The HDR Landscape: Beyond the Basics and What’s Coming Next
Nearly all new TVs and projectors have the ability to decode high dynamic range (HDR) video, and in most cases, HDR content looks better than non-HDR material. However, the world of HDR is more complex than it appears. There are multiple formats – Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision 2, HDR10, HDR10 Plus, and HLG – and most displays can only decode one or two of them. Streaming services and 4K Blu-rays typically offer only one or two as well.
Fortunately, all HDR displays can play HDR content, but not always in the best format available. Understanding these formats is key to maximizing your viewing experience.
HDR10: The Universal Standard
HDR10 is the most widely supported HDR format. Because it’s free for manufacturers to utilize, almost every HDR TV and device supports it. Nearly all HDR content includes an HDR10 version. However, HDR10 uses “static” metadata, meaning a single HDR “look” is applied to the entire movie or show. While better than standard dynamic range (SDR), this one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t allow both the content and the TV to reach their full potential.
HDR10+: Dynamic Improvement
HDR10 Plus builds on the HDR10 standard by adding dynamic metadata. This allows the content to provide the TV with information on a per-scene or even per-image basis, optimizing the picture quality. Championed by Samsung, HDR10 Plus offers potentially better image quality than standard HDR10. While there are fees for manufacturers to use HDR10 Plus, they are less than those charged by Dolby for Dolby Vision. Content is available from Amazon, Apple TV, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, and Netflix, though not all content from these services supports HDR10 Plus.
Dolby Vision: A Premium Experience
Dolby Vision, like HDR10 Plus, utilizes dynamic metadata for improved picture quality. It’s supported by streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Vudu, and is found on some 4K Blu-rays. Dolby Vision requires manufacturers to pay licensing fees, but in return, Dolby helps optimize TVs for the best possible image.
Announced at CES 2026, Dolby Vision 2 introduces new features, including optional motion smoothing and “content intelligence” features that adjust a TV’s performance based on ambient light and content. Dolby Vision 2 is compatible with all current Dolby Vision TVs, with higher-end models offering the full range of features.
HLG: Broadcast-Friendly HDR
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) was created by the BBC and NHK and is designed to be backward-compatible with SDR TVs. This makes it ideal for broadcasting. While HLG offers an improvement over SDR, it may not match the picture quality of HDR10 Plus or Dolby Vision. Content is currently limited to some NextGenTV broadcasts.
Advanced HDR by Technicolor: A Niche Player
Technicolor’s Advanced HDR comes in several variations (SL-HDR1, 2, and 3), each with its own niche. However, it has not seen widespread adoption and content is limited to some NextGenTV broadcasts.
The Importance of TV Performance
CNET’s TV reviews have found that the capabilities of the TV itself and how HDR is used in the movie or TV show have a greater impact on image quality than the specific HDR format. Just because a display supports a “better” HDR format doesn’t guarantee a better picture.
What Does This Indicate for You?
When shopping for a new TV, consider one that supports either Dolby Vision or HDR10 Plus, as the dynamic metadata can offer noticeable improvements. However, remember that the overall performance of the TV is crucial. The good news is that most new TVs support HDR, and a growing amount of content is available in HDR formats.
Did you know?
HDR isn’t just about brighter highlights; it’s about a wider range of colors and more detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
FAQ
What is the best HDR format?
Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus are generally considered the best, offering dynamic metadata for improved picture quality. However, the TV’s overall performance is more important.
Does my TV need to support all HDR formats?
No. Supporting Dolby Vision or HDR10 Plus is beneficial, but HDR10 is the most widely supported and will provide an improvement over SDR.
What is dynamic metadata?
Dynamic metadata allows the TV to adjust the HDR settings on a scene-by-scene basis, optimizing the picture quality for each moment.
Is HDR content available on streaming services?
Yes, most major streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, and Disney Plus, offer HDR content.
What is SDR?
SDR stands for Standard Dynamic Range. It’s the older format for video and doesn’t offer the same level of detail and color as HDR.
Explore CNET’s TV reviews to find the perfect display for your needs.
