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

[jayh89]

Has anyone got anywhere with this? I could live with it a little longer if I knew a fix was coming. It kinda makes FIFA unplayable. 

[LCDeez]

With both settings at 0 it still stutters? What if you turn up judder to 1? Any difference? 

[Iskandarkebab]

Yep, you should turn up at least to 1 one of the effects. And also black equalizer to 1 at least.

[jayh89]

So, one of the mods on here is going to bring this up with the TV team tomorrow in a conference call. Fingers crossed the TV folk take it seriously.

[Luke_H]

Good stuff! Ive raised it via the uk support team also. Hope they find a solution to this.

[Okarin]

Does this issue happen to all 2020 QLED T series?
I'm from SEA and there is a deal currently. $1400 for 55 inch Q95T. It does not have a new firmware that fix ghosting yet though.
I really really hope Samsung can fix all the issues. I want a new TV for next gen console. I can buy OLED but I play lots of RPG with static hud, especially Cyberpunk 2077 will have lots of red HUD. I don't want to risk burn-in (no 5 years best buy warranty here) ...

[Iskandarkebab]

Unhopefully yes...its an issue with all 2020 qled tvs. Hope they fix It soon as It seems software issue

[jayh89]

I really hope it’s a software thing. It just be eh? It’s trying to get Samsung to fix it that’s proving an issue! If it isn’t fixed soon, I’ll be returning the tv.

[Okarin]

I don't know why it takes them too long to fix such a simple issue. It really kills my hype.
In my country, all of the retailers won't let you refund the TV. They said it depends on Samsung. I tried to contacted Samsung and asked them if the issue happens, can I get the refund? They said no, Samsung in my country does not have that policy. The retailer/Samsung can only replace with the same model.

[AntS]

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@jayh89 wrote:
So, one of the mods on here is going to bring this up with the TV team tomorrow in a conference call. Fingers crossed the TV folk take it seriously.

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Cheers, jayh89! 

Figured I'd post the update on this one in the thread for you all. Not too much to tell other than confirmation that the TV R&D guys have been investigating the issue, and that my colleague is going to chase that up. Any further news, I'll keep you guys posted.