The resolution on a Samsung television varies based on the screen size and the source of media playing on the screen. For example, a laptop connected to the television may lose resolution or experience Samsung TV aspect ratio problems, especially on a slow internet signal, while a movie playing on a direct cable television should display at high-resolution quality. Changing the resolution is a process based on the screen size and the media sources that are displaying content on the television.
Start With Picture Size
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Picture size is an important influence on resolution, and an improper fit can decrease picture quality. The picture size is set to auto-adjust by default, and this setting is ideal for maintaining the best resolution. The auto-fit is hands-off, and it means the picture automatically resizes to fit the screen. In some cases, however, manual controls are required to adjust screen size while improving the overall resolution and display quality.
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Several different picture size options are available in the picture size settings. Access the size settings, and you can choose between 16:9 Standard, 4:3, Custom and Fit to Screen. The fit-to-screen option is standard and leaves no black or blank space on the screen. 16:9 Standard is a widescreen aspect that is commonly used for featuring movies, and the custom setting allows the user to control the aspect ratio.
The 4:3 display option is a good choice for limiting distortion on low-resolution films. Playing VHS and connecting to a slow internet connection calls for this setting to improve the resolution. Playing on a full screen stretches the limits of the resolution and ultimately lowers the image quality. You may even receive a Samsung TV low-resolution message if the image quality is poor.
Zoom and Position Settings
Changing the position and using the zoom function is a feature found under the custom screen size settings. Using these controls, you can zoom on specific aspects of the screen and move the picture around. The process is useful for viewing low-resolution video because you can zoom in and see specific areas within the picture.
To get started, press Menu, Picture and Picture Size Settings to enter the control area. Choose the Custom option for picture size and choose the Zoom and Position option within the custom settings menu. The screen now shows the zoom and position controls. You can move the picture left, right, up or down and zoom in or out while shifting in up, down and lateral positions. If you can't change picture size on Samsung TV using the custom feature, the exterior media delivery device may have locks in place.
Play with the zoom and picture size settings until the resolution and picture quality is optimized. This can require reentry to the controls using the steps multiple times to find the right fit. The control panel also offers a reset button if you need a fresh start on the controls. The need to zoom and move the picture around in a custom setting is not common and is geared toward viewing old videos or photos that do not conform well to modern screen sizes.
Source Influences Resolution
Buying the highest resolution television is great for viewing movies and shows in incredibly high-definition formats. The actual source of the media, however, must have the same resolution quality to bring out the 4k or other picture quality built into the screen. Playing a VHS or old DVD on a 4k Samsung television does not display a high-quality picture.
Each device delivering media to the television is determining the resolution quality, and you can easily view the resolution settings. Press the Home button on the Samsung remote and scroll to the right until you can click Source. Click on the exterior device such as the cable box, Xbox, Roku or DVD player and pay attention to the top right corner of the television screen. After a few seconds, the resolution for that specific device goes on display.
The display is showing the best picture size for optimal resolution. If you are using the specific device, return to the picture size settings and make any necessary adjustments to match the screen size accordingly. The screen resolution is now optimized and ready for use. If the quality is still lacking, consider upgrading your connected devices to the latest and highest quality models.