When a video file includes multiple HDR formats — such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 — many users wonder:
How does Stremio decide which format to play?
Can I manually choose one?
This guide explains how it actually works — and how you can control it.
TL;DR
- Stremio does NOT choose the HDR format.
- Your device and system player decide which format is used.
- To change formats, you must adjust settings on your TV or playback device, not inside Stremio.
1. Who Actually Chooses the HDR Format?
Stremio simply passes the video stream to your system player.
The actual decision is made by:
- Your TV
- Your streaming box (Shield, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.)
- The HDMI handshake between devices
When playback starts, your devices exchange capability information and automatically select the “best” supported format.
2. Typical HDR Priority Order
In most setups, the priority works like this:
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- HDR10
- SDR
So for example:
- If your TV supports Dolby Vision → it will play Dolby Vision.
- If Dolby Vision is not supported but HDR10+ is → it will play HDR10+.
- If neither is supported → it falls back to HDR10.
This selection is automatic.
3. Can You Manually Choose HDR Format in Stremio?
No.
Stremio does not provide a setting to select:
- Dolby Vision vs HDR10+
- HDR vs SDR
- Any specific dynamic range format
If you want to force a different format, you must disable support for a format at the system level.
4. How to Disable Dolby Vision (Step-by-Step)
Below are common methods depending on your setup.
Option 1: Disable Dolby Vision on Your TV
Sony TV (Android TV / Google TV)
Go to:
Settings → Display & Sound → HDMI Signal Format
Change:
- “Enhanced Format (Dolby Vision)”
To:
- “Enhanced Format”
- or “Standard Format”
This prevents Dolby Vision from being triggered.
LG TV (webOS)
LG usually does not allow fully disabling Dolby Vision directly.
However, you can try:
Settings → General → Devices → HDMI Settings
Turn off:
- HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color
This typically forces fallback to HDR10.
Samsung TV
Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision (only HDR10+),
so no action is required.
Option 2: Disable Dolby Vision on Your Playback Device (Recommended)
This method is generally more reliable.
Nvidia Shield
Go to:
Settings → Device Preferences → Display & Sound → Advanced Display Settings
Disable:
- Dolby Vision
Apple TV 4K
Go to:
Settings → Video and Audio → Format
Change:
- 4K Dolby Vision
To:
- 4K HDR
Optional:
Settings → Video and Audio → Match Content
Disable:
- Match Dynamic Range
Fire TV Stick
Go to:
Settings → Display & Sounds → Display → Dynamic Range Settings
Change to:
- Always HDR
- Or disable Dolby Vision (if available)
Option 3: Use an External Player
If Stremio is configured to use:
- VLC
- Just Player
- MX Player
Check inside the player settings:
Video → HDR → Dolby Vision
Some players allow disabling Dolby Vision directly.
5. Why Would You Disable Dolby Vision?
You might want to switch formats if you experience:
- Washed-out image
- Incorrect brightness
- Color shifting
- Playback instability
- Device compatibility issues
In some setups, HDR10 or HDR10+ can actually produce more consistent results than Dolby Vision.
6. Best Practice Recommendation
If your goal is to prefer HDR10+ over Dolby Vision:
The most stable solution is to disable Dolby Vision on your playback device.
Once disabled, your system will automatically fall back to HDR10+ (if supported).
Final Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Stremio choose HDR format? | ❌ No |
| Who decides? | Your TV + playback device |
| Can I manually select format in Stremio? | ❌ No |
| How to force a format? | Disable unwanted HDR formats at system level |