Samsung TV Firmware: Accurate Color Tracking or Deliberate Cheating?

The recent controversy surrounding Samsung's QN95B 'Neo QLED' LCD TV has raised concerns about the accuracy of color tracking in this model. According to FlatpanelsHD, the issue is not limited to just the QN95B, as it also affects Samsung's S95B QD-OLED TV. The problem lies in a deliberate attempt by Samsung to mislead reviewers and calibrators.

During measurements, the TV changes its color and luminance tracking to appear very accurate. However, this accuracy is not genuine. In fact, the TV boosts peak brightness momentarily by up to 80%, making it seem more impressive than it actually is. This cheating algorithm can be bypassed by using a non-standard window size, such as 9%. When reviewers use this window size, the TV reveals its true colors, showing that the picture output is not as accurate as claimed.

Samsung has designed its TVs to recognize commonly used window sizes, including those typically used by reviewers and calibrators. The company adjusts its picture output accordingly, making measurements appear more accurate than they actually are. This means that even when reviewing a TV, the results may be skewed due to this deliberate cheating.

In the 10% window commonly used for HDR testing, multiple steps from black to white as well as a set of colors are measured. However, Samsung's TVs can detect this and react accordingly, making it difficult to accurately assess their color tracking capabilities.

Samsung has promised to provide software updates to address this issue, but it remains unclear how effective these updates will be in resolving the problem. In the meantime, consumers may want to exercise caution when purchasing a Samsung TV, especially if color accuracy is a key concern.

Samsung tv firmware