Bug 501059 - HDR makes white on black text hard to read (Local Dimming)
Summary: HDR makes white on black text hard to read (Local Dimming)
Status: REPORTED
Alias: None
Product: kwin
Classification: Plasma
Component: colour-management (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 6.3.2
Platform: Arch Linux Linux
: NOR normal
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: KWin default assignee
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2025-03-04 15:46 UTC by Tony Murray
Modified: 2025-03-05 17:19 UTC (History)
1 user (show)

See Also:
Latest Commit:
Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Attachments
Video of text dimming effect (1.69 MB, video/mp4)
2025-03-04 15:46 UTC, Tony Murray 		Details
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Description Tony Murray 2025-03-04 15:46:17 UTC 
Created attachment 179113 [details]
Video of text dimming effect

SUMMARY
When HDR is enabled my monitor's local dimming kicks in and makes white on black text hard to read (such as in konsole).

Local Dimming on my monitor has 3 settings: Off, Auto, Low, High.  Only Off looks normal.

The text dimming effect is mainly an issue if the background is #000, even slightly above true black reduces the dimming effect greatly.

I'm not sure what can be done to solve this issue, but it took me awhile to realize what was causing it.

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Set konsole background to #000
2. Enable monitor local dimming
3. Enable HDR
4. Text is dim and harder to read. Bringing a white window near it brings up the level of the text.

OBSERVED RESULT
Text is dim unless there is a bright item in the local dimming zone.

EXPECTED RESULT
Text remains easily readable.

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: 
KDE Plasma Version: 6.3.2
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.11.0 
Qt Version: 6.8.2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION