MacOS HDR Mode looks dull and grey

I have this exact same issue. And you described it perfectly (each time). I'm not sure why this is so hard for support/others to understand...

I'm using an Asus ProArt monitor (PA279CV) and when I enable HDR on my mac in the display settings for that external monitor, proper HDR content (youtube) looks great, but anything else being fed from my Macbook Pro (2021 M1 Max) looks like SDR/grayed out content. HDR video good. Web browsing, Finder, and basically any other application is not HDR. Further, my MBP's own display doesn't behave this way (both HDR + SDR content looks good).

Is there a setting that needs to be changed to ensure that ALL content outputted to the external Asus monitor will look good in HRD mode?

Hi there Christian,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities!

The steps below may help with resolving the HDR video issue you're noticing on your external monitor:

Getting the best HDR picture

If HDR video doesn't play in high dynamic range or with the quality you expect, try these solutions.

Check your Mac

stall the latest Apple software updates for macOS Catalina or later. Some HDR features are available only with the latest macOS.

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Displays. In Display Settings, make sure that High Dynamic Range is selected. This setting appears only on third-party displays that support HDR10, not on built-in displays. If you don't want to use HDR, deselect this checkbox.

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Battery or Energy Saver. If “Optimize video streaming while on battery” is selected in battery settings, your Mac saves energy by playing HDR video in standard dynamic range (SDR) while on battery power. To play in HDR, connect your Mac to power or deselect this checkbox.

HDR content might play at resolutions no greater than 1080p on Intel-based Mac mini, Intel-based MacBook Pro, and Intel-based MacBook Air models, depending on the HDR content and the display on which it is viewed.

Check your external display

Some TVs support HDR only on a specific input, such as HDMI input 2 or HDMI input 3. Check your TV's documentation for details.

Make sure that your display supports HDR10. If the display has its own HDR setting, turn it on or set it to prefer HDR when available.

Make sure that your display is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. Check your display's documentation for details.

Check your media

If you're playing premium content from a third-party content provider, check with the content provider to be sure that they support HDR on your Mac.

Check your cables and other devices

If you're using HDMI, make sure that the HDMI cable and any adapter you might be using with it both support HDR10. Apple recommends HDMI cables that have been tested with Apple TV 4K and a wide range of TVs, such as the Belkin UltraHD HDMI Cable. Compatible adapters include the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter.

If your video connection passes through an AV receiver, sound bar, or other device before connecting to your display, make sure that the device supports HDR10 and is using the latest firmware from the manufacturer. You can test by connecting your Mac directly to the display.

Check your viewing environment

The brightness and color of HDR video might vary depending on your Mac model and the lighting in your environment. Lower lighting conditions, such as in a dim room, enhance the visual effect of HDR.

Check your network

The video quality of content that you stream over a network, including over the internet, is affected by the quality of that network. To stream high-quality video formats, you need a fast connection. Apple recommends a minimum speed of 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.

This information can be found in Play HDR video on Mac.

If the issue persists, and only with the external display, see if you notice it with other external displays connected to your Mac.

Cheers!

Christian,

Let's see if the information included in the LG website helps you out: Monitor - Connecting to a Mac | LG. The path you're going to take is to select "Troubleshooting > Contrast or color issues". This will get you to the section you need to help resolve your issue.

"If your entire display image seems too dark or too bright, you can adjust the brightness and contrast from the Displays pane of System Preferences, or by using your display's built-in controls.

Adjust brightness and contrast

To adjust the brightness of your Apple display, press the brightness key (F2 key) on your keyboard. You can also use the brightness adjustment for each connected display in System Preferences > Displays. Displays not made by Apple sometimes have brightness and color adjustments built into the display. Check the documentation for your display to see if it includes built-in controls.

When you connect a display, projector, or HDTV using an HDMI cable, you might see a difference in video quality if your display is set to television mode. Check your device for a "monitor mode" setting to achieve the best video quality. You can also calibrate each display from the Color tab of Displays preferences to get the best color and brightness from your display."

This should help you. If not, we'd suggest working with LG to see if they have other tips or suggestions: Get Product Help & Support | LG.

Kind regards.