Samsung is expanding its high-dynamic-range (HDR) ecosystem with the introduction of HDR10+ Advanced, a new standard designed to compete directly with Dolby Vision. According to Samsung, the format improves brightness management, tone mapping, and motion processing by utilizing scene-specific metadata. The technology is scheduled to launch in 2026 on select Samsung televisions via Amazon Prime Video.
Technical Capabilities of HDR10+ Advanced
Unlike previous iterations of the format, HDR10+ Advanced shifts its focus toward three primary areas of image optimization. Samsung reports that the standard uses expanded statistical metadata to better utilize the capabilities of modern, high-brightness displays. This feature is intended to maximize the potential of premium panels that reach peak brightness levels significantly higher than older hardware.
The system also introduces AI-based tone mapping. According to company descriptions, this process adjusts image output to preserve details in darker scenes, reducing the loss of visual information in shadows. Furthermore, the standard includes intelligent motion processing. By relying on scene-level metadata, the technology aims to create smoother motion while attempting to maintain the original cinematic character of the film. However, Samsung notes that this feature does not function when the television is set to Filmmaker Mode, a setting specifically designed to minimize post-processing.
Did you know?
While HDR10+ Advanced aims to improve motion, many film enthusiasts prefer to disable motion interpolation entirely, as excessive processing can alter the intended “look” of a director’s work.
Market Competition and Streaming Support
The release of HDR10+ Advanced arrives as Dolby continues to roll out its own updated standard, Dolby Vision 2. While both technologies share similar goals, Samsung’s approach emphasizes broad functionality in HDR encoding from the outset. A significant factor in the rollout is the partnership with Amazon Prime Video. Prime Video was a key partner for the initial HDR10+ launch in 2017 and is currently the only major streaming platform to commit to the new Advanced standard.
Samsung has confirmed that the technology will be available to consumers first through 2026 television models using Prime Video content. While the format is intended to support games and sports broadcasts alongside movies, Amazon has not yet specified which titles in its library will receive HDR10+ Advanced support. The long-term viability of the standard remains dependent on the level of adoption by other streaming services and content creators.
Current Industry Constraints
- Hardware Availability: The format is limited to 2026 Samsung televisions at launch.
- Content Distribution: There are currently no announcements regarding the implementation of HDR10+ Advanced or Dolby Vision 2 on physical media, such as UHD Blu-ray.
- Compatibility: Advanced features are disabled when using the industry-standard Filmmaker Mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will HDR10+ Advanced work on my current Samsung TV?
Samsung has stated that the technology is debuting on their 2026 television lineup. There has been no official confirmation regarding backward compatibility for older models.
Can I use HDR10+ Advanced and Filmmaker Mode simultaneously?
No. According to Samsung, the HDR10+ Advanced features are not operational when a television is set to Filmmaker Mode.
Which streaming services support this format?
As of the initial announcement, Amazon Prime Video is the primary platform committed to supporting the new standard.
How does this compare to Dolby Vision?
Both systems use dynamic metadata to improve picture quality. HDR10+ Advanced distinguishes itself through specific AI-driven tone mapping and motion processing features, while Dolby Vision 2 is currently being integrated by Dolby across a different set of compatible devices.
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