AirPlay Quality is Bad

At the office, we just installed a new LG 4K TV (software updated to the latest version), and connected it to the latest AppleTV (software updated to the latest version) using HDMI connection. When streaming high-resolution videos, and using sample pictures on the TV, everything looks amazing. Sharp and detailed. Colors are great too.

But... when I use AirPlay to display my brand new MacBook Pro contents (also updated with the latest version of OS available), the picture on the TV is plain embarrassing. Picture is mottled and posterized, details are gone. We use an AirPort Extreme with the latest firmware, and the signal is very strong. This also happens when using AirPlay from our iPhones. And yes, they are high resolution contents (large, 300 ppi Photoshop images).

It seems like AirPlay degraded the quality. We are puzzled by this and wonder if anyone can give any input.

Thank you.

Posted on Jan 12, 2017 3:24 PM

23 replies

alexpselamat Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 12, 2017 4:20 PM in response to Winston Churchill

Thanks for your replies. Yes, the degradation happens when using AirPlay from our iPhone 7 too (which I won't really consider a low resolution device). Our wireless network functions normally. We use 802.11ac. The MacBook Pro is brand new, with no screen sharing or streaming related software previously installed.

Jan 13, 2017 2:28 AM in response to alexpselamat

I did say it was more likely to be a network issue than the result of mirroring a low-resolution screen, however FYI your iPhone 7 generates it's screen image at 375 x 667 points which are then rasterised at 2 points to a pixel to match your physical pixel count of 750 x 1334.

You don't seem to be willing to consider the most likely causes for your problem, it's not really possible to help on this basis.

Jan 13, 2017 7:01 AM in response to alexpselamat

In addition to possible network issues affecting performance, note that mirroring does not transmit the device screen pixels to the Apple TV. Instead, it uses graphics chip software to create a compressed H.264 live video stream, as described here https://www.flatpanelshd.com/focus.php?subaction=showfull&id=1347605891. That will blur sharp edges, and may have trouble with rapid motion. So the TV picture will not be as sharp as the device screen.

Jan 13, 2017 8:53 AM in response to Diana.McCall

This compression, however, doesn't degrade the screen image to the extent that it would ordinarily be deemed as...

plain embarrassing. Picture is mottled and posterized

This I believe will be a result of either the TV making a poor job of upscaling it for the 4K screen or more likely (IMO) something to do with the user's particular environment.

Jan 12, 2017 3:41 PM in response to alexpselamat

Your problem is the resolution and refresh rate settings... Read this Apple Knowledge Base article

Using 4K displays, 5K displays, and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support

alexpselamat Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 13, 2017 6:59 AM in response to Winston Churchill

We are considering it. We scheduled the IT team to check the network for any issue. Will report back if there is any improvements. Thanks.

Jan 13, 2017 9:27 AM in response to Winston Churchill

Definitely. Just wanted to be sure we had the full story.

Jan 13, 2017 3:23 PM in response to Diana.McCall

Fair point, it isn't uncommon I guess, for exaggeration to lead us all down the wrong path. (I'm not suggesting that's what the OP is doing here)

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AirPlay Quality is Bad