Make unsupported resoltution + high refresh rate combo with HDR persist after screen sleeps

[martian099]

When trying to bypass Apple limitation and set 120hz HDR on my 4k monitor, this works (#2567) but the setting won't stick. If the display sleeps and wakes up again, it's back in SDR not in HDR mode. Any idea how to make it stick? I purchased the pro version to use the configuration protection, but it doesn't do anything. Still goes back to SDR after display sleeps. Also tried to turn on Reinitialize this display on wake/unlock, same issue. Is there a way to add a feature and make this 120hz HDR setting stick in BetterDisplay?

[waydabber]

This is a complicated one as a sequence of events must take place which is better served by scripting it (using the app's CLI feature). You can then configure this script to run on wake. Nevertheless I tag this as an enhancement request and see if there are others who express interest in this feature.

[martian099]

Can it be done with shortcuts to turn on hdr at 120hz? I tried to set in shortcuts the following sequence: set the resolution to 60hz, turn on hdr, and set the resolution to 120hz. But afterwards the hdr is automatically turned off.

[martian099]

This is a complicated one as a sequence of events must take place which is better served by scripting it (using the app's CLI feature). You can then configure this script to run on wake. Nevertheless I tag this as an enhancement request and see if there are others who express interest in this feature.

How can it be done through the app's cli? I tried to run the following command, but it just puts me back to sdr mode after setting to 120Hz:

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -nameLike=OLED -refreshRate=60Hz

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -nameLike=OLED -hdr=on

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -nameLike=OLED -refreshRate=120Hz

[waydabber]

It is best to direclty switch the connection mode to the right one.

Get the list using this:

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay get -connectionModeListAll

then switch using this (with the right id):

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -connectionMode=[id]

[martian099]

Thanks, I tested and that works great! I've pinned it to my menu bar. Is it possible to automatically trigger this shell command when the external monitor wakes up?

[martian099]

It is best to direclty switch the connection mode to the right one.

Get the list using this:

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay get -connectionModeListAll

then switch using this (with the right id):

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -connectionMode=[id]

Thank you, it works! But there's a weird bug. When I run this command to change from 60hz sdr/hdr -> 120hz hdr, everything works fine. However if I run this from 120hz sdr -> 120hz hdr, the brightness of the screen is off. It's weirdly very bright, and the brightness control does not work unless < 50%. Seems like there's some weird bug affecting the brightness control?

[waydabber]

Yes, the display needs to be in the proper HDR mode (60Hz) first for this to work.

[martian099]

For anyone who sees this later, here's my setup to automatically turn on scaled 4k (2816 x 1584) 120Hz HDR on M1 pro Macbook pro 16 inch every time the external display connects or wakes. It uses Hammerspoon to monitor the wake/connect events and use waydabber's command to turn on hdr at 120Hz.

Steps:

1. Confirm that the command in this thread above works for you to enable 120hz scaled 4k HDR, then you can use Hammerspoon to automate the change
2. Install Hammerspoon: brew install --cask hammerspoon, you can probably also download the installation file from their website
3. open Hammerspoon config and paste this into the config, make sure to change the monitor name and connection mode as shown earlier this this thread.

local myMonitorName = "MAG321CU OLED" -- Exact name from your screenshot
local myCommand = "/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay set -nameLike='MAG321CU OLED' -connectionMode=1949777125055401728"

-- 2. THE ACTION FUNCTION
-- We define this once so both watchers can use it
local function applyMonitorSettings()
    local targetScreen = hs.screen.find(myMonitorName)
    
    if (targetScreen) then
        print("Target Monitor Found: Applying Settings...")
        hs.execute(myCommand, true)
    else
        print("Target Monitor NOT found. Doing nothing.")
    end
end

-- 3. WATCHER A: Detect Screen Wake (Wiggle Mouse / Open Lid)
local wakeWatcher = hs.caffeinate.watcher.new(function(eventType)
    if (eventType == hs.caffeinate.watcher.screensDidWake) then
        applyMonitorSettings()
    end
end)
wakeWatcher:start()

-- 4. WATCHER B: Detect Plug/Unplug (Layout Changes)
local screenWatcher = hs.screen.watcher.new(function()
    print("Display Layout Changed (Plug/Unplug detected)")
    -- IMPORTANT: Wait 3 seconds to let the monitor 'settle' after plugging in
    -- hs.timer.doAfter(1, applyMonitorSettings)
    applyMonitorSettings()
end)
screenWatcher:start()

3. Reload the config in Hammerspoon, and DONE.

[waydabber]

Very nice solution, congratulations!

[BaileCliste]

I have a similar problem

I have a monitor that does 4k + 240hz + HDR on macos by default.

But 4k resolution is not comfortable. I would prefer a different resolution (eg 3008x1692 from betterdisplay's resolution slider is great)
I can get macos to do 3008x1692 highdpi + 240hz after unlock but not HDR

Using the trick of setting to 60hz and then shift clicking refresh rate works but would like an automated solution

martian009's script selects from one of the connectionModes but the settings I want do not appear there.

How best to achieve this in an automated way?

[waydabber]

The script should work fine, but the connection mode ID is unique. You need to list it on your system and update the script to have the proper mode id.

/Applications/BetterDisplay.app/Contents/MacOS/BetterDisplay get -connectionModeListAll

[BaileCliste]

I get that but I mean the 3008x1692 resolution I want is not listed in the connection mode list.

But it is available in the slider in Better Display

[waydabber]

Oh, but 3008x1692 is not a timing but a scaled resolution. You should look for a timing/mode line with the native resolution of your display.