Adjust Overscan on SHIELD Android TV

Addressing Overscan Issues on NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV

Users with older televisions paired with an NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV device might encounter a display issue where portions of the image are cropped from the edges. This phenomenon, known as overscan, can be particularly disruptive, especially when utilizing the SHIELD’s gaming capabilities.

Understanding the Root Cause: Overscan Explained

Overscan originates from the era of CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions. It was implemented to prevent black bars from appearing on the screen by trimming the outer edges of the image.

However, with contemporary HDTVs, overscan results in a diminished viewing experience. Instead of displaying the complete picture, it presents a slightly degraded image.

Resolving Overscan: A Two-Pronged Approach

While many modern televisions offer built-in settings to adjust or disable overscan, it’s crucial to also check the settings on any connected set-top boxes. If overscan is enabled on both the TV and the device, the issue will persist.

Fortunately, NVIDIA has integrated an overscan adjustment feature directly into the SHIELD Android TV. This allows for easy correction of the display issue.

Accessing the Overscan Adjustment on SHIELD

The following steps will guide you through accessing and adjusting the overscan settings on your NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV box.

Navigate to the Settings menu.
Select “Device Preferences”.
Choose “Display & Sound”.
Locate and select “Adjust display size”.
From here, you can fine-tune the overscan settings to ensure the full image is visible.

By adjusting these settings, you can eliminate overscan and enjoy a full, high-quality picture on your television.

Addressing Overscan Issues on SHIELD Devices

Having discussed the reasons behind this phenomenon, let's proceed to explore the solutions for resolving it. Initially, navigate to the SHIELD settings menu. This is achieved by selecting the gear-shaped icon located at the bottom of the home screen.

Upon entering Settings, proceed to the fifth option labeled “HDMI.”

Within this menu, the fourth selection is “Adjust for overscan,” which directly addresses the issue you are experiencing. Select this option to continue.

The adjustment process is straightforward, involving the manipulation of on-screen arrows until the entire image is visible. Simply follow the displayed instructions to position all four arrows correctly.

After confirming that the display appears as desired, exit the menu. The new overscan settings will be applied immediately, completing the process.

Overscan can prove particularly irritating, especially when your television lacks an integrated setting for its correction. While not a standard feature of stock Android TV, NVIDIA’s consideration of such nuances is commendable.