Monitor Settings Help

[Darkcrusader]

I need some help.
Sorry if it's the wrong place but bear with me.
I can't seem to differentiate complete darkness from 1,2,3. Just tell me if you can see every square even if it's faint.
Thanks.

blacktest.png

[Voss]

yep

[Marshmallow Marshall]

No I can't lol.

[Darkcrusader]

Shit, I need more data.
Either my monitor is shit or it's the settings.
gradient-h.png

Same question as before for other people. Now, do either of you see the gradient as being smooth or do you see it with bands?
It should be smooth or as close to being that way.

[Voss]

smooth

[RLVG]

If I use paint and a green background, then I can't see the difference of 1 and 2, and 2 to 3, but 1 and 3 there's an extremely small contrast difference that's very minuscule.
An example would be a shadow on top of another shadow, in darkness.

If I look at the picture like it is unaltered - I can see a slightly brighter black from 1 to 2, and 2 to 3.

This is a very odd case of contrast.

[Darkcrusader]

I'll assume everyone has their default gamma set on 2.2. My contrast and brightness don't seem to affect either the banding or the dark levels.
With that said, I modified the picture of a skull and made a set of them.
The way I see it from my side is this:
First skull (Original)
Second skull (Darker)
Third skull (Darkest)

Fourth skull (Lighter than the first)
Fifth skull (Lighter than the fourth)
Sixth skull (Lighter than the fifth)

That way, in term of which one is darker 1<2<3.
Same goes in term of it being lighter 4<5<6.

T1.jpg
T2.jpg

Your inputs have been helpful so far.
Now my questions are:
1. Is the transition between the darker pictures noticeable?
2. What about the lighter ones?
3. Is there banding or is it smooth?
4. Are some of the skulls lighter or darker than they should be?
Every set follows a progressive pattern. (Either being darker or lighter)
Thanks for helping btw and I can't stress enough about how important it is for me to know.


Edit:
-Small Update-
Had to reset my colour profile so I can see the gradient as being smooth now.
Still can't differentiate 1,2 and 3 from pure black.