[ashlar]

I output 12bits with a GTX960...

This selected from the resolution Nvidia control panel.

My Pioneer Kuro detects the signal and sets itself in 36 bit mode.

Doesn't madVR add dithering to this? The control panel says 10-bits or more. Is this value open rather than a fixed value?

madVR outputs 10 bits (I run DX11 Exclusive) dithered from the 8 bits source, yes. But in my control panel I only have two options for color depth on the Kuro: 8 bits and 12 bits. Whereas, for instance, on the desktop PC I have 8 bits and 10 bits as options. I think it depends on the screen you connect the graphic card to (both are Nvidia, in the desktop case it's a GTX980, in the HTPC a GTX660).