HDR, Dolby Vision and Frame Rate Matching on Streaming Boxes

If live TV looks washed out, juddery or oddly dark, the fix is usually in your streaming box's display settings, not the app. This guide explains 4K, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision in plain English, why frame-rate matching matters in the UK, and where to find the settings on Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV and the Nvidia Shield.

Quick answer: Turn on frame-rate matching (so a 50 Hz UK broadcast is not forced into 60 Hz), set dynamic range to switch automatically between SDR and HDR, and make sure the HDMI input on your TV is set to its enhanced or full-bandwidth mode. Menu names vary by device and software version.

None of this depends on where your streams come from. It is about getting your hardware to show them properly. For choosing a box, see the Android TV box buying guide and Google TV devices compared.

What is the difference between 4K, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision?

4K describes resolution (about four times the pixels of 1080p). HDR (high dynamic range) is separate: it widens the range between dark and bright and the range of colours. A picture can be 4K without HDR, or HDR at a lower resolution.

HLG was developed by the BBC and NHK so that one signal could work on both SDR and HDR TVs. Whether a particular programme is in HLG, and on which platform, changes over time, so check the broadcaster rather than assuming.

A source can only deliver HDR if it contains HDR. A 1080p SDR stream will not become real HDR by switching a setting.

Why does 50 Hz versus 60 Hz cause judder?

UK broadcast TV runs at 50 Hz (25 frames per second, or 50 fields/frames). Many boxes default to a 60 Hz output because it suits menus and US content. If your box has to show 25 or 50 fps video on a 60 Hz screen, it must repeat some frames unevenly, which shows up as stuttering in panning shots. Films at 24 fps have a similar issue on 60 Hz output.

Frame-rate matching switches the output refresh rate to suit the video. Your screen may go blank for a moment as it changes mode. That is normal. It only works if the app supports it, and some apps and TVs handle it badly.

How do I turn on HDR and frame-rate matching on a Fire TV?

On recent Fire OS versions (menus can differ by model and software):

1. Go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Display.
2. Open Video Resolution and set it to Auto (needed for matching).
3. Open Dynamic Range Setting and choose Adaptive. This only enables HDR when the content is HDR. The alternative, "Always HDR", can make menus look washed out on some TVs.
4. Turn on Match Original Frame Rate. Some users report audio sync problems with an AV receiver when it is on, so turn it off if you see that.

Also check the TV's HDMI input setting (often called Enhanced, Deep Colour or similar). See the Fire TV Stick setup guide and Fire Stick slow fix.

How do I turn it on with a Google TV or Android TV box?

Google TV and Android TV menus vary by manufacturer and version. In general:

1. Open Settings > Display & Sound (some devices use Device Preferences > Display & Sound).
2. Look for Advanced display settings and an option for Match content frame rate (the wording differs, and it may offer choices such as seamless or non-seamless).
3. Look for HDR format options, such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, and set them to automatic.
4. Check the resolution setting is Auto.

We could not confirm exact paths for every device, so treat these as pointers. Some budget boxes have fewer options, and not all support Dolby Vision. More on those in Google TV devices compared.

How do I turn it on with an Apple TV?

Apple's support pages place this under Settings > Video and Audio > Match Content:

1. Turn on Match Dynamic Range, which switches between SDR, HDR and Dolby Vision to suit the content.
2. Turn on Match Frame Rate, which matches 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps content. These are off by default.
3. If Apple TV is unsure what your TV supports, it lets you test unverified formats from the same menu.
4. A Quick Media Switching option may appear if your TV supports it, which reduces the blank screen when changing rates.

Matching only applies when the app supports it, and some third-party apps have reported problems, in which case turning off the matching options is the usual fix. See also Apple TV player setup.

How do I turn it on with an Nvidia Shield?

1. For Dolby Vision on a compatible display, go to Settings > Device Preferences > Display & Sound and look for the Dolby Vision option. NVIDIA's guidance covers 4K at 60 Hz, and lower refresh rates are chosen through the advanced display settings.
2. NVIDIA describes Match frame rate (beta) as an experimental quick setting during playback, which you activate from the Quick Settings menu (not a permanent switch).
3. NVIDIA says Plex and Kodi already support automatic frame-rate matching on Shield, and not to use the quick setting alongside them. Kodi's own option is under its video settings (see the Kodi beginner's guide).

More Shield tips are in Nvidia Shield tips.

How do I check that it is working?

1. Make sure the source is actually HDR or at the matching frame rate.
2. Look for your TV's information overlay, which usually shows resolution, refresh rate and HDR format.
3. If the picture is dark, set dynamic range to adaptive, or check the TV's HDMI mode.
4. If you get a black screen, try a different HDMI cable, an HDMI port that supports full bandwidth, or lower the colour depth.

If the sound goes out of step after enabling matching, see audio passthrough and Atmos.

Where can I ask for help?

Share your TV model, box and app in the Android TV boxes forum.