TV brightness/contrast changes while picture is in motion.

Understanding and Troubleshooting Dynamic Brightness and Contrast Fluctuations on Your 4K LG TV

Are you experiencing inconsistent picture quality on your 4K LG television, especially during gaming sessions or when viewing various media? Many users notice that their TV’s brightness and contrast seem to fluctuate, making images appear washed out when static but more vibrant during motion. This phenomenon can be perplexing and diminish the overall viewing experience. In this article, we’ll explore potential causes and offer actionable tips to optimize your TV settings for consistent picture quality.

Identifying the Issue

Commonly, users observe that when the image is stationary—such as when standing still in a game or viewing a paused scene—the colors appear muted, and shadows lack depth. Conversely, even slight movement within the image can result in a noticeable increase in color vibrancy and contrast, leading to a jarring visual experience. This dynamic change can be distracting and reduce immersion, especially during fast-paced gaming or cinematic viewing.

Possible Causes and Settings to Check

Picture Processing Features:
Modern TVs often include advanced picture processing technologies designed to improve motion clarity and image quality. Features like Dynamic Contrast, HDR Enhancements, Motion Smoothing, or Active Contrast may cause the picture to adapt automatically based on motion detection, leading to fluctuating brightness and contrast levels. Disabling these features can help achieve more consistent image quality.
Gamma and Contrast Settings:
Incorrect gamma or contrast configurations can amplify undesirable fluctuations. Adjusting these settings to a balanced level suited for your environment might stabilize the picture.
Energy Saving or Eco Modes:
Some TVs automatically adjust brightness to conserve energy, which might result in washed-out images when static and richer colors during motion. Turning off energy-saving modes can reduce these effects.
Ambient Light Sensors:
Many LG TVs have ambient light sensors that automatically modify brightness depending on room lighting. If the sensor is overly sensitive or malfunctioning, it might cause inconsistent picture quality. Disabling this feature can help maintain a steady display.
Firmware and Software Updates:
Ensure your TV’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that fix bugs related to picture processing and display stability.
Input and Connection Settings:
Verify that your connected devices, such as your Xbox, are configured to output the appropriate resolution and HDR settings compatible with your TV. Incorrect settings can worsen dynamic range issues.