What is HDR?
We’ve seen a bit of gimmickry in the video industry as of late in the form of passing fads like curved sets and 3D. This time around, we have a new video quality in the 2016 models that will change what you expect from 4K video from here on out. The industry has been trying to call it “Ultra HD Premium” or “UHD” for short. Technically, it is HDR10 and the term “HDR” is the name that has stuck and is what you should be looking for in the newer displays.
Benefit
HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range” which is in reference to more vibrant hues, realistic colors, whiter whites and the darkest blacks. We’ve been hearing these kind of descriptions being used in a more general way over the years to describe how picture quality increases in a given display set, however this is actually a new standard in content and not just display technology.
Availability
Smart TVs will have the first opportunity to play back HDR content through streaming services such as Netflix, Vudu, Amazon and more. So far, the first season of Marco Polo as well as the highly-anticipated second season of Daredevil will be available in HDR from Netflix, with other streaming services following suit quickly. Furthermore, HDR Bluray players and content will be increasingly filling the calendar of vendors and movie studios for 2016.
Conclusion
2016 will be known in as the year of HDR and in my opinion it will be an even more drastic step up than 4K was. Expect all middle to high-end display sets released in 2016 from all major manufacturers to be HDR ready. The visual gamut of human perception is still wider than what our display technology can produce, but this is a significant leap forward towards the matching of the two! Want to see it for yourself? Call (805) 497-7536 to schedule an appointment in our showroom so you can witness the difference.