Apple TV: Match Frame Rate/Range for Sports (Ireland)

Last updated: 13 September 2025 GMT

To make live sport look right on Apple TV 4K in Ireland, enable Match Content (Frame Rate + Dynamic Range), set a 50 Hz default, and use stable networking (5 GHz non-DFS or Ethernet). Lawful apps only—no geo-bypass or DRM circumvention.

Quick wins

• Settings → Video and Audio → Match Content → turn on Match Dynamic Range & Match Frame Rate.
• Set default output to 50 Hz (e.g., 4K SDR 50 Hz or 1080p SDR 50 Hz).
• Use 5 GHz on router channels 36/40/44/48 @ 40 MHz or wire via Ethernet.
• Disable TV motion smoothing; use a certified HDMI cable and “Enhanced/Ultra HD” HDMI mode.

Step-by-step (Ireland)

1. Update tvOS: Settings → System → Software Updates → Update.
2. Enable Match Content: Settings → Video and Audio → Match Content → ON for both Frame Rate and Dynamic Range.
3. Choose a 50 Hz default: Settings → Video and Audio → Format → select 4K SDR 50 Hz (or 1080p 50 Hz).
4. Tune HDMI:
   • Use a certified high-speed cable.
   • On the TV input, enable “Enhanced/Ultra HD” mode (naming varies by brand).
   • Optional: run Apple TV’s color balance (if your iPhone supports it).
5. Stabilise the network:
   • Wi-Fi: connect to 5 GHz; router on 36/40/44/48, width 40 MHz, split SSIDs.
   • Ethernet: wire Apple TV to the router/mesh node for match-day reliability.
6. Audio sync: Settings → Video and Audio → Wireless Audio Sync (with iPhone), or set TV to PCM/Auto; use eARC if soundbar/AVR supports it.

Ireland-specific tips

• Irish sports target 50 Hz; forcing 60 Hz introduces cadence judder.
• DFS channels (52+) can hop due to radar; live events are smoother on 36/40/44/48.
• Keep Apple ID region and App Store set to Ireland; avoid sideloads/region tricks.

Troubleshooting

Still seeing judder

Confirm both Match Frame Rate and Match Dynamic Range are ON, and the default output is 50 Hz. Disable TV motion smoothing.

Black screens when switching

Usually HDMI handshake. Use a certified cable and enable “Enhanced/Ultra HD” on that HDMI input. Try another port.

Audio out of sync

Run Wireless Audio Sync; if using a soundbar/AVR, enable eARC and set lip-sync to Auto. Check cable quality.

Related Ireland-specific guides

• Fire TV Stick: fix frame drops & judder (Ireland)
• Samsung Tizen TV: install legal streaming apps (Ireland)
• Which 5 GHz Wi-Fi channels to use in Ireland?

Official sources

• Apple TV — Match content (frame rate & range)
• Apple TV Support

Ireland-specific, lawful setup only. No channel lists or geo-bypass.