Resolve rendered HD quality not sharp/crisp

Hi guys - hoping some one can help me here.
I’m not seeing the render quality i expected on Resolve 17.2.2.
I’m using 4k footage on 1920x1080 HD timeline at 24fps. I then render at MP4, H.264, 1920x1080 HD@23.976fps, saving file to Desktop.
When played back on VLC Media Player 3.0.16 the video is not as sharp or crisp as other similar YouTube videos on same player. Any ideas?
Hardware is: Ryzen 7 3800XT 8-Core, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super, 1TB SSD, Monitor 3840x2160 on Windows 10 Pro.
Tried saving to YouTube with same playback result.
I'd appreciate any thoughts...

What about a 23.976 fps timeline? (to rule out retiming issues)
Otherwise, examples please (put a space in links if you're not allowed to post them)
And a screenshot of the Deliver page with the Video tab selected

Export a DNxHD or Cineform file from Resolve and compress to h.264 in something like Shutter Encoder or Handbrake. You'll need to experiment with data rates. You may also want to add sharpness, either with the initial export from Resolve or with the h.264 compression.

VLC is really not a player to judge Video Quality or Color. Sharpness in VLC heavily depends on the renderer used and if sizining is 1:1.

If your source material framerate is not identical to your render framerate then check that you're not accidentally using frame-blend to adapt the speed. Frame blend will result in "soft" images wherever there is movement (including panning/tilting/zooming).

Why render at 23.976 when your source material is 24?

I used VLC for my comparison in order to compare apples with apples in my analysis.
That said, what would be better media player, free or low-cost?

The frame rate throughout was actually 23.976fps. The 24 was rounded for the post.

Try rendering HD from a 4K timeline and see if it makes a difference. Also, up the bitrate as much as you can and see if that helps.

Thanks to all everyone who replied to mt post, still working on screenshots and files for you.

What on earth is "sizining "? I swear some of you make up new words

Thanks, Marc. If you look at the original post, you'll see that 4K/HD was what I used for my test.

Can't see how to "up the bitrate" in Resolve, though?

Hi

For better help you need to post a pic of your render settings ! And you need to learn about video editing..... up the bitrate is basis ! Youtube is your best friend !

what would be better media player, free or low-cost?

It's not a good idea to QC on the computer. Best practice is to take the export to a calibrated display and play from hardware. This ensures an accurate image on screen.