Use the Apple TV Color Balance setting to improve screen mirroring and digital signage picture quality

PrIf you want the most accurate color reproduction while screen mirroring or displaying digital signage to Ditto receiver software on Apple TV, try using the built-in Color Balance feature in the Apple TV Settings menu. You can use this feature to improve your viewing experience without changing any of your TV/monitor settings.

You will need a compatible iPhone to do this. The Apple TV color balance feature requires you to point your front iPhone camera at the TV/monitor so it can identify ways to improve the Apple TV video output. Once the color calibration is complete, your Apple TV will tell you what changed and show you the difference between the original calibration and the balanced version.

Note:

When changing the Color Balance setting on the Apple TV, you are not changing any picture settings on your TV or display. Instead, your Apple TV is changing the video it outputs to your TV to correct any color issues your display might have. These color corrections will not be present if you switch inputs or play video from a source other than the Apple TV running Ditto Receiver.

The Color Balance calibration setting is available on:

  • Apple TV 4K (Third Generation)
  • Apple TV 4K (Second Generation)
  • Apple TV 4K (First Generation)
  • Apple TV HD

Note:

  • The Apple TV must be running tvOS 14.5 or later to use Color Balance 
  • You will need an iPhone with Face ID and iOS 14.5 or later 
  • Please ensure the iPhone is connected to the same network as the Apple TV and Bluetooth is enabled
  • To use Color Balance, open “Settings” on your Apple TV.
  • Select Video and Audio 
  • Under Calibration, select “Color Balance.”
  • Unlock your iPhone and hold it close to the Apple TV. You will find a prompt asking if you want to use Color Balance. Tap “Continue.”

Color Balance menu seen from the iPhone: 

  • On your TV, you will see an iPhone-shaped box. Hold your iPhone within three inches of this on-screen box. Make sure that the front camera is facing the TV.
  • Your Apple TV will begin the Color Balance process.

Pro-Tip: 

Keep your iPhone as close to the TV as possible. If you receive a calibration failed error on your first attempt, try moving your iPhone closer to the screen and try again.

  • Once the calibration is done, your Apple TV will show a confirmation message. Select “View Results.”
  • The Apple TV will now show you one of its screensavers with two options at the bottom: Original and Balanced. You can swipe left using the Apple TV remote to preview what the original color calibration looked like.
  • Swipe right to see what the color-calibrated screen looks like. Once you are done comparing, select “Use Balanced” to finish this process.