Xbox Series X does not allow HDR10:on with Screen resolutions below 4K

guestar · Nov 15, 2020

Hi together,

I am using an Asos ROG Strix Monitor XG279Q and this model supports 2560x1440@144hz native, but it seems it also supports 4K (3840x2160@60hz) as input resolution and the monitor downscale it to 1440.

I received the following results:

Xbox Resolution 1440p @ 120 Hz, allow 4K: yes --> result: maximum 60hz, HDR 10 works pretty well

Xbox Resolution 1440p @ 120 Hz, allow 4K: no --> result: maximum 120hz, HDR 10 is not working

Xbox Resolution 4K UHD @ 60 Hz --> result: maximum 60 Hz, HDR 10 works

My first summary: Basically, I have luck, that my Asus monitor is capable of a 4K signal, although the panel scale it down to 1440p. But on the other hand side - with this setting - I can not use my monitor's very fast panel with 120 or 140hz when I want
to use HDR, which of course looks way better than SDR.

It seems that I have to decide between 120 Hz without HDR or 60 Hz with HDR. I would love to change the settings to 1440p @ 120 Hz with HDR on. I am really wondering why this is not possible/allowed.

Would be very interested in your experiences. Perhaps there are some workarounds or Microsoft is considering this in one of the next updates?

Cheers,

Günther

Screenshot allow 4K: (sorry - as I am from Austria, it is in German language)

Screenshot don't allow 4K:

:)

guestar

Hi,

Unfortunately the Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is limited to 60Hz with HDR, it's a limitation of the monitor hardware. It will either be HDR on or off I'm afraid.

A lot of gaming monitors have quite poor HDR, with low peak brightness. The "HDR" feature on a lot of monitors is a selling point that customers expect to see, rather than it being actually good. Also this monitor has a lot more input lag at 60Hz with HDR
enabled.

I would drop HDR and enjoy 1440P at 120Hz as a better option. Making sure you also enable Variable Refresh Rate.

Hi,

thank you for your fast reply and your explanation. Where did you find this info?

As I just bought this monitor because I thought it is a very good choice for the new Series X and the RTX 3070 as well, I can still change it to another Monitor - do you have any better suggestion for 27" and the Series X?

Thank you,

Günther

guestar

Wow - thank you - very detailed answer! Really thank you for your efforts.

I will investigate a little deeper and as Display-Port is no option for the Series X it probably would make anyway sense to wait for the upcoming HDMI 2.1 Monitors.

Obsessive Power

The information was found from the Rtings.com website
here

I must point out, the 60Hz limitation with HDR is via HDMI on this monitor. There is no limitation on a PC via Display Port. A very good monitor for a PC armed with an RTX 3070.

Xbox consoles are very fussy when it comes to refresh rates over HDMI. Rather than use the preferred refresh rate that the monitor will tell the console it can use over E-EDID, Microsoft have chosen to only accept timings from the official VESA standard
(Video Electronics Standards Association). If your chosen monitor doesn't have these timings, it won't be able to use all its features on an Xbox console.

This means you can't just go with what the marketing says on box, you have to dig deeper and look at the monitor manual and review sites to see what refresh rates are supported and, more importantly, if they are VESA.

Some monitor manuals actually state VESA and others put these other timings in a separate column called 'HDMI Video Timing'.

Obsessive Power

Hi,

Unfortunately the Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is limited to 60Hz with HDR, it's a limitation of the monitor hardware. It will either be HDR on or off I'm afraid.

A lot of gaming monitors have quite poor HDR, with low peak brightness. The "HDR" feature on a lot of monitors is a selling point that customers expect to see, rather than it being actually good. Also this monitor has a lot more input lag at 60Hz with HDR
enabled.

I would drop HDR and enjoy 1440P at 120Hz as a better option. Making sure you also enable Variable Refresh Rate.

MarvinaPerez

Make sure you have an Xbox Series X, Xbox One X or Xbox One S. In the back of the console, a sticker shows the model. If the adhesive is not, look for it below.
Important before turning the Xbox, make sure there is no album inside and then pour it.

Make sure you have a 4K TV. Check the box or television manual. Not all manufacturers use the same names. These are the denominations you have to look for:

Names for 4K
4K, 4K Ultra HD, UHD, UHD 4K, Suhd TV, Ultra HD, Ultra UDTV, 2160p
Resolutions or modes
3840 x 2160 to 24Hz, 50 Hz, 60Hz, 120 Hz

Names for HDR
HDR Premium, High dynamic range, HDR, UHD Color, Ultra HD Premium, Ultra HD Deep Color, HDR 10, Dolby Vision
In your Xbox, check the 4K and HDR functionalities of your TV. Press the buttonxbox  to open the guide, then go to profile and system> Configuration> General> screen and television options. Choose 4K television details.

For example, if you cannot select the 4K UHD resolution, 4K features are not admitted on the 4K TV Details, the 4K content does not reproduce or have problems with the quality of the video, try these suggestions.

Make sure Xbox automatically detects the TV. Go to Profile and System> Configuration> General> Screen and television options. In the advanced options column, choose fidelity and video envelope. In the screen column, make sure the automatic (recommended) detection is selected. The 4K feature is not available when HDMI or DVI are selected manually.

If strange colors are shown on the screen when reproducing HDR content, go to profile and system> Configuration> General> screen and television options. In the advanced options column, choose video modes and deactivate the allow HDR10 option.

If this does not solve the problem, it activates HDR10 again. Then, deactivate allow Dolby Vision and check if that solves the problem.
If an error appears when choosing 4K UHD in the screen settings, go to:
Solve a 4K UHD resolution error in Xbox

Xbox Series X does not allow HDR10:on with Screen resolutions below 4K