New with 4K Monitor - Advice needed

[youngmac]

Hello there,

It is the first time I am using a 4K monitor ever, I love it. I just had some questions, would be great if you could help me:

1. Is it best to leave it at default settings on the Display Settings? Do you lose quality if, for example, you use 1440P up from 1080P scaling?

2. My monitor has HDR capability? Do I have to tick "High Dynamic Range" in the settings to see HDR content? When I tick yes I'm not a fan of the colour when browsing and reading.

3. Is it normal when I put my MBP in clamshell, the colour settings changes? Not from the monitor settings but I can see the colour of the screen suddenly changing.

4. just 1 last question, I use MBP and windows laptop. MBP i managed to get 60HZ (USB c to DP cable) then I have 2 hdmi port left with the windows laptop I get max 30hz. What would be the solution to get 60HZ on my windows laptop? Should I get a USB c Dock? I am trying not to switch cables and keeping everything connected.

 

[FNH15]

Hello there,

It is the first time I am using a 4K monitor ever, I love it. I just had some questions, would be great if you could help me:

1. Is it best to leave it at default settings on the Display Settings? Do you lose quality if, for example, you use 1440P up from 1080P scaling?

2. My monitor has HDR capability? Do I have to tick "High Dynamic Range" in the settings to see HDR content? When I tick yes I'm not a fan of the colour when browsing and reading.

3. Is it normal when I put my MBP in clamshell, the colour settings changes? Not from the monitor settings but I can see the colour of the screen suddenly changing.

4. just 1 last question, I use MBP and windows laptop. MBP i managed to get 60HZ (USB c to DP cable) then I have 2 hdmi port left with the windows laptop I get max 30hz. What would be the solution to get 60HZ on my windows laptop? Should I get a USB c Dock? I am trying not to switch cables and keeping everything connected.

1. Remember that macOS uses pixel doubling on HighDPI displays - your 1440p is 4K, but with all UI assets using high quality assets. You can go higher without losing image fidelity (the use more space option).

2. I’d leave HDR off - my understanding is that macOS will detect HDR content and display it appropriately.

3. That’s because your MBP has an ambient light sensor which controls the True Tone function, which also applies to external monitors. When it’s closed the sensor is physically disconnected, hence the color change.

4. Sounds like an issue with the PC - make sure its GPU supports 4K @ 60 hertz.

 

[youngmac]

1. Remember that macOS uses pixel doubling on HighDPI displays - your 1440p is 4K, but with all UI assets using high quality assets. You can go higher without losing image fidelity (the use more space option).

2. I’d leave HDR off - my understanding is that macOS will detect HDR content and display it appropriately.

3. That’s because your MBP has an ambient light sensor which controls the True Tone function, which also applies to external monitors. When it’s closed the sensor is physically disconnected, hence the color change.

4. Sounds like an issue with the PC - make sure its GPU supports 4K @ 60 hertz.

Thank you very much, that's very helpful. Just some answers to your answers below

1. Got it - I think 1440P is the highest I can go for readability.
2. See the screenshot I attached, do you mean I should leave HDR off on the Mac? When it is on it looks good on videos but I feel the colour is too yellowish not just for contents but the whole screen.
3. Oh really, I learn something new. I didn't know True Tone was extended to external. OK
4. Yes my windows laptop GPU supports 60HZ when I use USB C to display port. It is the cable I'm using for MBP.
To be honest I don't see much difference because I only do email and office stuff on the windows laptop.