Apple TV 4K (2022) is the first media player to gain support for QMS (Quick Media Switching) that eliminates the blackout period when switching between video refresh rates.

When Apple launched the third generation of Apple TV 4K in late 2022, it promised to add QMS support with a later tvOS update. It is unclear exactly when QMS was added but the setting option is now showing up for owners of a compatible 2023 TV.

 Also read: Review: Apple TV 4K (2022)

QMS can be activated on Apple TV 4K (2022) under Settings -> Video and Audio -> Match Content -> Quick Media Switching -> On.


 How QMS works. Illustration: HDMI organization

Seamless refresh rate switching
Paired with Apple TV 4K's 'Match Frame Rate' function, QMS will let it seamlessly match frame rates for output in 23.976Hz, 24.00Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz etc. without any black screens (a so-called HDMI bonk) or picture interruptions on the TV, as long as the resolution, chroma and other factors remain the same.

This ensures more accurate and seamless video playback when switching between content types, streaming services, and video apps.

QMS must also be supported on your TV. LG is the only brand to have announced official support for QMS with select 2023 OLED and LCD models. Curiously, one owner of a 2023 Samsung S95C QD-OLED TV is seeing the menu setting option, which appears only when a compatible TV is connected to Apple TV 4K (2022), but it does not work with the Samsung S95C, according to the owner's account.


 The new QMS menu option on Apple TV 4K (2022). Photo: jwort93, AVSForum

Apple has not announced plans to support QMS on earlier versions of Apple TV 4K.

Later today, FlatpanelsHD will publish an article with more information including TV makers' responses to our question regarding plans for QMS support. Now online:  Guide: What is HDMI 2.1 QMS and which TV models support it?

FlatpanelsHD will at a later date publish an examination of how QMS works on Apple TV 4K (2022) with a compatible TV.

2023 TV models with confirmed HDMI QMS support
 FlatpanelsHD
 - Source: AVSForum