Fixing Color Banding on LG OLED (Mac Users Guide with BetterDisplay)

Introduction

Seeing banding (visible steps in gradients) on your LG OLED when connected to a Mac? You’re not alone. External HDMI outputs on macOS often don’t enable strong dithering by default, so 8‑bit output can reveal bands in skies, fog, and UI gradients.

Why Banding Happens

• LG OLED panels support 10‑bit. If macOS outputs 8‑bit without dithering, subtle gradients can band.
• Internal Mac displays usually apply dithering; external HDMI sinks often do not.
• Ensuring 10‑bit output and GPU dithering typically resolves the issue.

BetterDisplay App Solution

BetterDisplay (formerly BetterDummy) can create a virtual “dummy” display and enable 10‑bit output or GPU dithering. It also exposes HiDPI modes for sharper text on 4K OLEDs and can indirectly prompt the GPU to use higher‑quality output paths.

Step‑by‑Step Fix (macOS)

1. Install BetterDisplay and open its settings.
2. Enable Force 10‑bit output or GPU dithering where supported.
3. Use a HiDPI/Retina scaling mode appropriate for your viewing distance (e.g., 2560×1440 HiDPI on a 4K OLED).
4. Put the TV input label to PC and enable HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color on that port.
5. Select an accurate ICC profile (calibrated for your LG OLED if available).
6. Verify RGB Full range end‑to‑end (0–255) and adjust black level if needed.

Additional tips:

• Disable True Tone and Night Shift for consistent color while tuning.
• If using Windows/BootCamp or a PC and still seeing bands, ensure 10‑bit output in the GPU control panel and enable driver dithering where available.

See also: LG OLED as PC Monitor — Setup & Burn‑In Prevention and Brightness Calibration.

Conclusion

Banding on macOS is largely solvable by ensuring 10‑bit output and enabling dithering. With BetterDisplay and correct TV/OS settings, your LG OLED should render silky‑smooth gradients as intended.