I have an Apple TV 4K connected to a high resolution Samsung tv. when using it as a separate display with my old MacBook Air, the screen is properly high resolution. now, I am using my new m1 mba and the screen comes up extremely low resolution, with no options if I checked scaled instead of default for display. what gives?
Apple TV 4K
my issue isn't with airplay, it works. my MacBook Air 2012 with latest Catalina airplays and shows my display in full 1080p resolution, and native resolution of my Samsung tv is 1920x1080, and Apple TV is set correctly, using full resolution. now, my m1 MacBook Air, Big Sur, when airplaying from this machine, display in settings shows only 1280x720. something in this os, I'm inclined to say it's software, is not allowing my display's full resolution of 1920x1080 when used as a separate screen for screen mirroring/airplay. the setting isn't even available in Big Sur's display settings, when choosing 'scaled' rather than 'default for display', it only shows 1280x720, and no other choices, and Big Sur thinks it's the display default, since they're the same either way. once I switch back to my old MacBook, and airplay with that, I get the full 1080p resolution. so, Apple TV is not at fault. the television is not at fault. it's my m1 MacBook Air, and Big Sur, that's the problem. bump this up to the Big Sur programmers to fix this.
additional information: when selecting the color tab for that display (my appletv 4k and Samsung tv), I see display profile HD 709-A. no other profiles are available.
agingboomer,
Thanks for those additional details.
How exactly are you connecting your MacBook Air to your TV?
If you're connecting with an adapter, let us know which adapter specifically you're using, and if the issue persists with another adapter.
Alternatively, if you're using AirPlay, check if you're able to AirPlay directly to the TV instead of through the Apple TV. You can check that here: iOS - Home Accessories
Thanks!
it's pretty obvious you're not reading my replies, at all. the Apple TV 4K is connected to the tv via hdmi. the MacBooks are using AIR PLAY. airplay, as in over the local network that the Apple TV is connected to. please refer this thread to an apple engineer with the ability to understand what I am saying, like a fellow nerd.
Hi there agingboomer,
It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with the screen quality when using AirPlay to mirror your MacBook Air screen to your Apple TV, and we'd like to share some resources that may help.
Get started here: Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror your device's screen
This page can also help: If AirPlay or screen mirroring isn't working on your device
Cheers!
agingboomer,
We appreciate you confirming that information for us.
To look into this AirPlay resolution issue further, reach out through this link: Get Support
Take care.
why is display resolution so low when using appletv 4k as separate display
