Overscan issue with the ATV 4

Question

Overscan issue with the ATV 4

My Panasonic plasma tv (2010 version) has over-scan turned on and it doesn't have a switch to turn it off.

I didn't have this problem with previous Apple TV (v2 and v3), but now with ATV4 all edges of the screen are cropped.

I thought that the calibrate option in the atv settings would help me fix it, but it only has a pattern to check the over-scan problem, not to fix it. I even bought an app (Calibrateapp) that mentioned that it could help with the over-scan issue, but it only have patterns (I ordered a refund for this one).

I really don't want to buy a new tv set just to fix this issue that didn't exist on older Apple tvs.

Can someone share some light on this issue?

Apple TV (4th generation), tvOS 9.0.1

Posted on Nov 29, 2015 5:18 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Winston Churchill

Level 10

122,487 points

Nov 29, 2015 6:22 AM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

I have the same issue. Nothing to do I'm afraid.

If you have any suggestions that you think might enhance the Apple TV you can send Apple your feedback here

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Answer 2

Arkin710

Level 1

4 points

Dec 10, 2015 9:03 AM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

I have the same issue with a very old (probably 2006 or 2007) Sharp LCD. The edges of the screen are cut off and it cannot be adjusted through the TV settings. The earlier versions of the Apple TV didn't have this issue.

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Answer 3

Dec 10, 2015 9:07 AM in response to Arkin710

I'm not really sure whether the issue arose with the earlier models or just didn't reveal itself. I believe displaying text or logos/icons outside of the safe area is poor programming by the developer.

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Answer 4

Arkin710

Level 1

4 points

Dec 10, 2015 9:09 AM in response to Winston Churchill

I suppose it is possible it was there, but I feel that I would have noticed it. Then again, it only is really noticeable on some of the games where the screen is very clearly cut off.

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Answer 5

Dec 10, 2015 9:16 AM in response to Arkin710

There were only a few apps then and most of them were from people who knew about TV and presumably observed the well known safe areas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_area_%28television%29

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Answer 6

Dec 26, 2015 10:35 PM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

Same problem here - 2009 Vizio LCD TV - there is no option to turn off overscan. I've tried all resolutions and scaling (Wide, Normal, Zoom, Cinema, etc). All I can get is the "Minimal" view on the ATV4 calibration screen. I cannot see "full screen". Some games are barely playable (Asphalt 8) because I can't see the top buttons in the menus. This is a problem - big problem.

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Answer 7

Dec 26, 2015 11:57 PM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

I found a fix for my overscan issue. Under Settings -> Audio & Video -> HDMI Output -> changed to RGB High... From some conversations regarding older Vizio and Insignia LCD televisions, it seems they do overscanning if YCbCr is being used. RGB does not overscan, while YCbCr does. Hope this helps.

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Answer 8

Jan 26, 2016 12:24 AM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

Hi everyone,

I found overscan issue on my Panasonic 50" year 2008.

The mac airplay mirroring is perfect, no overscan, but the original tvOS GUI and all installed apps have that annoying issue.

I never had this issue with the AppleTV 3rd generation.

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Answer 9

c062785

Level 1

0 points

Feb 29, 2016 6:23 PM in response to Wilfredo Nanita

Does anyone know if they're going to fix this in an update? Or is apple forcing us all to purchase new TV's?!!!

So crazy my 3rd gen I had yesterday, does not do this, but this new 4th gen, is like a half an inch of cut off from fullscreen...? I have a PS4 hooked up to it, no issues, what the **** apple?!

Hope someone figures this out or it's fixed in update.

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