Article Number: DH-007

Pixel Format Overview

HDMI™ displays can use one of two different color formats, YCbCr and RGB.  These color formats are the digital equivalent found in Component Video (YPbPr) and D-Sub VGA (Video Graphics Array) analog signals.

The YCbCr format contains a subset of color coding data, also referred to as Chroma Subsampling and represented in the 4:n:n (Y:Cb:Cr) format.  The left digit denotes luminance, the middle digit represents the blue channel, and the right digit is the red channel. 

The RGB format contains Limited (16-235 bits) and Full (0-255 bits) options which represents the range of the white and black levels that can be displayed.

Depending on the source content and output resolution, each format may offer a slight difference in picture quality.  More advanced information about these formats can be found online. 

AMD Radeon Settings provides support for the following formats for HDMI displays:

  • YCbCr 4:4:4 Pixel Format
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 Pixel Format
  • RGB 4:4:4 Pixel Format Studio (Limited RGB)
  • RGB 4:4:4 Pixel Format PC Standard (Full RGB)

Hardware and Software Requirements

The Pixel Format option is only available on systems that uses a direct HDMI-HDMI connection from the AMD graphics card to the display. NOTE!  DVI-HDMI and DisplayPort-HDMI adapters/cables are not supported.

To access Pixel Format option using the latest compatible AMD graphics drivers is recommended.  For instructions on installing graphics drivers please refer to KB: How-to Install Radeon Software on a Windows® Based System

Selecting the Desired Pixel Format

Follow the steps below to view and select the available pixel format supported by your display.

  1. Open Radeon™ Settings by right-clicking on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
  1. Click on Display
  1. Click on Pixel Format andselect the desired pixel format from the list
  1. Close Radeon Settings, when done.