Media blackouts can be one of the most frustrating disruptions in a seamless entertainment experience. Imagine sitting down to watch your favorite movie, only to encounter a screen freeze, an annoying black screen, or lag as the resolution adjusts mid-play. These interruptions break the immersion and highlight the limitations of traditional media devices.

The Onyx TV Box, equipped with QMS (Quick Media Switching), is here to change that. In this blog, we’ll explore how Onyx’s cutting-edge QMS technology works, how it eliminates media blackouts, and why it’s a critical feature for uninterrupted viewing pleasure.

1. What Are Media Blackouts?

Before diving into the solution, let’s define the problem:

Media blackouts typically occur during the switch between different frame rates or refresh rates, particularly when transitioning from streaming menus to playback or between apps.

Common causes include:

• Delays in HDMI refresh rate switching during playback.
• Resolution adjustments and synchronization issues between the device and your display.
• The time it takes for your TV or projector to reconfigure itself to match content.

For the average user, this means several seconds of a blank screen or buffering, disrupting the smooth flow of their streaming experience.

2. What Is QMS (Quick Media Switching)?

QMS, short for Quick Media Switching, is an advanced feature designed to eliminate delays caused by resolution or frame rate changes.

When using standard HDMI displays, switching between media at different refresh rates (e.g., from 60Hz in menus to 24Hz for movies) often results in seconds of media blackout. QMS minimizes this downtime by handling the switch far more efficiently.

How it works:

QMS leverages the HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) segment to transition between different media frame rates without interrupting or blanking the playback signal. This means your screen doesn’t have to go blank as the content adjusts.

3. How Onyx TV Box Uses QMS to Prevent Media Blackouts

The Onyx TV Box integrates QMS as part of its state-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 support, ensuring that content transitions are smoother than ever.

Here’s how Onyx’s QMS works in real-life scenarios:

a) Transitioning Between Apps

Whether you’re switching between streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, or Prime Video, or jumping from live TV to a downloaded movie, QMS ensures that transitions happen instantly. No more blank screens or awkward wait times while your TV “catches up.”

b) Dynamic Frame Rate Switching

Modern media is often encoded in different frame rates:

• 24 fps for movies.
• 30 fps or 60 fps for TV and sports.
• Gaming at variable frame rates.

Onyx’s QMS dynamically adjusts to match the content frame rate without causing disruptions. In other words, your screen adjusts in the background while playback remains uninterrupted.

c) Enhanced Viewing Experience with No Stuttering

With the power of QMS, Onyx eliminates the need for buffering or stuttering caused by refresh-rate mismatches. A sports match in 60Hz can smoothly transition into a 24Hz movie without blackouts, ensuring a consistent and premium viewing experience.

4. Why QMS Is a Must-Have for Modern Streaming Devices

Here are some reasons why QMS technology on the Onyx TV Box is a game-changer:

a) Seamless Viewing

Interruptions during frame rate changes are frustrating, especially when switching between apps. QMS eradicates this problem and ensures everything continues smoothly.

b) Enhanced for 4K HDR Content

4K HDR content is more complex to stream due to its higher demands on frame rates and resolution. Onyx’s implementation of QMS ensures that even 4K movies and shows adjust with zero disruption.

c) Future-Proof Technology

Onyx’s HDMI 2.1 QMS support means your device is ready for the future. As content providers ramp up their use of variable refresh-rate technology, the Onyx TV Box ensures users are ahead of the curve.

d) Better for Gaming Enthusiasts

For gamers, refresh rate and frame rate mismatches can be particularly noticeable. With QMS, the Onyx TV Box creates a smoother interface between gaming systems and your display, reducing unnecessary lag and downtime during play.

5. Comparing Onyx TV Box’s QMS to Competitors

Not all streaming devices offer QMS. Let’s see how Onyx stands out -