Black bars can be correct for the program’s aspect ratio. If every source is undersized or cropped, compare the TV picture-size setting with the source device’s output before using zoom. Play known 16:9 content and see whether the bars go away.
Differential
Likely causes of “TV picture has black bars or does not fill the screen”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The program has a different aspect ratio than the screen
What separates it Black bars appear on some titles and not others, and cinema films show bars on a 16:9 screen.
How to confirm Play known 16:9 content and see whether the bars go away.
- 2
The TV's picture-size setting is set to a wrong mode
What separates it Every source shows a shrunken or cropped picture and menus do not fill the panel.
How to confirm Look for Fit to Screen, Just Scan, Full or Original in the picture-size setting.
- 3
The source device is outputting a resolution or scaling that does not match
What separates it The picture from one HDMI device is undersized and the device is set to a different output size.
How to confirm Compare the source's output resolution with the TV's native resolution.
- 4
Overscan is cropping the edges
What separates it Scores and captions are cut off at the edges of a broadcast or a console picture.
How to confirm Choose the unscaled or screen-fit option and check whether the edges return.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether bars appear on every channel, app and HDMI source.
- The picture-size option currently selected on the TV.
- The source's output resolution and aspect ratio settings.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCapture the exact symptom
ReversibleCheck whether menus fill the panel and whether bars appear on every channel, app and HDMI source.
Run the smallest isolation test
ReversiblePlay known 16:9 content and compare the TV’s Fit to Screen/Just Scan setting with the source resolution.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleUse the unscaled or screen-fit option; avoid zoom that cuts off captions or score graphics.
Verify before changing anything else
ReversibleTest both native TV video and one HDMI source for correct circles and uncropped edges.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Avoid zoom modes that cut off captions or score graphics; use the unscaled or Just Scan option for accurate edges.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my TV show black bars at the top and bottom?+
The film's shape is wider than a 16:9 screen, so bars fill the gap. That is normal, but bars on every source suggest a picture-size setting.
Why is the picture not filling the screen?+
The content aspect ratio may differ from the screen, so black bars appear, or the picture size setting is wrong.
What setting should I use?+
Choose the TV's picture size such as 16:9 or Just Scan and check the device's output.
Are black bars normal?+
Yes for some films and older shows.
Does zoom cut off the picture?+
Yes, zoom modes crop the edges.