HDR on Mac Studio M2 with LG 42" TV

[kumaramesh]

Hi all,

I am new to the apple ecosystem. I have an LG 42" TV which I use with my XPS 15, but am keen on switching to a Mac Studio. I have read conflicting accounts of how the HDMI 2.1 on the mac studio is limited on high resolutions on the one hand (https://tinyurl.com/5n9a4j5k), and statements about 4k at 120 hz working flawlessly on the other (mostly on MBPs). What am I missing? My question: Can I output 4k HDR or 4k 120 hz from my Mac Studio to my LG 42" TV? If yes, would that be through the HDMI port or one of the thunderbolt ports?

Thanks!

 

[traderdude123]

you can output 4k 120hz HDR but only with certain lower resolutions.

The usb-c to hdmi 2.1 adapter or cables do not have sufficient bandwidth i.e 48Gbps. The TV supports 48GBps but usb-c supports upto 40Gbps.

so you have to fit in 4k 120hz RGB + HDR in 40Gbps. for this macOS UI will have to be scaled down.

If you can borrow or get a usb-c to hdmi 2.1 cable/adapter , try out if the resolutions that support HDR suit your requirement.

if you work with SDR only , then no issues. you can use full UI scale and get 120hz RGB.

 

[kumaramesh]

Thanks @traderdude123 . That makes sense. Would you know if it's any different if the connection is HDMI to HDMI, especially since the refreshed studio now has HDMI 2.1, as does my TV?

 

[traderdude123]

Thanks @traderdude123 . That makes sense. Would you know if it's any different if the connection is HDMI to HDMI, especially since the refreshed studio now has HDMI 2.1, as does my TV?

It does not matter if you use USB-c to HDMI or HDMI to HDMI. The limitation is the same.

Only Apple can remove/fix this limitation.

I have tried both usb-c-hdmi and hdmi-hdmi connection from my mac mini m2 pro connected to sony a95L.

HDR is only available if i reduce the refresh rates. But i rarely work or use HDR so it doesn't matter much.

I guess this HDR limitation is because apple does not want you to buy third party monitor, but to buy their XDR monitors.

This is how apple always play.

So if you want proper 4k HDR with full scaling options, windows is way to go.

 

[kumaramesh]

Thanks. That explains things.