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1. Connect the console and select its HDMI input
Connect the console to the TV over HDMI, then switch the TV to that input. HDR game features can depend on using the appropriate input; Sony’s guidance calls this out for HDR games. If a setting or feature is missing, check the support information for your exact TV model and input before changing other settings. [LG support; Sony support]
The cited support guides do not specify one universally required cable model or specification. Check the TV and console requirements before buying a replacement cable.
2. Turn on Game mode
Select Game, Game Optimizer, or the manufacturer’s equivalent picture mode. Names and menu paths vary by brand, model, and software version. LG documents Game Optimizer controls for supported TVs, while Sony’s instructions vary by model family. Use the instructions for your set rather than assuming another generation has the same menus. [LG support; Sony support]
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Game modes commonly reduce picture processing to prioritize lower input delay. That makes them a sensible starting point for gaming, but it can also limit access to some picture controls; no universal latency figure or guaranteed image-quality trade-off applies to every TV.
3. Understand why picture settings may be unavailable
Greyed-out controls can be expected behavior in a low-latency mode, not a fault. Which settings are restricted depends on the TV’s implementation.
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On supported LG TVs
LG says some picture settings cannot be changed while Game Optimizer is enabled. Its support guidance also says ALLM set to Auto can prevent picture adjustments; turning ALLM off can restore manual control. This is LG-specific advice, not a universal instruction for other brands. If you disable ALLM to customize the picture, check responsiveness afterward on your own console and TV. [LG support]
On other TVs
Look up the exact model’s instructions for Game mode and any automatic low-latency feature. Do not assume that disabling an automatic feature will unlock settings—or preserve the same responsiveness—on a different manufacturer’s TV.
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4. Set up HDR in the game and on the TV
First confirm that the console is connected to the TV input intended for HDR gaming. If the game provides HDR calibration, run it and follow its on-screen instructions. Then compare the tone-mapping choices the TV actually offers for that input and mode. HDR behavior and available options vary with the TV, console, and game. [Sony support]
HGiG versus Tone Mapping On on supported LG TVs
On supported LG TVs, HGiG is available as a tone-mapping option in the game controls. LG cautions that the image may look darker with HGiG than with Tone Mapping On. Compare both with your game’s HDR calibration rather than treating either option as automatically best for every viewer. HGiG availability depends on the TV, console, and game. [LG support]
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5. Tune the picture for your room and game
Adjust only the controls available in Game mode. Start with brightness and dark-area visibility: look for detail in shadowed parts of the game without making the overall image uncomfortable in your room. LG’s Game Optimizer includes controls such as dark-room brightness, input delay, and game picture adjustments on supported models, but menus and behavior depend on model and software. [LG support]
- Make changes while viewing the game you actually play; different games and HDR implementations can look different.
- Compare one setting at a time so you can tell what changed.
- Judge dark-scene visibility and bright highlights from your usual seating position and room lighting.
- Avoid copying slider numbers from another TV unless they were calibrated for your exact model and conditions.
6. Choose the trade-off that suits your setup
| What you want to prioritize | What to try | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Responsive controls | Game mode and supported low-latency features | Whether the game feels responsive on your TV and console; some picture controls may be restricted. |
| Manual picture adjustment | Change only the settings your TV allows in Game mode; on supported LG setups, try disabling ALLM if adjustments are locked. | Whether the controls return and whether responsiveness remains acceptable on your setup. |
| HDR appearance | Run the game’s HDR calibration, then compare the TV’s supported tone-mapping options. | Highlight and shadow detail in that game; on supported LG TVs, HGiG may look darker than Tone Mapping On. |
| Visibility in your room | Adjust available brightness and dark-area controls. | Whether dark details remain visible without making the image uncomfortable. |
There is no single best combination for every TV, game, console, and room. Keep the settings that give you the balance you prefer between responsiveness, HDR appearance, and visibility.
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