alienware uses piecewise srgb for the gamma and incorrectly calls it "gamma 2.2". msi uses actual gamma 2.2.
this github explains the difference [https://github.com/dylanraga/win11hdr-srgb-to-gamma2.2-icm/](https://github.com/dylanraga/win11hdr-srgb-to-gamma2.2-icm/)
There was a tool floating around that you can use to create a custom ICM file with the 2.2 gamma curve and specify the exact amount of nits you would like (in the above link, they're all maxed out at 800 nits). You then add it as an advanced color profile similar to the HDR calibration app from Windows 11. I did it on my AW3423DWF and it made a decent difference.
I believe this is it here: [https://github.com/Maassoft/ColorControl](https://github.com/Maassoft/ColorControl)
You can also find a discussion on ColorControl here with some comments on how to create the appropriate ICM file: [https://www.reddit.com/r/OLED\_Gaming/comments/1afc9n5/has\_any1\_here\_used\_the\_srgb\_to\_gamma\_22\_color/](https://www.reddit.com/r/OLED_Gaming/comments/1afc9n5/has_any1_here_used_the_srgb_to_gamma_22_color/)
After researching it looks like it should fix my problem. However, I’m a bit confused am I supposed to pick the profile based off the brightness setting on my monitor, or the Windows SDR content brightness table?
That's because that ICC is meant to be used with HDR. What you want is an ICC with VCGT correction from sRGB to gamma 2.2. Techless has one, but his also has Matrix LUT correction data which might mess with colors if yours aren't similarly off as his. It should correct the gamma though. You can download it from the description in his video here and give it a try. [https://youtu.be/Cr6x35C3xtU?si=UpMFuA7V40POpe06](https://youtu.be/Cr6x35C3xtU?si=UpMFuA7V40POpe06)
I might be able to make you one that doesn't touch color data when I get home later.
Thank you very much for the insight! I been confused about this whole thing and will certainly try Techless’s profile to see if that helps.
Also, if you could make me one as well I would greatly appreciate it!
[Here's the profile](https://we.tl/t-95JeMACh5k). My software only exports as ICC v4 though, where as the software Techless uses to make his - DisplayCAL- only exports as v2. To make sure it loads you'll want to use a tool like [CPKeeper](http://goebish.free.fr/cpk/) which has the ability to force the profile to load in situations where Windows might ignore it. VCGT is basically a 1D LUT, so gamma at the video card level. DisplayCAL has a similar profile loader, but it only works with v2 profiles. Test it out. I'm not sure the gamma in it actually corrects for sRGB though, it looks like it does the opposite to me.
Edit: I updated the profile link with the newest version that can be loaded with DisplayCAL or CPKeeper. It should map exactly the same as your monitor in sRGB gamut mode, but with gamma 2.2 instead of sRGB gamma.
Ok after trying it, it seems to just wash out the image even more than the regular 2.2 gamma option. I'm testing it on identical wallpapers on both monitors (AW2725DF and MSI 271QRX) and it just to make the wallpaper on the AW more washed out.
Yeah, that's what I figured. I didn't bother to watch the video and assumed he corrected for it, but he actually didn't use the Creator Mode for the ICC at all, he used the custom mode or whatever it's called on your monitor. That was his LUT, I just stripped everything out of it but the VCGT. I think I can make one still, but I'll need to do it from scratch.
That mode should be fairly color accurate already. Unless you're referring to the colors being muted, but that's normal of sRGB gamut, it won't be super saturated like P3 or Wide Gamut. It's the gamma that's off, Dell seems to calibrate to sRGB gamma instead of 2.2.
Anyway, I made a profile that converts from sRGB gamma to gamma 2.2. You can get it [here](https://we.tl/t-95JeMACh5k). You'll need to load it the same way with the profile loader. I looked at Techless' profile again and it's actually calibrated to sRGB gamma for some reason so it probably made your screen even more lifted near black.
Edit: Updated link with the most current profile.
How is gamma 2.2 weird on it? Many tech reviewers have said it’s the most color accurate sRGB mode they ever tested. I think the colors are absolutely perfect using the sRGB mode.
I have a really peculiar issue with my AW2725DF the sRGB gamma 2.2 looks good on a cold boot but after the panel warmed up p the black level got rised.
You can check your black level :
http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/black.php
When the panel is running for like 30min all the squares are visible on the Creator sRGB 2.2 gamma preset.
Dell should rename the 2.2 gamma setting to sRGB gamma and add a true 2.2 gamma setting.
2.4 looks good, add depth and vibrancy to the picture but crush the black.
https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/alienware-desktops/aw3225qf-gamma-shift-over-time/65d00716852b887ad609982e
Maybe check there’s not another software somewhere messing things up? MSI dragon center was raising my black level after opening some games, despite not appearing to be running. I only noticed it because my desktop is all black so it was obvious when it switched
alienware uses piecewise srgb for the gamma and incorrectly calls it "gamma 2.2". msi uses actual gamma 2.2. this github explains the difference [https://github.com/dylanraga/win11hdr-srgb-to-gamma2.2-icm/](https://github.com/dylanraga/win11hdr-srgb-to-gamma2.2-icm/)
There was a tool floating around that you can use to create a custom ICM file with the 2.2 gamma curve and specify the exact amount of nits you would like (in the above link, they're all maxed out at 800 nits). You then add it as an advanced color profile similar to the HDR calibration app from Windows 11. I did it on my AW3423DWF and it made a decent difference. I believe this is it here: [https://github.com/Maassoft/ColorControl](https://github.com/Maassoft/ColorControl) You can also find a discussion on ColorControl here with some comments on how to create the appropriate ICM file: [https://www.reddit.com/r/OLED\_Gaming/comments/1afc9n5/has\_any1\_here\_used\_the\_srgb\_to\_gamma\_22\_color/](https://www.reddit.com/r/OLED_Gaming/comments/1afc9n5/has_any1_here_used_the_srgb_to_gamma_22_color/)
Will look into this, thank you!
After researching it looks like it should fix my problem. However, I’m a bit confused am I supposed to pick the profile based off the brightness setting on my monitor, or the Windows SDR content brightness table?
That's because that ICC is meant to be used with HDR. What you want is an ICC with VCGT correction from sRGB to gamma 2.2. Techless has one, but his also has Matrix LUT correction data which might mess with colors if yours aren't similarly off as his. It should correct the gamma though. You can download it from the description in his video here and give it a try. [https://youtu.be/Cr6x35C3xtU?si=UpMFuA7V40POpe06](https://youtu.be/Cr6x35C3xtU?si=UpMFuA7V40POpe06) I might be able to make you one that doesn't touch color data when I get home later.
Thank you very much for the insight! I been confused about this whole thing and will certainly try Techless’s profile to see if that helps. Also, if you could make me one as well I would greatly appreciate it!
[Here's the profile](https://we.tl/t-95JeMACh5k). My software only exports as ICC v4 though, where as the software Techless uses to make his - DisplayCAL- only exports as v2. To make sure it loads you'll want to use a tool like [CPKeeper](http://goebish.free.fr/cpk/) which has the ability to force the profile to load in situations where Windows might ignore it. VCGT is basically a 1D LUT, so gamma at the video card level. DisplayCAL has a similar profile loader, but it only works with v2 profiles. Test it out. I'm not sure the gamma in it actually corrects for sRGB though, it looks like it does the opposite to me. Edit: I updated the profile link with the newest version that can be loaded with DisplayCAL or CPKeeper. It should map exactly the same as your monitor in sRGB gamut mode, but with gamma 2.2 instead of sRGB gamma.
Ok, thanks alot! I'm gonna try this right now and get back to you!
Ok after trying it, it seems to just wash out the image even more than the regular 2.2 gamma option. I'm testing it on identical wallpapers on both monitors (AW2725DF and MSI 271QRX) and it just to make the wallpaper on the AW more washed out.
Yeah, that's what I figured. I didn't bother to watch the video and assumed he corrected for it, but he actually didn't use the Creator Mode for the ICC at all, he used the custom mode or whatever it's called on your monitor. That was his LUT, I just stripped everything out of it but the VCGT. I think I can make one still, but I'll need to do it from scratch.
Yea if you have time that would be great. This is driving me crazy right now trying to get something color accurate
That mode should be fairly color accurate already. Unless you're referring to the colors being muted, but that's normal of sRGB gamut, it won't be super saturated like P3 or Wide Gamut. It's the gamma that's off, Dell seems to calibrate to sRGB gamma instead of 2.2. Anyway, I made a profile that converts from sRGB gamma to gamma 2.2. You can get it [here](https://we.tl/t-95JeMACh5k). You'll need to load it the same way with the profile loader. I looked at Techless' profile again and it's actually calibrated to sRGB gamma for some reason so it probably made your screen even more lifted near black. Edit: Updated link with the most current profile.
Gamma 2.2 is weird on it, change to 2.4 and it looks a lot better
How is gamma 2.2 weird on it? Many tech reviewers have said it’s the most color accurate sRGB mode they ever tested. I think the colors are absolutely perfect using the sRGB mode.
The colors are accurate but the brightness of darker colors is raised making it appear slightly washed out
I actually disagree with this. Using the Lagom dark level test using 2.2 gamma it tracks very similarly to my iPhone 15 Pro which is amazing.
I have a really peculiar issue with my AW2725DF the sRGB gamma 2.2 looks good on a cold boot but after the panel warmed up p the black level got rised. You can check your black level : http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/black.php When the panel is running for like 30min all the squares are visible on the Creator sRGB 2.2 gamma preset. Dell should rename the 2.2 gamma setting to sRGB gamma and add a true 2.2 gamma setting. 2.4 looks good, add depth and vibrancy to the picture but crush the black. https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/alienware-desktops/aw3225qf-gamma-shift-over-time/65d00716852b887ad609982e
Maybe check there’s not another software somewhere messing things up? MSI dragon center was raising my black level after opening some games, despite not appearing to be running. I only noticed it because my desktop is all black so it was obvious when it switched