Windows 10/117 min readReviewed 2026-07-29

Washed-out colors over HDMI but not DisplayPort

Match GPU RGB output range with the monitor black-level expectation without hiding the problem using contrast controls.

Quick diagnosis

If black appears gray over HDMI and a black-level pattern restores correctly when RGB Full is selected, the issue is a quantization-range mismatch.

1
Confirm native PC timing
Use the monitor’s native resolution and refresh rate.
2
Inspect GPU output format
Choose RGB and compare Full with Limited while viewing a known level pattern.
3
Match the monitor range
Set the monitor HDMI black-level option to the corresponding range where exposed.
4
Check clipping
Verify near-black and near-white steps remain distinct rather than judging saturation alone.

For a PC monitor, RGB Full is commonly appropriate; the GPU output and monitor expectation must agree.

Use a level pattern to confirm black is dark without crushing near-black detail.
Restart and verify the GPU retains the selected range.
Compare HDMI and DisplayPort at the same mode.

• If the range resets or Full is unavailable, verify the exact GPU driver, adapter, EDID, and selected TV/PC timing.

It may disguise part of it, but cannot correctly restore both black and white level mapping.

Adjust desktop color settings: output dynamic range
NVIDIA. Full and limited output dynamic range behavior.

Diagnose it in this order

Use the monitor’s native resolution and refresh rate.

Choose RGB and compare Full with Limited while viewing a known level pattern.

Set the monitor HDMI black-level option to the corresponding range where exposed.

Verify near-black and near-white steps remain distinct rather than judging saturation alone.