Imagine getting a brand new 4k TV, and instead of enjoying crystal clear high definition 4k audio-video, your 4k TV is only showing 1080p. It sounds like a total waste of your investment, but why does it happen, or what causes this commotion?
It happens when you fail to set up your 4k TV with a true 4k setup, where you are supposed to use 4k compatible streaming sources or other source devices and supported HDMI cables as well as proper internet connection or speed.
In today’s article, I will be explaining why a 4k TV might fail to show 4k and instead only display 1080p.
Why Is My 4k Tv Only Showing 1080p Instead Of 4k?
Your 4k TV start only showing or displaying 1080p, if you are not using 4k content coming from a 4k source, not connecting with a 4k supported HDMI cable such as HDMI 1.4, 2.0, or 2.1.
It may happen if your TV’s connected internet connection or speed is not up to 4k resolution standard.
It can also happen when you are watching over the air without connecting or using the necessary support devices.
Especially if you are not using ATSC 1.0 or ATSC 3.0 tuner for the over-the-air display, you will get only 1080p quality from your 4k TV.
What Causes 4k TV To Display 1080p Only?
Well, I guess you already got an overview of what might cause this error on your 4k TV. But here, I would like to explain the individual cause a little further for your better and more precise understanding-
Due To Missing 4k Input:
In most cases, 4k TV display content in 1080p resolution when the input is not 4K. Since the TV will upscale the content while processing to fit into the 4k screen, it will fail to convert the signal to 4K, and as a result, the TV will only display the outcome in the received input resolution.
Most manufacturers set the image viewer of the 4k TV built into a way that it displays pictures or visuals in “fill or stretch” mode. When your actual content is not 4k format, as the TV process the content on fill-in or stretch mode it also leaves black borders around the empty areas to fit the 1080p resolution in 4k standard.
So, the main point is that 4k TV mostly does not convert all input resolution to 4k resolutions, and it displays the low-resolution content via an upscaling method where the input and output resolution remains the same.
Remember, not all audio video contents are created in 4K resolution. Therefore, such videos cannot be displayed in 4K, even if you input them into 4K TV.
If you are using a streaming channel, app, or device, before playing the content, go to the content source subhead to ensure whether it’s a 4k displaying content or not.
Watching OTA (over-the-air) Without Necessary Device:
You are probably having this issue while trying to watch Over the Air (OTA) in 4K, right?
If that is the case, you should use the necessary supporting device required to show OTA in 4k resolution because, in the United States, you will need an OTA antenna for better reception support.
Otherwise, it is impossible to watch OTA in 4k in the US. You can either use the ATSC 1.0 Tuner or its latest upgraded version ATSC 3.0 Tuner.
Due To Insufficient Internet Connection & Speed:
While streaming from external sources, if the internet connection is not stable and the speed is not fast enough, it will eventually degrade the set resolution when the internet speed is not fast enough to stream the said video.
You need to check whether your 4k TV is connected with a proper internet connection and has the adequate speed to run such high-resolution content while streaming from platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime, or Netflix.
Remember, a stable internet connection with a minimum of 22 Mbps speed is mandatory for watching content or videos in 4k resolution on your 4k TV.
Due To Improper HDMI Cables or Restriction of Streaming Subscription plans:
While setting up a 4k TV to get 4k resolution, remember to use only HDMI cables that can handle and support 4k. Otherwise, incompatible or unsupported HDMI cables can degrade the picture and sound quality.
The HDMI 2.0 cables are the most commonly used HDMI cables for 4k, so make sure you are using the correct cable set.
Another possible reason can be your streaming platform’s subscription plan. Most popular streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Netflix let their subscriber enjoy 4k resolution streaming only when the customers are purchasing the paid or Premium plan.
Therefore, if you are using the basic or free subscription plan, it only allows you to stream in Standard Definition (SD) means visuals will be in High Definition (HD).
How Can I Get 4k On My 4k TV?
The easiest way to get 4k on your 4k TV is just to prevent or avoid the above-discussed mistakes.
First of all, make sure you have a proper stable internet connection. Then find out the perfect spot for your 4k TV and connect your TV accurately with an excellent streaming device or console and pair your TV with the correct HDMI cable set or box.
Ensure all the necessary connectors, cables, streaming devices, or satellites that you are using for your 4k TV setup support 4K resolutions.
Can I Play 4K Videos on A 1080p TV Screen?
Yes, you can. The good news is that the 4k content might even look better in 1080p format, but make sure you are playing the 4k content in compressed form.
However, you cannot see the videos in their original native resolution format on any 1080p TV or monitor, and generally, experts do not recommend that either unless you have no other choice.
Therefore, to watch real 4k videos in their native resolution, you should watch them on a 4K TV or other media devices.
Conclusion
Often many consumers ask why instead of displaying 4k, their 4k TV is only showing 1080p?
That’s why I wanted to clear the confusion by providing the answer with a proper rational explanation of what goes on within the 4k TV’s internal processing system when such commotion arises.
So, the next time you see such commotion, you know exactly what to look for and how to get rid of it.
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