Sony 55xbr900e HDR issue. Anyone ELSE have this problem?

[Bladerunner5375]

HELP!! I just purchased a Sony 55xbr900e and I'm having problems with the HDR! I have two devices connected to the TV, an Xbox One X and a Sony Ps4 Pro. I'm using HDMI ports 2&3 respectively. Now, here's the problem I'm having:

When using either device to play a game, the HDR won't turn on. I've turned on every setting I thought would make it work, but the strange thing is, the MENUS for both the PS4 and the XBOX are in HDR, but as soon as i insert a GAME and play, HDR is GONE. colors are drab, etc. When I then exit out of the game, the MENUS are NOT in HDR anymore!!

I even made sure the HDMI ports 2&3 had "enhanced" mode engaged, for HDR. the only time it truly LOOKS like I can get HDR when playing a game on EITHER system is when I turn OFF HDR on the game systems themselves, but leave ON HDR in the TV settings. Playing a 4k blu-ray on the xbox doesn't engage the HDR either. I"m pulling my hair out!

What the bloody blazes is going on here? Obviously the problem is the TV, not the video game systems. Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

[vincentric]

A long shot but try doing a hard reset on the TV by holding down the power button on the remote until it shuts down (should restart on its own). An even longer shot am thinking perhaps the HDMI cables that came with the Pro and X1X are at fault, try switching those out. Am assuming you're running with latest firmware installed as well, if not try to see if there is a new one available to update, beyond that, may need to exchange the TV if it's defective.

[Bodyslide]

Check the Settings page here to see if it can help out.

https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/sony/x900e/settings

[Fred Bang]

I am experiencing the same thing as you. But I don't think it's because "HDR is gone". I actually starting to think that his is what HDR is supposed to look like. I discovered this while playing Battlefront 2 and realising the splash screen (with Darth Maul on it) suddenly becomes less vibrant when HDR kicks in.

From what I understand: the initial resolution while in SDR is "2160p - RGB". When HDR kicks in, the resolution is automatically changed to "2160p - YUV422". That is because RGB and HDR is impossible with the current 2.0 HDMI cable or something. So once a HDR game start, the color space is changed, and when you switch back to the menu (with the game running in the background), so actually see the new color space where the colors looks less vibrant than with RGB.

Now, regarding the fact that HDR looks a bit more drab (and I asked the same thing in the HDR discussion thread): I think this IS what HDR is supposed to look like: more realistic colors that are not unaturally oversaturated. but I might be wrong.

If you google "HDR colors washed" you'll see that numerous people are complaining about this. But it might just be because some of us comes from the SDR world and are not used to it.

Because once you forgot about that problem, it DOES look spectular and much more immersive with HDR.

[DavePS3]

If you're running these systems through a receiver... don't. I have the PS4-Pro connected to a Samsung Q9 and the difference with and without the HDR is pretty noticable. You should see brighter lights, more contrast and more shades of colors so if you're not, something's not right. It should NOT be the other way round but take the panel off Game Mode if you have it engaged.

[Fred Bang]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

If you're running these systems through a receiver... don't. I have the PS4-Pro connected to a Samsung Q9 and the difference with and without the HDR is pretty noticable. You should see brighter lights, more contrast and more shades of colors so if you're not, something's not right. It should NOT be the other way round but take the panel off Game Mode if you have it engaged.

I do have more lights and contrast, and more natural colors, but the colors are still less saturated than SDR.

[Fred Bang]

Look at the video here of Horizon Zero Dawn HDR vs SDR. The SDR colors are much more vivid... but less natural. It's pretty much the experience I'm having.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTNKx-BMG4s

[Bladerunner5375]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

If you're running these systems through a receiver... don't. I have the PS4-Pro connected to a Samsung Q9 and the difference with and without the HDR is pretty noticable. You should see brighter lights, more contrast and more shades of colors so if you're not, something's not right. It should NOT be the other way round but take the panel off Game Mode if you have it engaged.

I'm going straight into the tv with the PS4, no receiver at all.

[cochon]

Originally Posted by Bladerunner5375

HELP!! I just purchased a Sony 55xbr900e and I'm having problems with the HDR! I have two devices connected to the TV, an Xbox One X and a Sony Ps4 Pro. I'm using HDMI ports 2&3 respectively. Now, here's the problem I'm having:

When using either device to play a game, the HDR won't turn on. I've turned on every setting I thought would make it work, but the strange thing is, the MENUS for both the PS4 and the XBOX are in HDR, but as soon as i insert a GAME and play, HDR is GONE. colors are drab, etc. When I then exit out of the game, the MENUS are NOT in HDR anymore!!

I even made sure the HDMI ports 2&3 had "enhanced" mode engaged, for HDR. the only time it truly LOOKS like I can get HDR when playing a game on EITHER system is when I turn OFF HDR on the game systems themselves, but leave ON HDR in the TV settings. Playing a 4k blu-ray on the xbox doesn't engage the HDR either. I"m pulling my hair out!

What the bloody blazes is going on here? Obviously the problem is the TV, not the video game systems. Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

It's only a guess but HDMI3 is the ARC on that TV right? Try to leave that unplugged and use a different input instead and let me know if the problem goes away, I am interested in knowing if #3 causes problems.

[gkolb]

Originally Posted by Fred Bang

I am experiencing the same thing as you. But I don't think it's because "HDR is gone". I actually starting to think that his is what HDR is supposed to look like. I discovered this while playing Battlefront 2 and realising the splash screen (with Darth Maul on it) suddenly becomes less vibrant when HDR kicks in.

From what I understand: the initial resolution while in SDR is "2160p - RGB". When HDR kicks in, the resolution is automatically changed to "2160p - YUV422". That is because RGB and HDR is impossible with the current 2.0 HDMI cable or something. So once a HDR game start, the color space is changed, and when you switch back to the menu (with the game running in the background), so actually see the new color space where the colors looks less vibrant than with RGB.

Now, regarding the fact that HDR looks a bit more drab (and I asked the same thing in the HDR discussion thread): I think this IS what HDR is supposed to look like: more realistic colors that are not unaturally oversaturated. but I might be wrong.

If you google "HDR colors washed" you'll see that numerous people are complaining about this. But it might just be because some of us comes from the SDR world and are not used to it.

Because once you forgot about that problem, it DOES look spectular and much more immersive with HDR.

Question for you guys !

What settings do you have for movie watching? You should have one group for SDR 1080 and another for HDR 4K. My Sony Z9D in HDR has the backlight maxed out, for starters. If you're at 30 in HDR no wonder the colors are washed out. Go to the RTINGS website and get some starter settings for HDR and SDR for 900E, and then go from there. I have to manually switch between my settings for HDR and SDR (stored in Home and Pro) depending on source and the last thing I watched on my Z. I suspect you'll have to as well.

Good Luck !

[Bladerunner5375]

Originally Posted by gkolb

Question for you guys !

What settings do you have for movie watching? You should have one group for SDR 1080 and another for HDR 4K. My Sony Z9D in HDR has the backlight maxed out, for starters. If you're at 30 in HDR no wonder the colors are washed out. Go to the RTINGS website and get some starter settings for HDR and SDR for 900E, and then go from there. I have to manually switch between my settings for HDR and SDR (stored in Home and Pro) depending on source and the last thing I watched on my Z. I suspect you'll have to as well.

Good Luck !

Thanks, Kolb. The TV is my son's, and he uses it strictly for video games and nothing else. I was going off of the settings for gaming I found on RTINGS.com. I'm at wits end. Nothing i'm trying is working. Sony's customer service chat was useless. they just provided me a link that did nothing for me. It's unreal. driving me crazy. How the hell can HDR look WORSE than SDR? thanks anyway!

[Bladerunner5375]

Originally Posted by cochon

It's only a guess but HDMI3 is the ARC on that TV right? Try to leave that unplugged and use a different input instead and let me know if the problem goes away, I am interested in knowing if #3 causes problems.

I have the Xbox One X running on hdmi input 3. The PS4 is on 2. You think leaving HDMI 3 empty will help? I'll try it, but i'm having the same exact problem on both inputs. thanks.

[vincentric]

I have the 930e which should function very similarly, if not identically, in terms of overall setting to the 900e am using HDMI input 2 & 3 enhanced with no problem, leaving input 3 empty should not make a difference but it doesn't hurt to try. One way to know HDR is working is that the TV will switch Brightness (the backlight in this case) to max and XDR (xtended dynamic range) to high, it will then switch brightness and xdr back to default (or whatever setting you were using) for SDR. In the advanced settings menu there is a video options tab where HDR Mode and Color Space should be left at auto and hdmi video range can normally be left at auto but to be sure have it matching the source for example, if you have limited set in the X1X and PS4Pro then also have limited selected in the TV as well. Apologies if you already knew all that if you need any more detailed settings info feel free to ask.

[Bladerunner5375]

Originally Posted by vincentric

I have the 930e which should function very similarly, if not identically, in terms of overall setting to the 900e am using HDMI input 2 & 3 enhanced with no problem, leaving input 3 empty should not make a difference but it doesn't hurt to try. One way to know HDR is working is that the TV will switch Brightness (the backlight in this case) to max and XDR (xtended dynamic range) to high, it will then switch brightness and xdr back to default (or whatever setting you were using) for SDR. In the advanced settings menu there is a video options tab where HDR Mode and Color Space should be left at auto and hdmi video range can normally be left at auto but to be sure have it matching the source for example, if you have limited set in the X1X and PS4Pro then also have limited selected in the TV as well. Apologies if you already knew all that if you need any more detailed settings info feel free to ask.

thanks, VInce! I'll double check on that! I really appreciate it.

[vincentric]

Really hope you get it solved, I'll share my ps4 pro and x1x settings as well in case there's anything useful you find in it.

PS4 Pro:
Resolution Auto
RGB Range Limited
HDR Auto
Deep Color Output Auto

These settings should automatically detect HDR, also when you press the home button while HDR signal is active the menus should remain in hdr, when you eject the disc or close the app the menus should go back to SDR.

X1X:
TV Resolution 4K UHD
30 bits per pixel (10-bit) [to match the TV's panel]
Color Space Standard (equivalent to limited)
TV Connection Auto Detect (this should check mark every available box to the right for your tv which is everything except for 3D)

This should automatically detect HDR as well for both movies and games and switch back to SDR when you quit them or eject the disc. The X1X menus are always SDR.

[gkolb]

Originally Posted by Bladerunner5375

Thanks, Kolb. The TV is my son's, and he uses it strictly for video games and nothing else. I was going off of the settings for gaming I found on RTINGS.com. I'm at wits end. Nothing i'm trying is working. Sony's customer service chat was useless. they just provided me a link that did nothing for me. It's unreal. driving me crazy. How the hell can HDR look WORSE than SDR? thanks anyway!

If the game is outputting HDR, you need HDR settings, not SDR AFAIK (but I'm not a gamer). Again, best luck.

[Fred Bang]

Ok I resolved MY issue which has possibly nothing to do with your own. My issue was with SDR, not HDR. I don't know if there was a bug or what not, but in SDR the colors were overbright (which made HDR look pale in comparison). I think the color space wasn't setting itself correctly despite being set to "AUTO" (in video option/color space). It's like if it was stuck on that BT.2020 setting. I was playing Arkham City and the reds were ridiculously bright (ie: batman had lipstick). When playing uncharted and turning off HDR (in game), everything would become very reddish and saturated outdoors.

Now for the fix, which I'm not sure because I did lots of things: I first unplugged from HDMI 2 and tried HDMI 3. When I first plugged it in, it looked like the colors were still saturated (using 2160p -RGB). I then turned off that LIVE COLOR setting and the colors were ok. But this is where it gets weird: when I played with LIVE COLOR again, the colors got a bit brighter but not saturated as it was before.

So now, when I start battlefront 2, the splash screen no longer goes oversaturated to normal HDR colors. HDR IS slightly more muted, but it looks way better than SDR overall. When I flipped HDR ON/OFF in Uncharted, the colors now remains mostly the same. It'S more the lighting that changes and becomes more natural in HDR

Lastly I plugged it back to HDMI 2, turned off LIVE COLOR and didn't have any problems anymore.

Bottom line: I don't know if there was a bug in the live color feature, or if simply the unplugging/replugging that fixed everything.

[cochon]

Originally Posted by Fred Bang

Ok I resolved MY issue which has possibly nothing to do with your own. My issue was with SDR, not HDR. I don't know if there was a bug or what not, but in SDR the colors were overbright (which made HDR look pale in comparison). I think the color space wasn't setting itself correctly despite being set to "AUTO" (in video option/color space). It's like if it was stuck on that BT.2020 setting. I was playing Arkham City and the reds were ridiculously bright (ie: batman had lipstick). When playing uncharted and turning off HDR (in game), everything would become very reddish and saturated outdoors.

Now for the fix, which I'm not sure because I did lots of things: I first unplugged from HDMI 2 and tried HDMI 3. When I first plugged it in, it looked like the colors were still saturated (using 2160p -RGB). I then turned off that LIVE COLOR setting and the colors were ok. But this is where it gets weird: when I played with LIVE COLOR again, the colors got a bit brighter but not saturated as it was before.

So now, when I start battlefront 2, the splash screen no longer goes oversaturated to normal HDR colors. HDR IS slightly more muted, but it looks way better than SDR overall. When I flipped HDR ON/OFF in Uncharted, the colors now remains mostly the same. It'S more the lighting that changes and becomes more natural in HDR

Lastly I plugged it back to HDMI 2, turned off LIVE COLOR and didn't have any problems anymore.

Bottom line: I don't know if there was a bug in the live color feature, or if simply the unplugging/replugging that fixed everything.

Good to hear! The operating system on the TV is quite good but sometimes it becomes a bit less responsive. I don't remember if it's been discussed but from time to time it benefits from a soft reset. You press and hold the power onthe remote until it restarts.

[Fred Bang]

Originally Posted by cochon

Good to hear! The operating system on the TV is quite good but sometimes it becomes a bit less responsive. I don't remember if it's been discussed but from time to time it benefits from a soft reset. You press and hold the power onthe remote until it restarts.

Do you lose your settings when you do this?

[cochon]

Not by doing it that way, you will lose them when you do a full reset through the Home>setting menu