Finally got an HDR monitor... Is it okay if it looks a bit rough?
Finally got an HDR monitor... Is it okay if it looks a bit rough?
I bought a monitor from someone, a Philips 27-inch mini-LED with a VESA-certified DisplayHDR 1400. I expected it to match the HDR performance of my iPhone screen, which seemed promising... but unfortunately it didn’t live up to expectations. After spending two weeks adjusting every setting and trying various cables and ports, the HDR display still appears very flat—just a dull grey everywhere. Even when I enable HDR mode compared to SDR, everything looks washed out, like a gray shadow. Local dimming is active but doesn’t produce true blacks; black appears as just a pale grey. That’s why I’m leaning toward using SDR for movies instead of HDR. In HDR, the sun in scenes looks vibrant, but here it’s an orange blur with no punch. The only positive is that colors are more vivid in HDR. Is the VESA HDR 1400 quality actually poor? Thanks for all the help—I’ve checked various HDR content, from games to movies and photos, and appreciate your support.
I believe the issue is with the screen quality, and honestly, it could be a poor example taken. It seems to show backlight spill as well.
Thank you! The issue might be related to the mini-LED design, which can cause backlight bleed. It’s also possible the SDR image isn’t capturing it properly.
Windows 10 or 11? I understand there were significant issues with HDR in Windows 10 some time ago, but it appears most problems are resolved in Windows 11. Otherwise, this could explain why it was being promoted.
The system runs Windows 11, and based on the reliable information source, it seems fine. It might just be a faulty monitor overall.
Are you referring to the Philips 27B1U7903 or the 279P2MRX? You didn't specify. When using HDR mode and running the official Windows HDR Calibration app, did you do so? (That's not clear from your message.) The 27B1U7903 looks strong in reviews and specifications—its 27-inch size, 4K resolution, and 2304 local dimming zones are impressive. Buying it in the US would cost well over $1100, depending on availability. After checking some reviews, I don’t think there’s any reason to doubt its quality; it could just be a setup or configuration issue.
good question, im just saying it looks like bleed and it does... maybe its something different tho who knows. the point is, unless you're using some outlandish weird settings this isnt how hdr is supposed to look... on my monitor blacks are pitch-black with hdr on... also otherwise it has very good black levels and almost no bleed... its an ips monitor btw... if i was you i try to return this monitor, something seems definitely wrong with it.
Are your RGB values configured for maximum range or a restricted setting?
I think it's operating to its full potential, do you have any idea where you can verify this?