Apple has just announced a game-changer for owners of ultrawide displays and projectors: tvOS 18.2, the software powering the Apple TV 4K, will finally support a variety of aspect ratios beyond the ubiquitous 16:9. This means that users with widescreen setups can kiss goodbye to the annoying black bars (letterboxing or pillarboxing) that often accompany movies and shows.
Remember those pesky black bars that appear when your TV’s aspect ratio doesn’t match the content’s? This is especially common with modern streaming content that’s shot in 16:9, creating those awkward empty spaces above and below the image. While this isn’t a problem for the majority of viewers, those with wider screens like 21:9 or even the super-wide 32:9 have been stuck with these bars, missing out on a fully immersive viewing experience.
With tvOS 18.2, Apple is addressing this issue head-on. The update will automatically detect the aspect ratio of your display and adjust the image accordingly. For those who prefer manual control, a new ‘Aspect Ratio’ settings menu allows you to select the perfect match for your setup. This means no more black bars when watching content in 21:9, 2.37:1, 2.39:1, 2.40:1, DCI 4K, or 32:9.
This update is a significant step forward for the Apple TV 4K, making it a more versatile and user-friendly device for a wider range of viewers. Imagine the impact on movies shot in 2.39:1, like those in the cinematic scope format, which will now be displayed in full glory. No more feeling like you’re missing parts of the action!
Of course, it’s worth noting that app developers will need to update their apps to take advantage of these new aspect ratio settings. This ensures that content is displayed correctly and seamlessly on different screen formats. But as this becomes the norm, we can expect a more unified and immersive streaming experience for everyone.
So, if you’re an owner of a widescreen projector or a 21:9 TV, get ready to enjoy your content without the pesky black bars. This update is a testament to Apple’s commitment to delivering a truly immersive and customizable experience for all its users.
