COMPLETE SYSTEM RECIPE

Apple TV 4K → Vertex → Epson EH-TW9400 / 5050UB

The Epson cannot decode Dolby Vision, but with the Vertex in between the Apple TV 4K sends low-latency Dolby Vision (LLDV) that the Epson shows in its HDR10 mode. Set the projector first, then the Apple TV, then check the result.

Apple TV 4K, all three generations (2017, 2021, 2022); all output Dolby Vision and LLDV at up to 4K60. Epson EH-TW9400 / EH-TW9400W (Europe) and Home Cinema 5050UB / 5050UBe, Pro Cinema 6050UB (US). The Epson has no Dolby Vision decoder: it shows Dolby Vision as LLDV from the Vertex in its HDR10 mode.

DOLBY VISION WITH THIS SETUP

Yes: with an LLDV EDID on the Vertex the Apple TV 4K sends LLDV, and the Epson shows it as an HDR10-type (PQ) picture once it is in HDR10 mode.

Native Dolby Vision: NOThe Epson EH-TW9400 / 5050UB supports HDR10 and HLG only; it has no Dolby Vision decoder, so standard (TV-led) Dolby Vision cannot be shown.
LLDV via the Vertex: YESHDfury lists the Apple TV 4K as an LLDV source for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and SDR content. The Epson must be in HDR10 mode, via the Vertex HDR InfoFrame (Dynamic Range = Auto) or by forcing HDR10 by hand.
HDR10: YESHDR10 works on all Apple TV 4K models (HDR10+ only on the 2022 model) and on the Epson at 4K60 with EDID = Expanded.

Before you start

The Vertex needs an LLDV EDID in a custom slot for this input; without it the Apple TV only offers HDR10 (see the Vertex page, part B).
Epson: use HDMI1 or HDMI2 and set EDID to Expanded, or 4K60 will not work.
Apple TV 4K never outputs more than 4K60, so the whole chain stays inside the Vertex's 18 Gbps.
Set the Vertex scaler to No Scaling (passthrough).
Every time the EDID changes, the Apple TV asks to run a Dolby Vision test again. Accept it.

1. Projector

Epson EH-TW9400 / 5050UB. Do this before touching the Apple TV.

Connect the Vertex to HDMI1 or HDMI2Epson rear panel: HDMI1 or HDMI2Either portEpson: 4K HDR works on HDMI1 and HDMI2; both are HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2.
Open the 4K60 input modeMenu → Signal → Advanced → EDIDExpandedNormal accepts only 3840x2160 at 30 Hz; Expanded accepts 3840x2160 at 60 Hz.Not available for the WirelessHD input on EH-TW9400W / 5050UBe
Black levelMenu → Signal → Advanced → Video RangeAutoOther options are Limited (16-235) and Full (0-255); only force one if the whole chain disagrees.
Colour spaceMenu → Signal → Color SpaceAuto (for normal use)Options: Auto, BT.709, BT.2020. Epson's 4K HDR FAQ asks for Color Space and Dynamic Range both on Auto.
Keep image processing on FineMenu → Signal → Advanced → Image ProcessingFineEpson: Fast disables all image adjustments, including the HDR10 Setting you need to tune LLDV.
Wide colour (optional)Menu → Image → Color ModeDigital CinemaEpson: the full DCI colour space is only shown in Digital Cinema mode (it uses the cinema filter and is less bright); pick another mode if you need more light.
HDR switching – option A (recommended)Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → Dynamic RangeAutoAuto switches to HDR10 only when an HDR10 InfoFrame arrives. LLDV has none, so option A needs the Vertex 'Enable Custom HDR' InfoFrame.
HDR switching – option B (no Vertex InfoFrame)Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → Dynamic Range, and Menu → Signal → Color SpaceHDR10 and BT.2020 while Dolby Vision plays; back to Auto and Auto afterwardsForces the PQ (HDR10) curve without an InfoFrame. SDR looks wrong in this state, so switch back after the film.
Tune HDR brightness lastMenu → Signal → Dynamic Range → HDR10 Setting1-16 (start at the default)Changes the PQ curve (picture brightness). Only adjust once Signal Status shows HDR10; there is no universal value.

2. Source

Apple TV 4K, current tvOS. Do this after the Vertex presents the LLDV EDID.

Run the Dolby Vision testPop-up after the Apple TV sees the new EDIDRun the test and confirm the pictureHDfury: the Apple TV asks for this the first time it sees a new EDID and again after every EDID change.
Choose how Dolby Vision is used – choice 1 (everything in Dolby Vision)Settings → Video and Audio → Format4K Dolby Vision 60Hz (or 50Hz)HDfury's recommended Apple TV setting for Dolby Vision on an HDR10 display: all content (SDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision) is sent as LLDV and the projector stays in one HDR mode.
Choice 1: Match Dynamic RangeSettings → Video and Audio → Match Content → Match Dynamic RangeOffNeeded with choice 1, otherwise SDR and HDR10 are not sent as Dolby Vision.
Choice 2 (switch per title)Settings → Video and Audio → Format, and Match Content → Match Dynamic RangeFormat 4K SDR 60Hz (or 50Hz); Match Dynamic Range OnHDfury: only Dolby Vision titles are sent as LLDV; HDR10 stays HDR10 and SDR stays SDR.
Match Frame RateSettings → Video and Audio → Match Content → Match Frame RateOnApple: matches 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps content, for example 24 fps films. Use it with both choices.
ChromaSettings → Video and Audio → Chroma4:2:0Apple: 4:2:0 is compatible with most TVs and HDMI cables. Chroma does not change how Dolby Vision is sent.
HDMI OutputSettings → Video and Audio → HDMI OutputYCbCrApple: 'YCbCr is preferred for most TVs.'
Check the HDMI chainSettings → Video and Audio → Check HDMI ConnectionRun the testApple: makes sure the HDMI connection supports your current settings.
Format missing?Settings → Video and Audio → Format → Unverified FormatsSelect the Dolby Vision format to test itApple: lets you test a format the Apple TV did not detect automatically.
Audio for an AVRSettings → Video and Audio → Audio FormatAuto; Dolby Atmos OnDo not choose 'Convert to Dolby Digital 5.1' or 'Stereo Only' if you want Atmos.

3. Check the result

Play a Dolby Vision title. The Apple TV has no signal-info screen; read the projector and the Vertex.

Is the projector in HDR10?Epson: Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → Signal StatusShould show HDR10 while Dolby Vision (LLDV) playsIf it shows SDR, the Epson did not get an HDR InfoFrame: use option A (Vertex InfoFrame) or option B (force HDR10 + BT.2020).
Is the signal 4K HDR?Epson: Menu → Info → Projector Info → Color Format / Color Depth / Refresh RateColor Format should show 4K BT.2020 and HDREpson FAQ: this is what a compatible 4K HDR signal looks like.
Does the Apple TV offer Dolby Vision?Apple TV: Settings → Video and Audio → Format4K Dolby Vision is listedIf it is missing, the EDID the Apple TV sees has no Dolby Vision (see Troubleshooting).

THE VERTEX PART

Vertex settings for this setup

Upload an LLDV EDID into a free custom slot and select it for the Vertex input of the source (part B). No Scaling.
Make the projector switch to HDR: force HDR10 on the projector (step 1 above) or turn on Vertex Enable Custom HDR (part B2) — not both needed. Custom HDR stays on after power cycles; switch it off for SDR.
Connect the Apple TV 4K to a Vertex input and the Epson to a Vertex output; the Apple TV's input gets the LLDV EDID.
The Epson can be forced into HDR10 by hand, so the Vertex 'Enable Custom HDR' InfoFrame is optional. With the InfoFrame you can leave the Epson on Dynamic Range = Auto.
Enable Custom HDR stays on over hotplugs and power cycles, so SDR is also flagged as HDR. It fits Apple TV choice 1 (everything as LLDV); with choice 2 switch it off for SDR.
The Epson has no Dolby Vision block, so the Vertex must present an uploaded LLDV EDID; the factory LG/Vizio Dolby Vision tables are for Dolby Vision TVs, not for this projector.

VERTEX DOLBY VISION SETUP — ALL STEPS →

Switch these off

Apple TV: Match Dynamic Range when Format = 4K Dolby VisionHDfury's everything-in-Dolby-Vision setting needs Match Dynamic Range Off.
Apple TV: Audio Format 'Convert to Dolby Digital 5.1' / 'Stereo Only'Blocks Dolby Atmos; use Auto.
Apple TV: Chroma 4:4:4Adds nothing for films; 4:2:0 is Apple's compatibility setting.
Epson: Menu → Signal → Advanced → Image Processing = FastEpson: Fast disables all image adjustments, including HDR10 Setting.
Epson: Dynamic Range = HDR10 and Color Space = BT.2020 left on for SDRIf you use option B, SDR (menus, TV) looks washed out or dark until both are back on Auto.
Epson: Menu → Signal → Advanced → EDID = NormalNormal accepts only 4K at 30 Hz.

How you know it works

Epson: Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → Signal Status shows HDR10 while a Dolby Vision title plays.
Epson: Menu → Info → Projector Info → Color Format shows 4K BT.2020 and HDR.
Vertex OLED Info page: the INP line shows the incoming LLDV signal without HDR, the output line shows HDR once the Vertex HDR InfoFrame is sent (see the Vertex page for how to read it).

Problems and fixes

'4K Dolby Vision' is missing from Format

The EDID the Apple TV sees has no Dolby Vision. Check the Vertex LLDV EDID, unplug and replug HDMI, and run the Dolby Vision test the Apple TV offers. Also try Format → Unverified Formats.

Short black screen when a film starts

Normal: Apple says you may see a blank screen or flickering while the display switches format or frame rate.

SDR menus look too bright or grey with the Vertex InfoFrame on

Enable Custom HDR flags every signal as HDR. Use Apple TV choice 1 (Format = 4K Dolby Vision, Match Dynamic Range Off) or switch the InfoFrame off for SDR.

No Atmos

Settings → Video and Audio → Audio Format = Auto, Dolby Atmos On, and check the AVR is on a Vertex output that receives audio.

Dolby Vision plays but the picture is grey, washed out and dull

The Epson is still in SDR. Check Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → Signal Status. If it says SDR, enable the Vertex HDR InfoFrame (see the Vertex page, part B) or force Dynamic Range = HDR10 and Color Space = BT.2020.

No 4K60 picture

Set Menu → Signal → Advanced → EDID = Expanded (Normal supports only 4K 30 Hz) and use certified 18 Gbps cables.

Colours look wrong after changing HDR settings

Epson: set Dynamic Range to Auto for HDR images, or Color Space to BT.709 for SDR.

Dolby Vision is too dark or too bright

Adjust Menu → Signal → Dynamic Range → HDR10 Setting (1-16), but only after Signal Status shows HDR10.

NOT CONFIRMED BY THE MANUFACTURER

Owners report that LLDV arrives at the Vertex as YCbCr 4:2:2 12-bit; HDfury and the source makers do not state this for this device.
Whether any Vertex firmware shows a 'DV' or 'LLDV' label on the OLED is not documented.
HDfury publishes no recommended HDR InfoFrame values (luminance, MaxCLL, MaxFALL) for LLDV on the original Vertex; they are a tuning choice.
Epson does not document whether forcing Dynamic Range = HDR10 without an HDR InfoFrame gives fully correct BT.2020 colour; setting Color Space = BT.2020 as well is the safe choice.
Owners report (community site 'Epson TW9400 - Vertex - LLDV') that the Vertex HDR InfoFrame with BT.2020 primaries works well with the TW9400; Epson and HDfury do not document this combination.

CHECKED AGAINST

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