Server Version#: 1.21.1.3876
Player Version#: Newest Apple TV version
The webpage says “applying tone mapping to convert it to SDR when trans-coding HDR content.”
When it plays in original quality, technically it’s not trans-coded, isn’t it? In order to enjoy tone mapping, do I have to lower the quality？
tone mapping is only needed/used when HDR is being transcoded.
if HDR is is being direct played, then there is no tone mapping required or used.
it is better to avoid transcoding HDR, see @ Plex, 4k, transcoding, and you, but if/when desired it can be done if you have sufficient and supported server hardware.
tone mapping helps prevent the ‘washed out’ colors that can happen when transcoding hdr to sdr.
Both my videos and TV are 4K, but my TV only supports SDR.
I do not need to trans-code, but all I need is colour accuracy of HDR content on SDR screen.
Could you help me on that?
unfortunately, you will most likely need to transcode.
HDR is not backwards compatible with SDR, that is why the colors are messed up.
some devices, like nvidia shield, and I think the apple tv 4k, can internally convert the hdr to match an sdr tv (ie it will direct play from plex, the device will do the color mapping).
also, if you do not have HDR tv’s, then honestly there is not much point to collecting HDR content, you should stick with regular bluray until such time you have an HDR compatible tv.
there is ZERO benefit of trying to use 4k/hdr on an SDR tv, versus using a normal SDR 1080p bluray.
Thank you for your prompt response.
Unfortunately, for some movies, I can only find HDR versions…
How can I trans-code only for HDR to SDR tone mapping, while keep it 4K?
plex should be transcoding automatically if it detects the need to do so.
what does your plex dashboard show while you are trying to watch something on your SDR tv ?
Plex Web > settings > dashboard
for example
It shows Direct Play for both VIdeo and Audio…
On what basis will Plex Media Server decide to tone-map my video to SDR?
Just to check … does your video LOOK correct, or is it washed out?
Sometimes correct sometimes washed out… I think, after an update, it looks much better, but it seems that it’s still direct play.
Server side tone mapping is only done for transcodes. Some clients, such as Apple devices, Nvidia Shield, and Plex for Mac/PC will do tone mapping on the client side if required.
Right - that’s where I was going.
In that case, the server will show Direct Play, because the server isn’t doing any tone mapping or other transcoding.
But there’s no indicator on the ATV, except your colors look decent.
If it looks good, be happy! 
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