Desktop client (Windows) is too dim when HDR is enabled.

[sethRait]

• I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates

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Bug Description

When HDR is enabled in Windows 10 (with compatible monitor and cable), the Signal desktop client UI is a very dark grey color and difficult to read.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Connect a Win10 machine to an HDR capable monitor over display port 1.4
2. Turn on HDR and WCG through Windows settings > display
3. Open Signal (problem also occurs with signal already open)

Actual Result:

The client UI is so dim/dark as to be difficult to read.

Expected Result:

The Signal UI should look similar to its appearance without HDR enabled.

Screenshots

Unfortunately, this issue reverts itself when using the snipping tool .... go figure. :/
This is probably because the Windows Desktop becomes significantly lighter when Snipping Tool is active, mitigating the issue.

Platform Info

Signal Version: v 1.22.0

Operating System: Windows 10 build 17134

Linked Device Version: v 1.22.0

Link to Debug Log

https://debuglogs.org/4077ab96cba6093e85ea26932f13f28d70e6c058ac8b2b2bd07c9b74bde7c5cc

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

Is there any way to get a screenshot of this?

[sethRait]

Is there any way to get a screenshot of this?

As I noted in the issue, there is not, since activating the Snipping Tool causes the Windows Desktop to also lighten.

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

Maybe take a phone picture of the monitor?

[scobo]

I noticed this today as well so I took some phone pictures.

HDR disabled:


HDR enabled:

There’s a setting for “SDR content appearance”, but it has no effect on the Signal app. So it seems Windows thinks Signal is an HDR app, but Signal isn’t configured for HDR.

This issue is similar to one recently opened for VS Code: Dim window while using Win10's HDR. The issue is present in VSC 1.31.0, which is on Electron 3.1.2. It’s not present in VSC 1.30.2, which is on Electron 2.0.12.

Signal updated Electron from 3.0.9 to 3.0.14 on Jan 14. It’s possible the issue was introduced in Electron somewhere after 3.0.9.

[f6310]

I'm new to Signal and Git but am experiencing the same issue.

Platform Info

Signal Version: v1.22.0

Operating System:

Windows 10 Pro 1809 build 17763.379

Linked Device Version:

iPhone XS Max
iOS 12.1.4 (16D57)

Link to Debug Log

https://debuglogs.org/cbb5dcdd846bf968394f9dd0808c71d81039a0efc0aa09f34d9ce8bfee2e3db6

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

It would be great if you could see if this is still happening in the current beta, which is on Electron 4.x - https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Desktop#install-the-beta

[f6310]

Hi @scottnonnenberg

I downloaded the beta version and can confirm the screen is not dimmed while HDR is enabled and in both light and dark themes.

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

@f6310 Can you be a little more specific? When you say 'not dimmed' is that a good thing?

[f6310]

@f6310 Can you be a little more specific? When you say 'not dimmed' is that a good thing?

Definitely a good thing. The window appears normal.

[sethRait]

Closing this issue, as the problem appears to have been fixed in the newest version.