Symptoms
- Picture looks stretched horizontally or vertically
- Image appears zoomed in with edges cut off
- Text looks blurry or fuzzy
- Black bars appear around the picture
Likely causes
- CommonConsole resolution setting doesn't match the TV's native resolutionMismatched settings cause scaling artifacts.
- CommonTV's aspect ratio or zoom mode set incorrectlyMany TVs have a picture mode that overrides proper scaling.
- PossibleHDMI cable not rated for the resolution being outputOlder or cheaper cables may not support 4K or high refresh rates properly.
- PossibleConsole set to an output the TV doesn't fully supportSome TVs need a specific HDMI port for full resolution support.
- Less commonOverscan setting needs adjustmentSome displays crop the edges of the picture by default.
What to do
- Check the TV's picture or aspect ratio settings and set it to its standard or full mode.
- Go into the console's video output settings and match resolution to the TV's native resolution.
- Try the console's automatic resolution detection feature if available.
- Switch to a different HDMI port on the TV, especially one labeled for 4K or high bandwidth.
- Test with a different HDMI cable rated for high resolution and refresh rate.
- Adjust any overscan or screen size setting in the console's display settings.
- If the picture is still wrong after matching settings, try connecting to a different TV or monitor to isolate the cause.
Tools and parts
High-speed HDMI cable rated for 4KSearch: “HDMI 2.1 cable 4K 120hz”
When to call a pro
This is a settings issue and doesn't require professional repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.