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[00_Zer0]

I have seen a few posts from folks here on NeoGaf about Switch 2 looking washed out while playing HDR enabled games in docked mode. Fear not HDTVTest from YouTube has you covered. This tutorial is for all makes and models of HDR enabled HDTVs with or without HGIG Dynamic tone mapping.

The first video is the main tutorial here:


...and in the second video skip to a section called 3 other settings to optimize and with that everyone having issues with HDR looking washed out on Switch 2 in docked mode should be covered.



I hope this helps those who are frustrated with the convoluted mess that is Switch 2 HDR. Good luck.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

If you don't really understand how HDR works for gaming, it's better to start here first



The demonstration he does is with the PS5 HDR calibration screen but the general knowledge is very useful

 

[Guardian Monkey]

I watched this a few days ago. I appreciate that Vincent went through the effort to explain it all and give appropriate values to the slider. But this is pretty inexcusable that Nintendo released it the way it is. I started laughing my ass off when he was going through the incremental changes after each adjustment.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

I have seen a few posts from folks here on NeoGaf about Switch 2 looking washed out while playing HDR enabled games in docked mode. Fear not HDTVTest from YouTube has you covered. This tutorial is for all makes and models of HDR enabled HDTVs with or without HGIG Dynamic tone mapping.

The first video is the main tutorial here:


...and in the second video skip to a section called 3 other settings to optimize and with that everyone having issues with HDR looking washed out on Switch 2 in docked mode should be covered.



I hope this helps those who are frustrated with the convoluted mess that is Switch 2 HDR. Good luck.

On my Bravia OLED, Switch 2 HDR looks amazing when the Switch 2 RGB setting is Auto and the tvs RGB setting is Limited.

If i set the Bravia setting to Auto to match, it gets washed out and ugly. I have no idea why the HDR image only looks great when theyre mismatched.

 

[00_Zer0]

On my Bravia OLED, Switch 2 HDR looks amazing when the Switch 2 RGB setting is Auto and the tvs RGB setting is Limited.

If i set the Bravia setting to Auto to match, it gets washed out and ugly. I have no idea why the HDR image only looks great when theyre mismatched.

Hey if it works and looks good to you I won't judge. I have a LG C4 and my settings for RGB are on Auto on both Switch 2 and my LG C4 and I also have HGIG enabled. I also keep Switch 2 in dark mode and turned off burn in protection through the Switch 2 and LG to prevent aggressive ABL. With burn in protections enabled it can cause bright screens to flicker causing ABL to kick in more often than usual, and ruin the overall HDR effect. I also set Switch 2 to only enable HDR on games that support it. Vincent from HDTVTest says that modern OLED don't need as much burn in protection like they used to. After following his guide closely my Switch 2 HDR is looking pretty good.

 

[zeomax]

If i set the Bravia setting to Auto to match, it gets washed out and ugly. I have no idea why the HDR image only looks great when theyre mismatched.

Because the limited or full setting is only for SDR content. HDR is always limited and therefore you can not mismatch it. Even if you set it to mismatch your TV switch automatically to limited with HDR content.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Because the limited or full setting is only for SDR content. HDR is always limited and therefore you can not mismatch it. Even if you set it to mismatch your TV switch automatically to limited with HDR content.

There's definitely something wrong then since even in HDR, on my LG C2 at least, mismatching the RGB range is THE ONLY way as to not have the picture look washed out (S2 set to "auto", C2 set to "limited").
Again, this is only on the S2 since this problem isn't present on XSX/PS5 by having both the consoles AND the TV set to "auto".

It's weird, I know, but...

PS : I think that Vincent mentioned us specifically regarding the RGB range "mismatch" thing in that we're wrong since the "washed out" picture is the creator's intent, still, while I'm no Tech savvy TV calibrator, I'll have to insist that there's something wrong with the handshake between the S2 and some TVs when having both set to "auto" - mismatching the RGB range on a PS5/XSX leads to very visible crushed blacks, on the S2 though it just looks "right".

 

[DenchDeckard]

After tweaking mine the switch 2 looks insane on my oled but its a terrible process to get it looking right. I followed Vincent's guide and it really helps.

 

[RoadHazard]

Because the limited or full setting is only for SDR content. HDR is always limited and therefore you can not mismatch it. Even if you set it to mismatch your TV switch automatically to limited with HDR content.

I don't believe "HDR is always limited" is correct.

 

[Connificent]

This shit is so tiring.

 

[zeomax]

I don't believe "HDR is always limited" is correct.

"This means any given PQ based HDR display will only use a sub-set of the full signal range, with a 1,000 nits display max'ing out at 769 bits level, with the remaining 254 levels clipped."

Source: https://lightillusion.com/what_is_hdr.html

 

[Mozza]

As I have said it's a fine balance between the Switch 2's HDR settings and your T.V... And this will vary from model to model... Even from the same brand. Mine is looking awesome but it was not like that right out of the box.

 

[Mozza]

There's definitely something wrong then since even in HDR, on my LG C2 at least, mismatching the RGB range is THE ONLY way as to not have the picture look washed out (S2 set to "auto", C2 set to "limited").
Again, this is only on the S2 since this problem isn't present on XSX/PS5 by having both the consoles AND the TV set to "auto".

It's weird, I know, but...

PS : I think that Vincent mentioned us specifically regarding the RGB range "mismatch" thing in that we're wrong since the "washed out" picture is the creator's intent, still, while I'm no Tech savvy TV calibrator, I'll have to insist that there's something wrong with the handshake between the S2 and some TVs when having both set to "auto" - mismatching the RGB range on a PS5/XSX leads to very visible crushed blacks, on the S2 though it just looks "right".

You have to also consider that many YouTube videos are not in HDR so these can look washed out by default.

 

[rodrigolfp]

That explain things. Nintendo only cared about proper calibrated HDR in this game. Looks good that way.

 

[Bojji]

On my Bravia OLED, Switch 2 HDR looks amazing when the Switch 2 RGB setting is Auto and the tvs RGB setting is Limited.

If i set the Bravia setting to Auto to match, it gets washed out and ugly. I have no idea why the HDR image only looks great when theyre mismatched.

Because the limited or full setting is only for SDR content. HDR is always limited and therefore you can not mismatch it. Even if you set it to mismatch your TV switch automatically to limited with HDR content.

There's definitely something wrong then since even in HDR, on my LG C2 at least, mismatching the RGB range is THE ONLY way as to not have the picture look washed out (S2 set to "auto", C2 set to "limited").
Again, this is only on the S2 since this problem isn't present on XSX/PS5 by having both the consoles AND the TV set to "auto".

It's weird, I know, but...

PS : I think that Vincent mentioned us specifically regarding the RGB range "mismatch" thing in that we're wrong since the "washed out" picture is the creator's intent, still, while I'm no Tech savvy TV calibrator, I'll have to insist that there's something wrong with the handshake between the S2 and some TVs when having both set to "auto" - mismatching the RGB range on a PS5/XSX leads to very visible crushed blacks, on the S2 though it just looks "right".

Limited and Full RGB settings should looks almost exactly the same when TV is set to auto. I tested this with PS5, XSX and PC (both AMD and Nvidia).

But when they don't match picture can be extremely washed put or so much contrast is applied that black details are crushed.

Switch 2 has some kind of web browser? Check out this image, if you can see ALL squares (besides the first one) then everything is fine, if you can't see them then you have crushed blacks and incorrect settings:

Image link, youtube link.

 

[Dorfdad]

So for those less technically challenged and own a G3 what's the settings on tv and switch 2 to make it look good?

 

[DaleinCalgary]

After making the changes it does seem to be a bit less washed out. Nintendo really has no idea what they are doing with HDR, or probably how to spell it.

 

[Connificent]

So for those less technically challenged and own a G3 what's the settings on tv and switch 2 to make it look good?

Turning off HDR. You probably dont see it anyway.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

Turning off HDR. You probably dont see it anyway.

I get this approach, but it's hard to go that way once you've seen games where it looks as great as it does.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

Limited and Full RGB settings should looks almost exactly the same when TV is set to auto. I tested this with PS5, XSX and PC (both AMD and Nvidia).

But when they don't match picture can be extremely washed put or so much contrast is applied that black details are crushed.

Switch 2 has some kind of web browser? Check out this image, if you can see ALL squares (besides the first one) then everything is fine, if you can't see them then you have crushed blacks and incorrect settings:

Image link, youtube link.

At the moment Switch 2 has no web browser. Supposedly a youtube app is in the works though so i cant use this for now. Thank you though.

Its very bizarre with Switch 2.....maybe its a Bravia OLED thing, but unless i have the Bravia RGB setting to Limited and the Switch 2 RGB setting to Auto, the HDR picture is dull and washed out.

With PS5, PS5 RGB is set to auto and then the difference between the TV RGB setting of Full or Limited is minimal, but Limited again is sharper and looks overall more clean.

HDR in general after all these years is still way too confusing and requires too much work to get it to look good.

 

[LuckyLuke]

Just did the HDR test with my Switch 2 and LG B4, and the right sun vanished at 72 clicks—chart says that's about 800 nits. That threw me off, since I thought the B4 topped out closer to around 660 nits. I'm using HGiG and it looks great overall, but this result has me scratching my head. Anyone else noticing this?

 

[Bojji]

Just did the HDR test with my Switch 2 and LG B4, and the right sun vanished at 72 clicks—chart says that's about 800 nits. That threw me off, since I thought the B4 topped out closer to around 660 nits. I'm using HGiG and it looks great overall, but this result has me scratching my head. Anyone else noticing this?

HGiG is set by LG to clip around that 800 nits for CX, B1/B2, B3, B4 (and probably few others) despite them having screens with less peak brightness. Set it to 800.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

these guides are so confusing to me I wish someone would just tell me exactly what settings to us for a LG C1

I also had that issue where neither of the suns will go away regardless of how much I adjust

 

[LuckyLuke]

HGiG is set by LG to clip around that 800 nits for CX, B1/B2, B3, B4 (and probably few others) despite them having screens with less peak brightness. Set it to 800.

Got it. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[AJUMP23]

these guides are so confusing to me I wish someone would just tell me exactly what settings to us for a LG C1

I also had that issue where neither of the suns will go away regardless of how much I adjust

On your C1 just make sure the HGIG is turned on. then do the HDR calibration with the Switch. It isn't that hard. Well it may be hard for someone that is stuck in 408p like a VHS.

 

[keefged4]

these guides are so confusing to me I wish someone would just tell me exactly what settings to us for a LG C1

I also had that issue where neither of the suns will go away regardless of how much I adjust

72 clicks on the first screen, and 6 on the next.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

72 clicks on the first screen, and 6 on the next.

I love you

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

72 clicks on the first screen, and 6 on the next.

does this mean 72 clicks from the darkest setting, and 6 clicks from also the darkest setting?

 

[keefged4]

does this mean 72 clicks from the darkest setting, and 6 clicks from also the darkest setting?

Yup, turn it all the way down and then press up 72 times. then on the next screen press Y, move it all the way to the left and press right 6 times. This will set peak brightness to 800 nits with a paper white of 200. Looks magnificent on my LG C1.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

Yup, turn it all the way down and then press up 72 times. then on the next screen press Y, move it all the way to the left and press right 6 times. This will set peak brightness to 800 nits with a paper white of 200. Looks magnificent on my LG C1.

you are a gentleman and a scholar

 

[keefged4]

you are a gentleman and a scholar

No worries. Remember to change the HDR setting to "Compatable software only" too. I've found even with correct hdr calibration it does raise blacks a tad too much with games that don't have HDR when set to "Always on", so just play them in SDR.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

On your C1 just make sure the HGIG is turned on. then do the HDR calibration with the Switch. It isn't that hard. Well it may be hard for someone that is stuck in 408p like a VHS.

No worries. Remember to change the HDR setting to "Compatable software only" too. I've found even with correct hdr calibration it does raise blacks a tad too much with games that don't have HDR when set to "Always on", so just play them in SDR.

HGIG isn't even showing up in the settings on my C1 while playing Switch 2 titles

something broken?

 

[keefged4]

HGIG isn't even showing up in the settings on my C1 while playing Switch 2 titles

something broken?

Are you using HDR Game Optimiser mode? HGIG will only show up as an option if you are using Game Optimiser.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

Are you using HDR Game Optimiser mode? HGIG will only show up as an option if you are using Game Optimiser.

I am

if I open game optimizer, it sin't showing up under the settings

 

[keefged4]

I am

if I open game optimizer, it sin't showing up under the settings

So HGIG isn't actually in the game optimiser settings themselves, Go to the normal settings menu, then choose Advanced settings > Brighness > HDR Tone Mapping. HGiG should be there.

 

[Soodanim]

I have seen a few posts from folks here on NeoGaf about Switch 2 looking washed out while playing HDR enabled games in docked mode. Fear not HDTVTest from YouTube has you covered. This tutorial is for all makes and models of HDR enabled HDTVs with or without HGIG Dynamic tone mapping.

The first video is the main tutorial here:


...and in the second video skip to a section called 3 other settings to optimize and with that everyone having issues with HDR looking washed out on Switch 2 in docked mode should be covered.



I hope this helps those who are frustrated with the convoluted mess that is Switch 2 HDR. Good luck.

I'm not watching unless I get to hear him say "Film maker mode" at least 5 times.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

So HGIG isn't actually in the game optimiser settings themselves, Go to the normal settings menu, then choose Advanced settings > Brighness > HDR Tone Mapping. HGiG should be there.

that worked, found it.

so turn on HGIG, and also follow the settings you stated before?

 

[AJUMP23]

that worked, found it.

so turn on HGIG, and also follow the settings you stated before?

yes

 

[keefged4]

that worked, found it.

so turn on HGIG, and also follow the settings you stated before?

Yup. once you've done that you'll never need to touch the hdr settings again. Unless Nintendo update the switch 2 and change things

 

[Mozza]

I get this approach, but it's hard to go that way once you've seen games where it looks as great as it does.

The game looks pretty flat without HDR. Properly calibrated HDR on this game is a real eye opener.

 

[Mozza]

No worries. Remember to change the HDR setting to "Compatable software only" too. I've found even with correct hdr calibration it does raise blacks a tad too much with games that don't have HDR when set to "Always on", so just play them in SDR.

And makes none HDR games look pretty bad too.

 

[Shtef]

I have tried zelda boftw and mario kart world with and without HDR and it definitely looks better with HDR when its setup as on the video.
I also tried messing with limited vs auto color scheme and even though the limited will look like it has better contrast its looks wrong to me, this is especially visible in mario kart where colors look very saturated and not good.
Edit: I was using LG c3 tv.

 

[Lucifers Beard]

Just to say that on some TVs the HGIG option is found within the 'game mode' settings. I've got a TCL panel upstairs that I've been using and it took me fucking ages to find the option as I was looking in the standard display options rather than specific game mode stuff.

Tears of the Kingdom went from looking like a washed out mess to something really quite impressive.

 

[Mozza]

Just to say that on some TVs the HGIG option is found within the 'game mode' settings. I've got a TCL panel upstairs that I've been using and it took me fucking ages to find the option as I was looking in the standard display options rather than specific game mode stuff.

Tears of the Kingdom went from looking like a washed out mess to something really quite impressive.

A HGiG option is not a necessity... Just make sure you turn your displays HDR tone mapping on.

 

[Signalis]

After making the changes it does seem to be a bit less washed out. Nintendo really has no idea what they are doing with HDR, or probably how to spell it.

As do most developers. Countless times games look better in SDR than HDR. I do know a thing or two about HDR so it's not that I'm uneducated. Every developer has their own way that they think HDR should be implemented and mostly it's bad.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

Yup. once you've done that you'll never need to touch the hdr settings again. Unless Nintendo update the switch 2 and change things

Thanks again, my games look a billion times better now

 

[KuraiShidosha]

Even on my high end Ryzen 9950x3D and RTX 5090 setup, I still prefer SDR with an InnoCN 27M2V which scores very well at HDR presentation. It's just a better looking image in everything I throw at it vs the very few HDR examples that are done right. Everything else ends up looking washed out and dull. It's a shame.