github-starred/MonitorControl

Fork 0

mirror of https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl.git synced 2026-05-15 14:15:55 -06:00

[GH-ISSUE #1510] Can only control brightness with combined hard/soft dimming set #849

New issue

Closed

opened 2026-05-05 06:46:15 -06:00 by gitea-mirror · 5 comments

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:15 -06:00

Owner

Originally created by @memeplex on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/issues/1510

Before opening the issue, have you...?

Searched for existing issues
Looked through the wiki
Updated MonitorControl to the latest version (if applicable)

Describe the bug

I've a Samsung 4k 28'' U28e590d external screen connected through a Satechi HDMI-USBC adapter at 60hz.

I'm only able to get brightness control working if I enable the "Combine hardware and software dimming" setting, so I guess hardware dimming is not working.

Steps to reproduce

I don't see how to add anything useful here.

Expected behavior

I can control my monitor brightness using hardware dimming.

Anything else?

No response

Environment Information (please complete the following information)

- macOS version: Sonoma 14.2.1
- Mac model: MBP M1 2020
- MonitorControl version: 4.2.0
- Monitor(s): Samsung 4k 28'' U28e590d
- Apple Silicon/M1 (yes or no): yes

Originally created by @memeplex on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/issues/1510 ### Before opening the issue, have you...? - [X] Searched for existing issues - [X] Looked through [the wiki](https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/wiki) - [X] Updated MonitorControl to the latest version (if applicable) ### Describe the bug I've a Samsung 4k 28'' U28e590d external screen connected through a Satechi HDMI-USBC adapter at 60hz. I'm only able to get brightness control working if I enable the "Combine hardware and software dimming" setting, so I guess hardware dimming is not working. ### Steps to reproduce I don't see how to add anything useful here. ### Expected behavior I can control my monitor brightness using hardware dimming. ### Anything else? _No response_ ### Environment Information (please complete the following information) ```markdown - macOS version: Sonoma 14.2.1 - Mac model: MBP M1 2020 - MonitorControl version: 4.2.0 - Monitor(s): Samsung 4k 28'' U28e590d - Apple Silicon/M1 (yes or no): yes ```

gitea-mirror closed this issue

2026-05-05 06:46:17 -06:00

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:20 -06:00

Author

Owner

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024):

I tested this with BetterDisplay and it's the same.

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024): I tested this with BetterDisplay and it's the same.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:22 -06:00

Author

Owner

@waydabber commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024):

I recommend trying an USB-C to DisplayPort cable, that should work. USB-C to HDMI dongles are hit or miss. Some Samsungs however don't support DDC via DisplayPort but I think this display is not among them.

@waydabber commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024): I recommend trying an USB-C to DisplayPort cable, that should work. USB-C to HDMI dongles are hit or miss. Some Samsungs however don't support DDC via DisplayPort but I think this display is not among them.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:24 -06:00

Author

Owner

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024):

Ok, thank you very much for the reply, my cable is pretty expensive and I remember it was hard to find at the time (most of them only work at 30hz), but I'm going to look at the options again. Anyway, is there any downside to software dimming? I believe you use a gamma table approach. Can it shrink the dynamic color range at low brightness perhaps? Is it safe for the screen?

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 19, 2024): Ok, thank you very much for the reply, my cable is pretty expensive and I remember it was hard to find at the time (most of them only work at 30hz), but I'm going to look at the options again. Anyway, is there any downside to software dimming? I believe you use a gamma table approach. Can it shrink the dynamic color range at low brightness perhaps? Is it safe for the screen?

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:27 -06:00

Author

Owner

@waydabber commented on GitHub (Jan 20, 2024):

Macs output DisplayPort natively so an USB-C to DisplayPort cable will provide a native connection. USB-C HDMI cables/adapters contain a converter chip - many designs exist with various firmwares, some of them can translate DDC I2C communication properly, some don't.

Software dimming is fine, but it is better to dim the actual backlight. Software dimming with a fixed backlight will decrease the contrast ratio which not undesirable.

@waydabber commented on GitHub (Jan 20, 2024): Macs output DisplayPort natively so an USB-C to DisplayPort cable will provide a native connection. USB-C HDMI cables/adapters contain a converter chip - many designs exist with various firmwares, some of them can translate DDC I2C communication properly, some don't. Software dimming is fine, but it is better to dim the actual backlight. Software dimming with a fixed backlight will decrease the contrast ratio which not undesirable.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 06:46:28 -06:00

Author

Owner

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 20, 2024):

Thanks again!

@memeplex commented on GitHub (Jan 20, 2024): Thanks again!