What does Compression artefact mean?
A compression artefact is an unwanted visible or audible effect introduced when media is represented with reduced data or processed through a coding pipeline. It can include blocks, ringing, smearing or unstable texture.
Why it matters
Artefacts differ from a player waiting for data, a lost HDMI signal or a physical panel defect. Several problems can coexist, so describe what appears and when. Local filtering may make an artefact less noticeable but cannot reconstruct the exact discarded original. A high-resolution label and a modern codec do not guarantee that the encoding was given enough information for every scene.
A practical example
If crowd detail turns into squares during a fast pan while sound and playback continue, compression is a plausible area to investigate. Record the programme and time, and compare another supported rendition before changing unrelated account credentials or assuming a new cable will restore missing texture.
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Related terminology: Comparative advertising, Constant bitrate.
For practical setup and troubleshooting, browse the journal or support guides.