techoptimized

No Rest for the Wicked - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good but somewhat overly complicated HDR implementation as it can reach 2.000 nits while offering many, intertwined in-game HDR controls.You can leave regular Brightness, Contrast, Saturationand UI Brightness slidersto their Default/Middleposition as those already represent a balanced PQ/Gamma and I've found that experimenting with them will negatively affect HDR rendition.Now, moving with the other 3 HDR controls.If you have an LG OLEDand:> yo...

[4K/HDR] Optimized Gameplay Playlist

I'm glad to announce the opening of my new YouTube Playlist:[4K/HDR] Optimized GameplayYou will find Very High Quality (among the best seen on YT), Direct-feed gameplay recordings in Native 4K, 60fps, color-accurate and Calibrated HDR after applying all my PC Gaming Optimizations to my new PC (Full Specs and Setup in each video description)For this reason, I highly recommend to see them from a true HDR display!YouTube will still decently tone map them to SDR automatically if you can't.I will periodically add new gameplay recordings for ...

Immortals of Aveum - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.After patch 1.0.6.3 the game now officially supports HDR on all platforms.The implementation is only decent as Peak HDR Luminance is fixed around 1.000 nits and cannot be adjusted in-game. No other HDR controls are provided.So if you have a 1.000 nits TV (like LG G2 OLED) you can try HGIG while for all others: Dynamic Tone Mapping is recommended for this game.Enjoy ;)-P

Stellar Blade - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a decent HDR implementation as its actual Peak HDR Luminance can reach up to 3.000 nits but will average around 1.500-1.600 nits Peak with its default settings.Unfortunately, the provided in-game sliders will change the overall exposure/contrast of the game together with Peak Brightness so it's not recommended to be changed (as they already result in a balanced PQ by default).If you have an LG G3 or G4 OLED, you can try HGIG (forced in FMM via ColorControl)...

Rise of the Ronin - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation as it correctly uses system-level HDR calibration values.An additional general Gamma control is provided in-game:You can leave Screen Brightness slider to 10/Default/Middle position as it already represent a balanced exposure and gamma.Enjoy :)-P

Dragon's Dogma 2 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game provides similar in-game HDR sliders to recent Resident Evil games, but currently the Peak HDR Luminance control seems broken as, even if you change it, max luminance seems fixed around 800-900 nits max.Until Capcom fixes this Max Brightness (HDR) slider you can keep it as Default/Middle position and evaluate using HGIG if you have an 800 nits TV (like most LG OLEDs) otherwise Dynamic Tone Mapping is recommended for now.The other Brightness (HDR) slider ...

Alone in the Dark (2024) - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a decent HDR implementation as it reaches 1.000 nits Peak HDR Luminance but fixed and not adjustable. The additional in-game sliders do not affect it, but only control general Gamma and Contrast.For this reason, unless you're using HGIG with an actual 1.000 nits TV (like LG G2 OLED): Dynamic Tone Mapping is recommended for all the others.In all cases leave the additional Brightness and Contrast sliders to their Default/Middle value as they alread...

The new NVIDIA RTX HDR and NVIDIA App: a literal Game Changer for HDR on PC

After over 15 years since the launch of current NVIDIA Control Panel, which was enriched with options but has not changed at all from an UI/UX perspective (still resulting in a very slow, clunky and outdated experience), NVIDIA finally decided to completely overhaul its "Front-End" application to control all graphics settings and features within a single NVIDIA App, which is also merging GeForce Experience functionalities with no more need to log-in.While the new app is a very welcome refresh for managing the same Global and per-game se...

Skull and Bones - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox , Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation as it correctly applies the system level HDR values while also providing additional in-game HDR sliders.Leave all in-game settings to their default/middle values as they already provide a correct exposure/gamma.Enjoy :)-P

Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a decent HDR implementation but somewhat worse than FF7:R with a Peak HDR Brightness selector in numerical values (not in nits) which can go up to around 1.000 nits only, and only for specific lights and conditions while generally remaining in SDR range most of the time.For all TVs and configurations, I recommend leaving the regular Brightness slider to 0and max out the HDR Luminance slider to 10Considering how dim the game can be most of the time, I also recom...

Helldivers II - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation as it correctly applies the system level HDR Calibration values.The only additional in-game control is a generic "Brightness" slider.Considering the game has a very slight black raise, I recommend adjusting this slider to -1 Click from default/middle position.Enjoy :)-P

Suicide Squad - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The HDR implementation of this game is really bad as Black Levels are completely raised and washed out, Peak HDR Luminance is fixed and not adjustable to around 1.000 nits and provided in-game HDR sliders are totally useless...HGIG is also recommended as DTM may raise the already very elevated blacks even more.Don't try to change any of the in-game sliders or you will end up to an even worse/unbalanced picture.What you can do is changing the Fine Tune Dark Ar...

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox , Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.Along with Like a Dragon Gaiden, this is another Yakuza game to natively support HDR10 and has a good HDR implementation as it correctly applies the system-level HDR Calibration values to the game.Just double check that HDR is enabled in-game.No other adjustments are needed. :)Enjoy,-PBONUS: Make sure PS5 is set to "Prefer Performance Mode" for games in order for the game to run at 60fps.

Tekken 8 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a decent HDR implementation with a fixed, not adjustable in-game Peak HDR Luminance of around 1.000 nits while of around 400 nits during CGI sequences.For these reasons, you can use HGIG if your Peak HDR Luminance is exactly 1.000 nits otherwise Dynamic Tone Mapping is recommended.The game also provides additional HDR controls:In all cases, leave those to their default position as they already represent a balanced exposure/gamma.Enjoy :)-P

The Last of Us: Part II Remastered - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.Differently than TLOU: Part II base game, this Remastered have a different (but disappointing) HDR implementation, even if offering the same in-game HDR sliders.The game is in fact locked to a 10.000 nits peak HDR Luminance target but it will usually average around 2.000 nits peak in-game.If you try to change in-game Brightness and Contrast sliders you would only ruin the exposure and contrast of the game, which are already balanced at their default values.So, leave b...

Some Screenshots & Benchmarks from my new Gaming PC

UPDATE (02/07/2024):You can find updated screenshots and results after my latest PC Optimized Settings' tweaks here__________________________I just wanted to share some screenshots I grabbed in HDR (then auto-converted in SDR by Windows 11 DVR feature) frommy new gaming PCoptimized with all the suggestions you can find in myPC Guide.All games are maxed out & in 4K + DLSS Quality (except DLAA for FH5, Balanced for CB2077 and AW2 only) & Frame Gen (whenever available), performance is in the upper left corner.Starfield (with Normalized LUTs & ...

The Talos Principle 2 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation or PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation by offering an actual in-game Peak HDR Luminance control up to 10.000 nits along with additional HDR settings.If you have an LG OLED and:> you're using Dynamic Tone Mapping or Dynamic Contrast: Set Interface Brightness slider to: 200 (nits); Set Maximum Brightness slider to: 4.000 (nits).> you're using HGIG: Set Interface Brightness slider to: 200 (nits); Set Maximum Brightness slider to: 800 (nits) or 1.000 (for G2)...

Happy Holydays!

LG C3/G3 new possible auto-dimming issue (and fix)

Hello everybody,I'm reading numerous reports of LG C3/G3 OLED owners facing a new possible auto-dimming problem when using ALLM + Filmmaker Mode + DTM when gaming where the picture seems to gradually and noticeably dim and not recover even while moving the camera or playing normally.This seemingly started to happen only recently after a non-specified TV firmware update and/or console update (mainly reported on PS5), but no one sent me an hard proof of this yet...Personally I never had this issue on my G3 when using all my recommended settin...

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation/PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation by offering precise in-game Peak HDR Luminance control up to 5.000 nits along with a general Brightness/Gamma and UI Luminance sliders.Initially the game suffered from black level raise but it got fixed with later patches and my suggestions needed to be changed after Title Update 3.2 (Game Version 1.04).If you have an LG OLEDand:> you're using Dynamic Tone Mapping or Dynamic Contrast:Leave Brightness sliderto: 20;Set HDR Pe...

Next 2 weeks...

Just a small "update": I may be off / not responding for the next 2 weeks since I will travel for my honeymoon... 🥰I would like toThank Youall for your continuous support but also for your precious feedback.Enjoy a lot of HDR Gaming for my return!See you soon,-P

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox , Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.Like a Dragon Gaiden is the first Yakuza game to natively support HDR10 ever and has a good HDR implementation as it correctly applies the system-level HDR Calibration values to the game.The only strange thing is that by default the game will launch with the HDR: Off and you need to manually enable the in-game HDR toggle for it to work.And that's it :)No other adjustments are needed.Enjoy,-PBONUS:Make sure PS5 is set to "Prefer Performance Mode" for games...

Ghostrunner 2 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation/PC HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a basic HDR implementation as Peak HDR Luminance seems fixed to around 1.000 nits and the in-game HDR Brightness slider doesn't do anything at the moment...For these reasons, use Dynamic Tone Mapping to best adapt it to your TV.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox , Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.The title is literally a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) DLC camouflaged and repacked as a standalone sequel, so the same identical MW2 HDR Optimized Settings apply here.

Jusant - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES NOT USE/APPLY Xbox, Playstation and PC HDR Calibration app settings.The title has a decent HDR implementation by having a fixed, not controllable Peak HDR Luminance around 1.000 nits.For this reasons it's recommended to use Dynamic Tone Mapping to best adapt it to your TV.UPDATE:In-game options now include a generic Gamma slider (which I recommend to be set to leftmost) and also 2 new HDR settings: HDR Brightness: which won't alter the Peak HDR Luminance but only the exposure of the game, so I recommend to set it to Middle...

Alan Wake 2 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox, Playstationand PC HDR Calibration appsettings.The title has a good HDR implementation by actually leveraging the system level HDR calibration and also providing correct black levels in HDR.There are some instances where in-game actual peak brightness could have been higher (like the sun and the sky) but it seems having it dimmer is (another questionable) creators' intent as there are other elements (like torches or lamps) which confidently get closer to max luminance instead.Luckily the game is also offering ad...

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.Spider-Man 2 has a very good HDR implementation as it will correctly apply the system level HDR settings along with perfect black levels and great highlights.The game will also provide additional Brightness/Contrast sliders but I recommend to leave it at their default 50 value as they already provide a correct exposure/gamma.BONUS: Use the FIDELITY + 120hz + VRR + Uncapped Framerate mode on PS5: as this will retain the highest visual quality while providing the smoothest experienc...

Lords of the Fallen - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.The game has a good HDR implementation as it actually provides in-game Peak HDR Luminance control (in nits value, up to 2.000 nits) along with additional sliders.If you have an LG OLED and:> you're using Dynamic Tone Mapping or Dynamic Contrast: Set HDR calibration peak brightness slider to: 2.000 (nits, Max); Set HDR calibration UI levels slider to: the lowest you're comfortable with (for the UI/UX/Menus).> you're using HGIG: Set HDR calibration peak brigh...

Forza Motorsport - HDR Optimized Settings

The game DOES USE/APPLY Xbox HDR Calibration app settings.The game has one of the best HDR implementations ever as it actually leverages the system level HDR Calibration app, has perfect black levels and contrast by default but still offers in-game Peak HDR Luminance control in nits values (up to 10.000 nits) if needed.If you've already calibrated the system level HDR Calibration app on Xbox and/or PC for your TV, there's nothing else you should do as the picture will already by perfect by default.Just run the game and enjoy :)If for so...

Assassin's Creed: Mirage - HDR Optimized Settings

The game is NOT using/applying Xbox/Playstation HDR Calibration app settings.Unfortunately this game shares the same (bad) HDR implementation of AC: Valhalla (it actually was a Valhalla DLC initially, then repackaged as a standalone game).So even if Mirage provides an actual Peak HDR Luminance control and an Exposure setting, the actual luminance during gameplay is very dim and "SDR-like", even dimmer than SDR in many occasions.For this reason it is suggested to use Dynamic Tone Mapping in order to bring back a bright enough, "bette...