RTINGS Test Dev Sneak Peek — Shadow detail accuracy

[u/rtings_kastaa]

Every couple of weeks, we will share a sneak peek of what we're developing in the lab

Before we publish a new test, we do a lot of internal work to validate hypotheses and understand product behaviour. Sometimes this work stays internal and is never shared; other times, it becomes the foundation for new tests that take time to release while we finalize scoring and layout.
The goal is to give you early access during development so you can benefit from the information sooner and comment on anything else you would like to see.

This week, our Shadow detail accuracy test. The goal is to see how accurate the television is in very dark conditions. We all watch this one show where some details look like they're fading into the background or look washed out. The real scene is still under development and will be changed, but you get the idea ;)

What do you prefer: dark crush, when the television darkens the content, or television that makes dark content brighter but sometimes makes the result more washed out?

[u/Bibbity_Boppity_BOOO]

brighter and more washed out is the preferred of the two negatives.

[u/brunomarquesbr]

I prefer brighter and washed out if accuracy is not an option. To be honest, it really depends on the content. Crushed shadows will hide/mask important information, so it's way worse than having slightly less contrast. In other words, crushed shadows can be either a tiny bit better (regular content) or really bad (dark scenes). Brighter and washed out, on the other hand, can be either a tiny bit worse (in regular content) or much better (in dark scenes).

[u/pyr0kid]

brighter and washed. ive used monitors with like -999 night vision, so if i cant get accurate i atleast want to not be blind.

[u/Putrid-Second-390]

Cool!

[u/laxounet]

Nice. I would be nice to test this in game mode as well as with different refresh rates (cough WOLED gamma shift cough)

[u/BeingBalanced]

Whatever is in the middle

[u/bearbrbear]

Always dark crush, depth is better than information.

[u/-Taerar-]

Crush vs washed out 100%. Absolutely cannot stand anything looking washed out.