2020 QLED T models (Q80T, Q90T, Q800T, Q900T) HDR game mode brightness / local dimming bug

[Rauttis]

I bought a Q80T a couple of days ago and have noticed a really annoying issue when using the tv with the combination of HDR and game mode.

I'm fairly certain this is a software bug in the TV since I can reproduce this issue with 100% accuracy, and it happens on the dot at the same moment every time. It's basically on a timer.

Basically when the game is displaying a HDR signal and game mode is enabled, exactly after 6 minutes the brightness of the TV suddenly drops by around 20 (50 -> 30). The value of brightness setting doesn't actually change however. Messing with the brightness setting does not restore the brightness to it's original state, but changing the local dimming setting from standard to low and then back to standard does. Switching game mode off and then back on also fixes the issue, but then it happens again EXACTLY after 6 minutes (I've timed this with a stopwatch).

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Or can someone maybe test this on their TV to see if you can reproduce it?

Exact repro steps on how I can reproduce this 100% of the time on the PS4 Pro:

1. Set brightness to max (50)
2. Set local dimming to standard (bug happens on high as well)
3. Enable game mode
4. Turn off game motion plus
5. Turn off intelligent mode and all the brightness related settings in eco settings, as these can influence the brightness level of the tv.
6. Launch a game that runs in HDR
7. Start your stopwatch
8. Do whatever you want in the game or you can also go back to PS4 menus, find a bright scene where you can notice a brightness drop easily
9. When the stopwatch hits 6 minutes, you should see the TVs brightness suddenly drop by a large amount. By eye the brightness drop seems about equal to dropping the brightness from 50 -> 30 by hand.
10. Go to picture settings and set local dimming to low (brightness does not change)
11. Set local dimming back to standard (brightness suddenly jumps to the original level. Brightness can be restored by switching input away and back as well, or by disabling and re-enabling game mode)
12. And again after EXACTLY 6 minutes the bug again repeats and the brightness drops down again

Some other notes: The PS4 has a screensaver that basically dims the screen if it is idle for a while. This is not the cause of this, this happens even when the console is in active use and the brightness can be restored temporarily by changing the local dimming setting like described above. I have not managed to reproduce this issue with game mode off, so it seems to be related to game mode.

Software version: 1304

[Djf2884]

Problem with current Sony model is that none are actually having hdmi 2.1 out of the box.

Only tv that will have it is x900h and it will require android 11 update which basically is not for tomorrow.

Very frustrating situation having to choose between keeping this q80t model and hoping or return it and buy sony one and hoping too 

[ad1994]

I can't seem to replicate this on a Q80T (UK) using an Xbox One X. 

For those with the issue, would setting Eco Mode > Ambient light > 49/50 help regulate a constant 50 backlight (brightness)?

[ad1994]

(And I don't say that assuming nobody has tried it, more just to check it off as a solution, as I've only just seen this thread having bought the Q80T last week!)

[TomasTSH]

Tried it, still had dimming issues, though for me it happens only in with HDR content, still praying for a patch, as some people say

id it might be today.

[ad1994]

Ah that sucks. 

Hopefully it does get fixed, the TV is great other than the dimming. 

[Suriya]

Update is coming for sure just now checked with samsung. Today they're releasing it. informed me to wait for 2-3 days 

[jdk2087]

Just curious, who are you speaking with at Samsung that’s so sure about this update? I feel like everything else I see the Samsung reps are absolutely clueless. I would absolutely be stoked if the update was really coming you today. 

[TomasTSH]

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@Suriya wrote:

Update is coming for sure just now checked with samsung. Today they're releasing it. informed me to wait for 2-3 days 

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Fingers crossed, bought it from John Lewis 10 days ago, not sure if they would even accept a return with such an issue as it's been opened and used already 😕

[Snir4]

Wasn't there a rumor that a new version of qled would be released today? Some wrote that something had to come out today

[Mordechai]

I hope that they will release another HDMI 2.1 TV besides the X900H. The "PlayStation Company" only releasing a single Mid-Range HDMI 2.1 television for use with the new gen consoles would be a massive mistake.

I think Samsung exactly knows people don't really have alternatives to the new QLED series and slacks off even more when it comes to fixing their issues. Lets see if they redeem themselves in a few days...