Best HDR Modes to Skip on Entry-Level Monitors

High Dynamic Range (HDR) promises breathtaking visuals, but many South African gamers get a rude shock when they enable it on a new budget monitor. Instead of vibrant colours, they get a washed-out, dim picture. We asked Riaan, our display specialist, to explain why this happens. He’s here to cut through the marketing hype and tell you when it’s better to just leave HDR turned off for a superior gaming experience. 🔧

Your HDR Questions, Answered

Q: What is HDR actually supposed to do, and why does it look so bleak on my monitor? A: HDR is all about expanding the range between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites, creating a more realistic and impactful image. The problem is, creating that "pop" requires very high peak brightness and special backlights with local dimming. Most entry-level monitors lack the hardware to do this properly, so when they try to display an HDR signal, the result is often a dim, greyish picture with washed-out colour.

Q: My monitor box says ‘DisplayHDR 400’. Is that not real HDR? A: This is the most common point of confusion. DisplayHDR 400 is the lowest tier of VESA's certification. It only requires a peak brightness of 400 nits, which is not much higher than a good standard dynamic range (SDR) monitor. Crucially, it doesn't require local dimming, the tech needed for deep blacks next to bright highlights. So while it's technically HDR, it won't deliver the transformative experience you see in demos. You’ll find this on many PC monitors.

Q: So, when should I just give up and turn HDR off? A: The simple answer is: whenever the picture looks worse. If you enable HDR in Windows or a game and the colours look faded, blacks turn grey, or the image is just too dim to see properly… turn it off. A well-calibrated SDR picture will look far better than a poorly implemented HDR one. This is true even for great brands. Mentioned gear: Many excellent Viewsonic monitors offer fantastic SDR performance, and you're better off enjoying that strength.

Q: Is there any scenario where DisplayHDR 400 might be worth using? A: It’s very subjective. Some users find it acceptable for watching movies or playing cinematic, single-player games, especially in a completely dark room where the limited brightness is less of an issue. However, for most desktop use and especially for competitive gaming where you need clarity and vibrant colours, you’re almost always better off with HDR disabled.

Q: If I’m ignoring HDR on a budget, what specs should I be looking for? A: Excellent question. Focus on the fundamentals! Look for a monitor with good sRGB colour gamut coverage (99% or higher) for accurate colours, a high refresh rate (144Hz+) for smooth motion, and a low response time (1ms GTG) to reduce ghosting. These features will have a much bigger impact on your daily enjoyment and gaming performance. Mentioned gear: This is especially true in the popular 27-inch to 32-inch monitors category where these core specs shine.

Q: Are there brands that offer great value if I’m not chasing HDR? A: Definitely. Many brands are popular in the South African gaming community specifically because they deliver fantastic performance for the price, focusing on core gaming features rather than weak HDR implementation. Mentioned gear: For example, many gamers choose AOC monitors for their high refresh rates and responsive panels, which are perfect for esports titles.

Key Takeaways

• ‘DisplayHDR 400’ is Not ‘True HDR’: It lacks the brightness and local dimming needed for a significant visual impact.
• Good SDR > Bad HDR: A properly calibrated standard image will look better than a washed-out, dim HDR image.
• Focus on Core Specs: On a budget, prioritise refresh rate, response time, and colour accuracy over a weak HDR certification.
• Trust Your Eyes: If enabling HDR makes the picture look worse, turn it off without a second thought. ✨