Dark scenes appearing excessively dim is a prevalent concern among TV aficionados. This issue particularly vexed Game of Thrones viewers during the 2019 episode “The Longest Night,” which was nearly impossible to view. The cinematographer noted back then, and it’s worth reiterating now: The content isn’t always overly dark; your TV settings may not be configured correctly.

This is also why Skinamarink didn’t resonate with me as much as others. My aging 2018 4K Roku TV is partially at fault for being basic—certain TVs manage dark scenes more effectively than others. In addition to making sure the environment is dark, you can modify your TV settings to optimize dark content.

If you’re a film enthusiast using an old LED TV, think about upgrading to OLED soon. However, whether you’re holding out for a discount or believe your current TV could improve, experimenting with settings may be beneficial—your TV’s factory settings might be inadequate. Most modifications don’t require in-depth knowledge of TV specifications.

Viewing modes differ by brand, and newer models might provide more extensive options. Nonetheless, there are general adjustments applicable to most TVs to enhance dark scenes:

Disable any light sensors. Some TVs attempt to alter their displays based on the ambient lighting, which can lead to excessive brightness and distorted images. Many users discover that deactivating ambient light sensors enhances the viewing experience.

Disable HDR. HDR, or high dynamic range, improves color and contrast but isn’t always advantageous for dark scenes. It can render low-light environments looking gray. Calibration of your TV might be needed for improved outcomes. PCMag provides a simple guide on calibrating your TV.

Watching in SDR can often be more pleasant for numerous TVs and dark scenes. 4K SDR is an option, letting you take advantage of 4K without the complications associated with HDR.

Not every streaming service supports HDR. Verify that the content you are viewing is HDR-compatible. Some platforms, like Netflix’s Premium tier, provide HDR content, while others, like Hulu, offer limited HDR choices. Your TV might be attempting to apply HDR to non-HDR visuals, which could degrade the experience.

Try utilizing Filmmaker Mode. This setting aims to showcase content as the filmmaker intended, without unnecessary enhancements. Adjusting settings such as color and tone mapping can assist in achieving a more balanced vibrancy.

OLED TVs are recommended for viewing in a variety of settings. They do not utilize a backlight, which permits deeper blacks and enhanced contrast. While OLED TVs are typically pricier, they provide superior performance in dark scenes. Some leading OLED models include:

– Best budget OLED: LG 65-inch B4 OLED 4K TV ($1,299.99)
– Best OLED TV for most users: LG 65-inch C5 OLED 4K TV ($1,599.99)
– Best OLED TV for well-lit rooms: Samsung 65-inch S95F QD-OLED 4K TV ($2,799.99)