying and pasting the codes into a text box), or from a Philips CCF file.
For a list of all IR codes (in hex) or CCF format available from Kaleidescape, or for the CCF file, refer to support.kaleidescape.com/article/IR-Control-Hex-Codes.
Templates are available for download for RTI and Elan remotes. Kaleidescape is also included in IR code database libraries for Logitech Harmony and Opus and may be included by other vendors.
Kaleidescape supports touch panel controls with an Onscreen Display without Video (OSD No Video). This provides supplemental information with text-based details for content. The touch panel replicates the details pages for movies while browsing the onscreen display.
For more information, go to www.kaleidescape.com/support/control-systems.
Kaleidescape, Inc. 295 N. Bernardo Ave., Suite 100, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
This document is for informational purposes only. Kaleidescape makes no representations or warranties express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein and Kaleidescape shall have no obligation to provide updates to this information in the future.
Copyright © 2016-2026 Kaleidescape, Inc. All rights reserved. Kaleidescape and the Kaleidescape logo are trademarks of Kaleidescape, Inc. and are registered in the United States and certain other jurisdictions. Other trademarks and trade names are owned by third parties and may be registered in some jurisdictions.
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
HDMI and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.
Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. and/or its affiliates. For patents, see https://xperi.com/dts-patents/. DTS, the DTS logo, DTS:X, and the DTS:X logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. © DTS, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Dolby, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
This document revision corresponds to kOS software version 26.1.0.
Revision 1, 01-June-2026
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