Under which circumstances does MacOS consider a display "HDR capable"?

[medon78]

Using a MBA 2020 (M1) with a Dell P2415Q external 4k screen, connected via a Thunderbolt->DisplayPort adapter.

What I recently noticed:

MacOS (Monterey) seems to consider the Dell display not being HDR capable. If I play a HDR video on YouTube, it does not indicate "HDR mode" -- see first screenshot.

When playing the same video on the MBA Retina Display, the HDR option is there and active, see 2nd screenshot.

I understand that

- the Dell P2415Q is max. 300 nits and has 8+2(FRC) bit depth

- the MBA 2020 display is max. 400 nits, no idea about the bit depth or FRC

Now here's the question I have:

In case I'd like to get a new external display, I'd want it to be "HDR ready" -- so that my Mac can make use of it. I understand that those displays are quite a bit more expensive than my ~350USD Dell P2415Q, but still I am not exactly sure what tech specs to look out for.

Any ideas?

Cheers!




Dell P2415Q on MBA 2020 (M1) -- no HDR available




internal MBA 2020 (M1) display -- HDR available

 

[its_a_knife]

Are you trying to monitor your color grades in HDR or do you just want to watch HDR material off your laptop?

 

[medon78]

Are you trying to monitor your color grades in HDR or do you just want to watch HDR material off your laptop?

... the latter.

 

[its_a_knife]

I mean you're monitor is UHD but def not HDR capable and I am not sure why apple is saying the MBA is HDR when it really isn't. Maybe Apple doesn't something similar to DV to remap.

You're best off buying a TV with dolby vision as a monitor. Most monitors barely cover adobeRGB let alone P3 or Rec 2020. I would just make sure to look up the exact TV specs and look for how bright it is. Most of the affordable DV TV'S are only like 600 nits which is enough for me, but I know some people love their true 1000 nits.

 

[Tom_N]

I mean you're monitor is UHD but def not HDR capable and I am not sure why apple is saying the MBA is HDR when it really isn't. Maybe Apple doesn't something similar to DV to remap.

I found this: Apple Support - Play HDR Video on Mac

It sounds as though M1-based MacBook Airs may support HDR on HDR-capable HDMI monitors when using an adapter.

Intel-based Airs, and Airs connected to DisplayPort monitors, are out of luck.

 

[medon78]

I mean you're monitor is UHD but def not HDR capable and I am not sure why apple is saying the MBA is HDR when it really isn't. Maybe Apple doesn't something similar to DV to remap.

I found this: Apple Support - Play HDR Video on Mac

It sounds as though M1-based MacBook Airs may support HDR on HDR-capable HDMI monitors when using an adapter.

Intel-based Airs, and Airs connected to DisplayPort monitors, are out of luck.

That's an interesting find! Will give the HDMI connection a try, soon.

 

[medon78]

I mean you're monitor is UHD but def not HDR capable and I am not sure why apple is saying the MBA is HDR when it really isn't. Maybe Apple doesn't something similar to DV to remap.

I found this: Apple Support - Play HDR Video on Mac

It sounds as though M1-based MacBook Airs may support HDR on HDR-capable HDMI monitors when using an adapter.

Intel-based Airs, and Airs connected to DisplayPort monitors, are out of luck.

That's an interesting find! Will give the HDMI connection a try, soon.

... no difference with my setup:

[MBA M1] --TB---> [Anker Hub] --HDMI--> [Dell P2415Q].