UPERFECT logo
UPERFECT logo

All articles

Why Do I See BlackaBars or Stretched Images When Connecting My Monitor?Updated 19 days ago

The reason

Black bars or stretched images usually happen when a monitor with a different aspect ratio is connected to a device. For example, connecting a 16:10 monitor to a 16:9 laptop or console can cause these issues.

What Causes Monitor Black Bars?

the reason for the Monitor Black Bars

Monitor Black Bars Appear with Fixed Aspect Ratios

If you connect a device with a fixed 16:9 aspect ratio (like a Nintendo Switch) to a 16:10 monitor that automatically detects aspect ratios, you’ll likely see black bars at the top and bottom (since 10 - 9 = 1). 

Extended Display and Video Playback Can Trigger Monitor Black Bars

When connecting a laptop in extended mode, if the input source is 16:9, black bars will appear, especially when playing videos with a fixed aspect ratio. 

What causes Image Stretching?

Most game consoles operate in 16:9. If you want to eliminate the black bars, you can manually adjust the aspect ratio to fill the 16:10 screen. However, this will stretch the image vertically (stretching 9 to 10), and unoptimized 16:10 monitors may force that stretch.

But if you're looking at documents, there won’t be any stretching since the computer automatically recognizes the resolution. In extended mode, the resolutions of the main and secondary displays typically don’t conflict.

What should I do?

Ignore the Black Bars

In fact, if you want to eliminate the monitor black bars, you will have to deal with image stretching which can't be solved. So it ultimately depends on your personal preference.  If you want to keep the original image quality of the game's screen ratio, the black border can't be removed. As you can see in the pictures below, it doesn't affect the gaming experience. 

The UPERFECT UGame K118 monitor connected to a Nintendo SwitchThe UPERFECT UGame K118 monitor connected to a Nintendo Switch

The UPERFECT UGame K118 monitor connected to a ROG AllyThe UPERFECT UGame K118 monitor connected to a ROG Ally

Choose a Monitor with the Same Screen Ratio as the Console

You can choose a monitor with the same aspect ratio as the gaming console. This way, there will be no black bars or image stretching.

16:9 Gaming Consoles

You can choose these 16:9 monitors:

16:10 Gaming Consoles

You can choose these 16:10 monitors:

 

 

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No