Have I bought a duff 4KTV ?

[Tunnah]

I bought a Sony 4KTV, was told it is HDR and 4:4:4 capable. I was a bit apprehensive over it as I wanted the Samsung Quantum Dot, but they were out of stock (or was too expensive, can't remember my reason for going for this).

From the get-go it's been a nightmare. I have to switch back to 1080p desktop if I want to play a game at that resolution, because it constantly kicks back to desktop otherwise. But the big issue I've noticed is that when setting resolution, for 60hz only 4:2:0 is available, and Limited dynamic range.

If I set it to 30hz I can set it to RGB/Full and 4:4:4/Limited, the thing is..I'm not sure how much of a difference these make. Am I losing out on HDR being in 60hz ? Am I losing out on quality by being 4:2:0 ? This is all way above my know-how, but if I have indeed picked a lemon I'd rather know now (I can return it NP within 30 days, it's been 17), or am I being bothered over buzz ?

EDIT: Sony XD8305

[GoNz0]

Seems to be you did your homework post purchase and have answered most of your own questions relating to what mode it supports so I guess it is your choice if you want to return it in the 30 day period.

TBH you are better off asking this (if it hasn't already been discussed and I get the feeling it will have been) on the https://www.avforums.com/ website

[Tunnah]

That was actually my first choice place but they're not noob friendly, and I google'd which brought up a little info but it was above my head so I wasn't sure if it was answered or not haha.

[GoNz0]

That was actually my first choice place but they're not noob friendly, and I google'd which brought up a little info but it was above my head so I wasn't sure if it was answered or not haha.

But you are not being a noob, you have most of the info but it does sound like it only supports HDR 4,4,4 at 30hz, have you tried Sony support?

So what if they are a bit harsh on you over at the AV forums, I never had a problem jumping in so give it a go!

[kompukare]

To be fair to anyone on AV Forums, they first thing they'll probably ask is what is the exact model. Possible even the manufacturing date (in case Sony have taken to copying LG etc. and are operating a panel or controller lottery). Plus, what you are using to drive this and what cable.
Without the model number it is hard to do a quick google for the specs and other's experience - rather than going what Tunnah was told "Sony 4KTV, was told it is HDR and 4:4:4 capable".

[Bluecube]

The TV isn't switching into a gaming mode is it? I know that some TVs will detect when plugged into a console/ PC and activate a gaming mode which will run at 4.2.0

[Tunnah]

But you are not being a noob, you have most of the info but it does sound like it only supports HDR 4,4,4 at 30hz, have you tried Sony support?

So what if they are a bit harsh on you over at the AV forums, I never had a problem jumping in so give it a go!

Aye I posted on there

To be fair to anyone on AV Forums, they first thing they'll probably ask is what is the exact model. Possible even the manufacturing date (in case Sony have taken to copying LG etc. and are operating a panel or controller lottery). Plus, what you are using to drive this and what cable.
Without the model number it is hard to do a quick google for the specs and other's experience - rather than going what Tunnah was told "Sony 4KTV, was told it is HDR and 4:4:4 capable".

Whoops, added model

The TV isn't switching into a gaming mode is it? I know that some TVs will detect when plugged into a console/ PC and activate a gaming mode which will run at 4.2.0

Nay

[flearider]

hmm send it back .. you pay £600 for a 4k tv and expect it to be brilliant ?? not going to happen as it's the low end of the spectrum ..

here read this http://www.flatpanelshd.com/review.p...&id=1462946905

[Smudger]

According to Sony, that set is not HDR compatible. However, it seems a firmware update sneaked through, which triggered some HDR goodness, but only from USB sources. If you have an input source that can force HDR, apparently that works too...

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/andr...y/td-p/2234085

[Dashers]

Given that everything is online these days. I've gotten into the habit of reading manuals before buying. This might help: http://download.sony-europe.com/pub/...4593457131.pdf

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

It would not surprise me if it is more a graphics card or HDMI limitation TBF!!

[EndlessWaves]

According to Sony, that set is not HDR compatible. However, it seems a firmware update sneaked through, which triggered some HDR goodness, but only from USB sources. If you have an input source that can force HDR, apparently that works too...

https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/andr...y/td-p/2234085

The X8305C is last year's model and different to the XD8305 he has.

HDR isn't a single yes/no thing like 4K. It's a combination of three technologies and each of those technologies can be implemented in different degrees. Nothing right now has the ability to display the full range the standard allows for.

So the correct question is not 'does it have HDR' but 'what degree of HDR display ability does it have'.

The XD83 is best considered an entry level HDR TV. It's got a wider colour space - similar to an Adobe RGB monitor - but only a small increase in peak brightness and no local dimming ability for extra contrast. It's comparable to Samsung's KU6400 models in it's level of HDR ability, for a Samsung KS equivalent you'd be looking at the next model up in Sony's range, the XD93.


But back on topic, it should do what you want. Rtings comments for the XD80:

"It supports chroma 4:4:4 at up to 4k @ 60Hz. To display 4:4:4, set the scene to 'Graphics' or 'Game'. This results in an input lag of 33.3ms. It accepts a 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 signal only HDMI 2 and 3, and requires 'Enhanced HDMI' to be enabled in the input settings."

The XD83 is a very similar model but with a 120hz panel and twin tuners so those instructions are likely to apply to your TV as well.