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Why does my old 1080p TV have a better picture than my new 4K TV, even though both are connected to 1080p devices

Output from 1080p devices: As you mentioned, output from 1080p devices such as your cable box and Blu-ray player may look better on an actual 1080p TV than on a 4K TV. This is because the output from these devices is optimized for 1080p resolution, and may not be fully utilizing the capabilities of your 4K TV.

Upscaling: 4K TVs have to upscale 1080p content to match their higher resolution, which can sometimes result in a softer or less detailed picture. This is especially noticeable when watching fast-moving content, as the TV may struggle to upscale the image fast enough, resulting in blurry or pixelated areas.

TV settings: The settings on your TV could also be affecting the picture quality. For example, if the sharpness setting is set too high, it can enhance edge enhancement and give you a less clear picture. Adjusting the TV's settings to optimize the picture quality for your viewing environment and content can help improve the picture.

Screen size: The size of your TV can also play a role in how good the picture looks. A larger TV with the same resolution will have a lower pixel density, which can make the picture appear less sharp.

Content quality: The quality of the content you are watching can also impact how good the picture looks. If the content you are watching is not optimized for 4K, it may not take full advantage of the higher resolution, resulting in a less detailed picture.

In summary, the better picture quality on your old 1080p TV could be due to a combination of factors, including the output from 1080p devices, upscaling, TV settings, screen size, and content quality.

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