Starfield Local Dimming Test

Mini-LED algorithms often face a dilemma on starfields: dim the stars to prevent blooming, or light the zones and cause widespread gray haze. Procedurally renders customizable starfields.

Technical Scope & Limitations

Procedural visual test. Does not use external image assets. Zero per-frame memory leaks.

Browser rendering output can be influenced by OS display scaling, GPU driver color settings, and active HDR profiles.

Testing Instructions

Examine the starfield in full screen.
Check if faint stars are dimmed out completely by aggressive local dimming algorithms (contrast clipping).
Check if the background black between stars remains pitch black or lifts to a cloudy gray.
Toggle between Static and Slow Motion to observe zone flickering or pumping.

Interaction Controls

Next Pattern

→Space

Previous Pattern←

Exit FullscreenEsc

Mouse / TouchTap screen to cycle

Starfield Contrast & Zone Clipping

Star Density:

What This Test Checks

Small pinpoint highlight preservation on pitch black backdrops.
Contrast clipping where local dimming algorithms dim or erase faint stars to suppress blooming.
Backlight zone pumping or flickering during slow drifting movement.

How to Perform the Test

Enter fullscreen mode in a darkened viewing environment.
Inspect the starfield at 100, 300, and 600 star densities.
Observe whether faint stars stay visible or are extinguished by the backlight dimming zones.
Toggle drift motion to check for zone flickering.

What to Look For

Stars should remain crisp and clearly visible without turning into murky gray blurs or blinking out.

Common Display Problems & Diagnostic Guidance

Starfield Contrast Clipping (Star Dimming)

Many Mini-LED algorithms struggle when hundreds of tiny stars occupy zones with black space in between, often choosing to dim the stars heavily to keep blacks dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are starfields considered the ultimate local dimming torture test?

Because stars are smaller than physical backlight zones. The display must decide whether to light the zone (causing blooming across black space) or dim the zone (causing stars to disappear).