How to dramatically improve "SDR-only" HDMI devices (like Nintendo Switch) thanks to forced HLG

Thanks to recent GamingTech findings, there is a new way for noticeably improving all "SDR-only" devices connected to LG OLEDs, like Nintendo Switch for example.

Trying to simplify it as best as I can:

• There is another TV "Hidden Menu" which will allow you to "force" HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) HDR to all SDR/HDR contents for the specific HDMI input currently in use when changing this setting;

• HLG is meant for TV broadcast and not an ideal replacement for native HDR10 contents (which are still better), but it actually represents a big improvement over standard SDR range contents;

• See it mainly like a free "Auto HDR" feature similar of what Xbox does but for all things SDR. It is also better than the forced HDR done by PS5;

• That's why these points above should fit very well to all "SDR-only" HDMI devices (like Nintendo Switch in particular) which are using at least one specific port of your LG OLED. You can safely apply this trick for those without any actual drawback, as the other HDMI ports won't be affected;

• Avoid forcing HLG for all the other devices which are capable of both SDR/HDR10 instead.

(Regular SDR on the left; Forced HLG HDR on the right)

To force HLG HDR for a specific HDMI Input:

• Switch to the device on that input (e.g. Nintendo Switch) and open the Picture Setting menu, then leave the selection/highlight on the picture setting itself:

• 

• Now press 1113111 and the Hidden "HDMI Signal Override" menu will appear

• 

• Now go into the EOTF section and just select/enable HLG

• And that's it!

• Just keep in mind that HLG HDR will be the new default and different preset for all SDR for that HDMI input. So just use the recommended settings for HDR instead after the switch.

• Do NOT change any other setting in this menu (you don't need to)

I personally tested this on Nintendo Switch and the PQ improvement was insane, but this could not fit all games, contents and cases so if you somehow prefer the old/standard SDR look you can safely revert that setting to AUTO and everything will be back to normal like before.

Enjoy! :)

-P