Apple TV 4K gets promised Quick Media Switching feature to eliminate ‘HDMI bonk’

When Apple launched its excellent third-generation Apple TV 4K (2022) in November of (you guessed it) 2022, the company promised to add Quick Media Support (QMS) with a later tvOS update. And lo! The setting option is now showing up for owners of a compatible 2023 TV.

Why should you care? Well, when paired with Apple TV 4K's ‘Match Frame Rate' function, QMS can seamlessly match frame rates for output in 23.976Hz, 24Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, and so on without any so-called ‘HDMI bonk' (aka a momentary black screen of nothingness during transition) or picture interruptions on the TV, as long as other factors remain the same – chiefly, the resolution you're watching in.

How do you get it? As first reported by FlatpanelsHD (opens in new tab), QMS can be deployed on Apple TV 4K (2022) by hitting Settings -> Video and Audio -> Match Content -> Quick Media Switching -> On.

The useful feature means a more seamless video playback experience (and not a moment lost to a ponderous black screen) when switching between content types, video apps, and the best streaming services. Hurrah! 

Analysis: QMS on Apple TV 4K is a top new feature – but your TV needs support too 

So just tweak the settings on the media player and job done? Not quite.