How does HDR video work?

Q: What is the difference between HDR Photo and HDR Video?

Video HDR is about the dynamic range, or the contrast ratio from the darkest portion to the lightest portion in any given scene. Photo HDR is bracketing photos for the dark and light ends then blending the two together to optimise the dark and light portions of an image.

Q: What is the difference between SDR and HDR?

SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) is the older version of HDR, SDR is 5-6 stops rather than 14 and is very limited/restricted. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is the next generation of reproducing what the human eye is capable of seeing in reference to colours and contrast between the brightest and darkest.

What is the difference between HDR Photo and HDR Video?

Photo HDR is bracketing photos for the dark and light ends then blending the two together to optimise the dark and light portions of an image.

Video HDR is about the dynamic range, or the contrast ratio from the darkest portion to the lightest portion in any given scene. It displays video content with more luminance, more colour and contrast. It does this by using the display and the content together.

What is the difference between SDR and HDR?

SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) is the older version of HDR, the term SDR came out for a relative reference so people could refer back to what it was. SDR is 5-6 stops rather than 14 and is very limited/restricted. Especially since the human eye can see in absolute terms in around 20 stops.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is the next generation of reproducing what the human eye is capable of seeing in reference to colours and contrast between the brightest and darkest. However the source has to be HDR compatible.

Are there different versions of HDR?

There are quite a few different versions of HDR that are competing against each other or doing different things. The end goal of these however are very much the same, the end goal being to deliver what the human vision is capable of seeing. HDR, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision to name a few. These can all co-exist however the market determines ultimately what happens next. However compatibility of content and all devices is needed to support HDR.

How does HDR Video technology work?

Creates a defined contrast and richer colours
Expands colour space
Increases dynamic range
Improves image fidelity
Gives static & dynamic metadata

Overall HDR Video delivers image quality improvement that viewers can tell once they experience it. HDR Video is desirable and inevitable, the roll out of it however will be gradual.

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