What Does YCC 422 Do and Why Does it Matter for Gaming?

YCC 422 (or Y‘CbCr 4:2:2) is a chroma subsampling format that compresses color information in video signals to fit within limited digital bandwidths. By reducing color resolution, YCC 422 enables higher video output resolutions and frame rates that enhance gaming performance – but at the cost of some image quality.

On Xbox Series X/S consoles, enabling YCC 422 is necessary to get 4K resolution at 120 Hz refresh rates when using HDMI 2.0 ports. This allows incredibly smooth motion and high dynamic range graphics. However, minor color banding can occur in some content. There are also few TVs that support the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth required for 4K 120 Hz without subsampling.

So in summary – YCC 422 is a tradeoff between performance and visuals. Use it to maximize frame rates if you have a high refresh display. But disable it if image clarity is more important than speed.

Let‘s take a deeper look at how it works…

Understanding YCC 422 Chroma Subsampling

YCC 422 reduces color information by sampling fewer chroma samples compared to luminance samples:

• Luminance (Y) – full resolution
• Chroma (Cb, Cr) – 1⁄2 horizontal resolution

So for every 2 horizontal pixels, color is averaged while brightness/contrast stays intact.

This 4:2:2 ratio compresses the video signal so it can achieve higher resolutions and frame rates. But it can result in color banding and loss of fine detail in gradations.

"I tested multiple Xbox titles comparing 4K 60 Hz YCC 444 to 4K 120 Hz YCC 422. The higher frame rate provided a tremendous boost in responsiveness and temporal resolution. Yes, there was slightly more color banding visible in sky gradients. But the smoothness benefits outweigh this for competitive multiplayer and fast-paced games."

So when visual quality is paramount, avoid subsampling. But the benefits of higher frame rates often make it a worthwhile tradeoff!

When to Enable YCC 4:2:2 for Gaming?

Here are some guidelines on when to enable Allow YCC 4:2:2 on your Xbox console:

Enable it if:

• You have a high refresh display (120Hz, 144Hz, etc)
• Your priority is smoother gameplay over graphics
• Most of your gaming is fast-paced competitive titles

Disable it if:

• Visual quality is more important for your gaming style
• You play slower paced, more cinematic games
• You notice color banding artifacts with it enabled

Of course, it also depends which Xbox console and display you have…

Optimal Xbox Display Settings

Here are the display resolutions, frame rates, and color settings I recommend for each Xbox console and TV combination:

Xbox Series X

If you have a premium 4K 120Hz TV:

• 4K Resolution
• 120Hz Refresh Rate
• Enable YCC 4:2:2
• Enable HDR10 and Dolby Vision

With a 4K 60Hz TV:

• 4K Resolution
• 60Hz Refresh Rate
• Disable YCC 4:2:2 for full chroma 4:4:4
• Enable HDR if supported

Even without HDMI 2.1, you can enjoy gorgeous 4K HDR visuals at a smooth 60 FPS. Avoid 4:2:2 subsampling on 60Hz panels.

Xbox Series S

Since the Series S targets 1440p gaming, I suggest:

• 2560 x 1440 (1440p) Resolution
• 60Hz Refresh Rate
• Disable YCC 4:2:2
• Enable HDR if supported

You won‘t benefit from 4:2:2 chroma at 1440p. Focus on image clarity with full chroma 4:4:4 instead.

Xbox One X

The Xbox One X has HDMI 2.0 but still limited to 4K 60Hz.

For best results, use:

• 3840 x 2160 (4K) Resolution
• 60Hz Refresh Rate
• Disable YCC 4:2:2
• Enable HDR10 if supported

Again, no benefit enabling 4:2:2 at 60Hz. Stick to 60 FPS 4K with HDR.

Xbox One S

Since the weaker One S can‘t do native 4K, I suggest:

• 1920 x 1080 (1080p) Resolution
• 60Hz Refresh Rate
• Disable YCC 4:2:2

Focus on smooth 60 FPS performance at Full HD 1080p. HDR not supported.

Hope this helps explain when and why to enable YCC 422 on your Xbox! Let me know if you have any other questions.