HDR TV Explained: 7 Must-Know Formats for Stunning Visuals!

Introduction: The Rise of HDR TV

Television technology has evolved significantly over the years. It evolved from black-and-white screens to vibrant OLED and QLED displays. One of the biggest advancements in recent years is the High Dynamic Range (HDR). HDR has transformed the way we experience visual content. If you are watching a blockbuster movie, streaming a TV series, or playing the latest video game, HDR enhances picture quality by improving contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. It delivers a more lifelike image.

Why HDR Matters in Modern TVs

Before HDR, televisions relied on Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). SDR had limited brightness levels and color depth. While SDR worked well for years, it could not fully capture the range of colors and lighting that the human eye perceives in real life. HDR bridges this gap by expanding the range of colors and luminance, making shadows deeper, highlights brighter, and colors more vivid.

Major TV manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic have adopted HDR technology. They are integrating it into their latest models. Additionally, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ now offer HDR content. That is making it more accessible than ever.

Fun Fact: The first consumer HDR TVs were introduced in 2015. Since then, HDR has become a standard feature in premium and mid-range TVs.

In this guide, we will explore the different HDR formats, their unique features, and which is best suited for your viewing experience.

What is HDR TV?

High Dynamic Range (HDR) TV is a revolutionary display technology. It enhances picture quality by improving contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. It allows TVs to display a wider range of colors and deeper blacks while preserving details in bright and dark areas. Compared to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), HDR creates a more immersive and realistic viewing experience.

What is SDR, and How Is It Different from HDR?

Before HDR became a standard in modern TVs, Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) was the default display technology. SDR has been used for decades in traditional television broadcasts, DVDs, and early digital video formats. However, SDR has limited brightness levels, lower contrast ratios, and an 8-bit color depth, which restricts the number of colors a TV can display.

Key Limitations of SDR

Lower Brightness – SDR TVs usually max out at 100–300 nits. That means bright areas appear dull.

Limited Color Depth – SDR supports 8-bit color. That means it can display only 16.7 million colors (compared to HDR’s billions).

Reduced Contrast – Shadows appear flat, and highlights can be overexposed.

How Does HDR Work?

HDR technology works by increasing the dynamic range of an image. Dynamic Range refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of a scene. Traditional SDR TVs have a limited range. That can cause overexposed highlights (too bright) or crushed shadows (too dark). HDR TVs solve this issue by supporting:

Higher Peak Brightness – Displays more detail in bright areas without overexposure.

Deeper Blacks – Enhances shadow details and prevents them from looking flat.

Wider Color Gamut – Shows a broader range of colors. That is closer to real life.

Better Contrast – Improves the difference between light and dark areas for a balanced image.

HDR vs. SDR: Key Differences

To understand the benefits of HDR, let’s compare it to SDR:

Feature	HDR TV	SDR TV
Brightness Levels	Up to 1,000–4,000 nits	100–300 nits
Contrast Ratio	High (Deeper blacks & brighter highlights)	Limited contrast (washed-out blacks)
Color Depth	10-bit or 12-bit (Over a billion colors)	8-bit (16.7 million colors)
Details in Shadows & Highlights	Preserved details in both bright and dark areas	Shadows appear too dark. Highlights may be overexposed
Supported Content	Streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+), Blu-ray, gaming consoles	Traditional broadcast TV, older media

Result: HDR TVs deliver more realistic and vibrant images. However, SDR TVs have more limited color and contrast.

What Makes a TV HDR-Ready?

Not all TVs can display HDR content properly. To be considered an HDR TV, a display must meet the following requirements:

• HDR-Compatible Panel – The TV must support HDR technology, with at least 10-bit color depth.
• High Brightness Capability – True HDR TVs should reach at least 600 nits of peak brightness (higher is better).
• HDR Format Support – Must be compatible with one or more HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or HLG.
• Wide Color Gamut (WCG) – Supports DCI-P3 or Rec. 2020 color standards for richer colors.
• Local Dimming or OLED Panel – Helps enhance contrast by controlling light output in different screen areas.

Where Can You Watch HDR Content?

Many streaming platforms, Blu-ray discs, and gaming consoles now support HDR content:

• Streaming Services: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+
• Physical Media: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs
• Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and select PC games
• Broadcast TV: Some sports channels and live broadcasts use HDR formats like HLG

HDR TVs provide a superior visual experience by enhancing brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. SDR TVs have a limited color and brightness range. However, HDR TVs display more realistic images with improved details in dark and bright areas. If you are streaming movies, watching live sports, or playing video games, HDR technology ensures a more immersive and true-to-life picture quality.

HDR Formats: Which One Is Best?

As HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology continues to evolve. Further, multiple HDR formats have emerged due to the evolution.  Each offers different advantages. If you are buying a new HDR TV, streaming content, or gaming, choosing the right HDR format can significantly impact your viewing experience.

This guide breaks down the most popular HDR formats—HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Advanced HDR by Technicolor. Further, it helps you decide which one is best for you.

Why Do Different HDR Formats Exist?

When HDR was first introduced, manufacturers and content creators had different ideas on how it should be implemented. Some companies prioritized wider adoption and affordability. However, some others focused on premium image quality with advanced metadata.

As a result, multiple HDR formats have emerged.  Each caters to different needs. Some are open standards. Open standard means any TV manufacturer or content creator can use them freely (HDR10, HLG). However, others require licensing fees but offer superior performance (Dolby Vision, HDR10+).

Comparing the Most Popular HDR Formats

Let’s take a closer look at each HDR format and how it affects your viewing experience.

1. HDR10: The Industry Standard

HDR10 is the most widely used HDR format because it is an open standard (free for manufacturers). It is supported by nearly all 4K HDR TVs, streaming services, Blu-ray discs, and gaming consoles.

How It Works:  It uses static metadata. That means the brightness and contrast settings remain the same throughout the movie or TV show.

Pros:

• Universally supported on all HDR-capable TVs
• Compatible with all major streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+)
• Used in most 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays and video games

Cons:

• Static metadata means it cannot adjust brightness and contrast per scene
• Limited to 10-bit color depth. That is good but not as rich as Dolby Vision’s 12-bit

Best For: Anyone looking for a widely compatible and reliable HDR format without needing a high-end TV.

2. HDR10+: A Dynamic Upgrade

It was developed by Samsung, Panasonic, and Amazon.  HDR10+ improves upon HDR10 by introducing dynamic metadata. This allows brightness and contrast levels to be adjusted scene by scene. Using Dynamic metadata leads to a more refined HDR experience.

How It Works: Instead of a fixed brightness setting (like HDR10), HDR10+ adjusts the picture dynamically, improving details in dark and bright areas.

Pros:

• Dynamic metadata makes scenes look more realistic
• No licensing fees (free for manufacturers)
• Supported by Amazon Prime Video, Samsung TVs, Panasonic TVs, and select Hisense models.

Cons:

• Not supported on LG or Sony TVs
• Less content available compared to Dolby Vision

Best For: Samsung TV owners who want better HDR quality than HDR10.

3. Dolby Vision: The Gold Standard in HDR

Dolby Vision is a premium HDR format. It offers the highest color depth, brightness, and dynamic range. Unlike HDR10, Dolby Vision supports 12-bit color (instead of 10-bit). That means it can display over 68 billion colors for stunning picture quality.

How It Works: It uses dynamic metadata to adjust brightness, contrast, and colors frame by frame. That is ensuring the best possible image for each scene.

Pros:

• 12-bit color depth (compared to HDR10’s 10-bit)
• Dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene optimization
• Supported on Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays
• Available on LG, Sony, TCL, and Vizio TVs

Cons:

• Licensing fees make it more expensive for manufacturers
• Not available on Samsung TVs (Samsung prefers HDR10+)

Best For: Viewers with high-end TVs who want the best HDR quality possible.

4. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma): HDR for Live TV and Broadcasting

It is developed by the BBC and NHK. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) is designed for broadcast TV and live sports. Unlike HDR10 or Dolby Vision, HLG does not use metadata. That is making it easier for TV networks to implement.

How It Works: HLG blends SDR and HDR into one signal. That allows HDR-capable TVs to display enhanced contrast while SDR TVs show a standard image.

Pros:

• Works with both HDR and SDR TVs
• Ideal for live broadcasts, sports, and news channels
• Supported by BBC iPlayer, NHK, Sky, and DirecTV

Cons:

• Not widely used in movies or streaming
• Lacks the dynamic range of Dolby Vision or HDR10+

Best For: Watching live sports and TV broadcasts with HDR support.

5. Advanced HDR by Technicolor

This format is developed by Technicolor. It is primarily used for broadcasting and content production. It includes multiple HDR profiles like HDR conversion for SDR content.

How It Works: Converts SDR to HDR in real-time and optimizes HDR content for different display types.

Pros:

• Designed for broadcasters and studios
• Helps convert SDR content into HDR

Cons:

• Not widely adopted by TV manufacturers
• Limited content availability

Best For: Broadcasters and content producers rather than general consumers.

Which HDR Format Is Best for You?

Feature	HDR10	HDR10+	Dolby Vision	HLG	Technicolor HDR
Metadata Type	Static	Dynamic	Dynamic	None	Dynamic
Color Depth	10-bit	10-bit	12-bit	10-bit	10-bit
TV Compatibility	Most TVs	Samsung, Panasonic	LG, Sony, TCL	Most HDR TVs	Limited
Streaming Support	Netflix, Prime Video	Prime Video	Netflix, Disney+	BBC iPlayer	Limited
Best For	General HDR content	Samsung TV owners	Premium HDR experience	Live TV & sports	Broadcasters

 

Which One Should You Choose?

• For the best HDR experience, → Choose Dolby Vision (if your TV supports it)
• For Samsung TVs → Choose HDR10+
• For live TV and sports, → Choose HLG
• For general HDR content → HDR10 is a safe choice

Pro Tip: Always check which HDR formats your TV supports before buying content or choosing a streaming service.

Comprehensive HDR Format Comparison: HDR10 vs. Dolby Vision vs. HDR10+ vs. HLG vs. Technicolor HDR

Feature	HDR10	Dolby Vision	HDR10+	HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)	Advanced HDR by Technicolor
Bit Depth	10-bit (1.07 billion colors)	12-bit (68.7 billion colors)	10-bit (1.07 billion colors)	10-bit (1.07 billion colors)	10-bit (1.07 billion colors)
Metadata Type	Static – applies the same HDR settings to the entire video	Dynamic – adjusts HDR settings scene by scene	Dynamic – adjusts HDR settings scene by scene	No Metadata – works dynamically based on TV capabilities	Dynamic – adjusts HDR settings frame by frame
Peak Brightness Support	Up to 4,000 nits, usually around 1,000 nits	Up to 10,000 nits, usually around 4,000 nits	Up to 4,000 nits, typically 1,500–2,000 nits	Varies based on broadcast quality	Optimized for broadcasts & streaming
Color Depth	Wide Color Gamut (WCG) – Supports Rec. 2020 but limited to Rec. 709 on lower-end TVs	Wider Color Gamut (WCG) – Supports full Rec. 2020	Wide Color Gamut (WCG) – Similar to HDR10 but with dynamic metadata	Standard for broadcasts – Balances between HDR and SDR	Optimized for live broadcasting
Tone Mapping	Fixed tone mapping (based on mastering data)	Adaptive tone mapping (adjusts per frame)	Adaptive tone mapping (similar to Dolby Vision)	No tone mapping (relies on the display’s native capability)	Advanced tone mapping for live TV and legacy content
Main Use Case	Movies, TV shows, gaming – Most widely used HDR format	Cinema, high-end streaming, gaming – Best for premium content	Samsung HDR TVs, streaming, gaming – Dolby Vision alternative	Live TV, sports broadcasting	Professional broadcasting, live events
Supported Devices	Almost all HDR TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices	LG, Sony, TCL, Apple TV, Xbox Series X/S, high-end smartphones	Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TV, newer streaming devices	BBC, NHK, DirecTV, YouTube, and most broadcast networks	Limited support, mainly for professional broadcasting
Streaming Services	Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu	Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Vudu, HBO Max	Amazon Prime Video, Samsung TVs, some YouTube HDR content	BBC iPlayer, NHK, DirecTV, YouTube Live	Limited availability – focused on broadcasters
Gaming Support	Supported on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC games	Xbox Series X/S supports Dolby Vision Gaming	Limited gaming support	No dedicated gaming features	Not used for gaming
Licensing Cost	Free (open standard)	Requires licensing – costly for manufacturers	Free (Samsung-backed alternative to Dolby Vision)	Free (developed for live broadcasting)	Commercial use – not for consumer TVs
Advantages	Widely supported across TVs & devices	–	–	–	–
Free, making it universal		–	–	–	–
Works on all HDR-capable displays	Best picture quality – dynamic metadata adjusts brightness and colors	–	–	–	–
Supports 12-bit color (if hardware allows)		–	–	–	–
More natural contrast & highlights	Open-source alternative to Dolby Vision	–	–	–	–
Works on Samsung TVs		–	–	–	–
Supports dynamic metadata	Works with live TV & sports broadcasts	–	–	–	–
Compatible with both HDR & SDR displays	Ideal for broadcast TV and live streaming	–	–	–	–
Good for legacy content conversion	–	–	–	–	–
Disadvantages	No dynamic metadata – brightness/color settings stay the same throughout a movie.	–	–	–	–
Limited to 10-bit color	Requires licensing fees – making it less common on cheaper TVs	–	–	–	–
Not supported on Samsung TVs	Less widely adopted than Dolby Vision.	–	–	–	–
Mostly used on Samsung TVs & Prime Video.	Not widely supported outside live TV	–	–	–	–
Does not match Dolby Vision or HDR10+ in quality	Very limited availability for home entertainment	–	–	–	–
Mainly used in the broadcasting industry.	–	–	–	–	–

Each HDR format has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, the best choice depends on your TV, streaming services, and content preferences. Dolby Vision offers the highest quality, whereas HDR10 and HDR10+ provide excellent alternatives.

If you are into live TV and sports, HLG is the way to go. And if you are a broadcaster or filmmaker then Advanced HDR by Technicolor might be useful.

HDR TV vs. HDR Photo: Key Differences & Similarities

Feature	HDR TV	HDR Photo
Definition	High Dynamic Range (HDR) for TVs enhances contrast, brightness, and color depth for a more lifelike image.	High Dynamic Range (HDR) in photography combines multiple exposures to capture greater detail in shadows and highlights.
Purpose	Improves video playback quality by expanding brightness and color ranges for a more realistic viewing experience.	Enhances still images by merging multiple shots to balance exposure and reveal more details.
How It Works	Uses HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ to display a wider color gamut and higher contrast.	Merges multiple photos taken at different exposures (bracketing) into a single image with improved details.
Dynamic Range	Supports brighter highlights and deeper blacks for a more immersive viewing experience.	Captures a wider exposure range, retaining details in both shadows and highlights.
Processing Method	Real-time video processing—HDR metadata adjusts brightness and contrast dynamically.	Uses post-processing (in Photoshop or Lightroom) to merge images and enhance exposure balance.
Bit Depth	Typically 10-bit or 12-bit, allowing for billions of colors.	Standard 8-bit images, but professional HDR photos may use 16-bit depth for more gradation.
Formats Used	HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, Technicolor HDR.	Common HDR image formats include JPEG-HDR, EXR, HDRI (Radiance RGBE), and TIFF 16-bit.
Hardware Required	Requires an HDR-compatible TV, streaming device, or gaming console to display HDR content.	Any camera with exposure bracketing or smartphone with HDR mode can capture HDR photos.
Software Used	Built-in HDR processing in TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming platforms.	Post-processing in Photoshop, Lightroom, Photomatix, and Aurora HDR.
Color Gamut	Supports Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and Rec. 2020 color space.	Expands tonal range but typically limited to sRGB or Adobe RGB.
Best For	Watching movies, TV shows, gaming, and live sports in high-quality HDR formats.	Capturing landscapes, architecture, and high-contrast scenes with detailed highlights and shadows.
Final Output	Dynamic HDR video with enhanced realism.	A single still image with balanced exposure and better detail.

Key Takeaways: HDR TV vs. HDR Photo

• Similarities: Both enhance dynamic range and improve contrast. They provide more detail in bright and dark areas.
• Differences: HDR TV is for video playback. However, HDR Photo is for capturing and editing still images using multiple exposures.

HDR vs. UHD: Key Differences & Similarities

Feature	HDR (High Dynamic Range)	UHD (Ultra High Definition / 4K)
Definition	Enhances contrast, brightness, and color depth for a more realistic image.	Refers to higher resolution (3840×2160 pixels for 4K), offering sharper images.
Primary Focus	Improves color, brightness, and contrast for a lifelike viewing experience.	Increases pixel count to enhance image sharpness and detail.
Resolution	Not resolution-dependent – works with 1080p, 4K, or even 8K displays.	4K UHD (3840×2160) and 8K UHD (7680×4320) define UHD standards.
Impact on Image Quality	Brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and a wider range of colors.	Sharper, more detailed images due to higher pixel count.
Color Gamut	Supports Wide Color Gamut (WCG), such as Rec. 2020 or DCI-P3.	Uses standard Rec. 709 for SDR and Rec. 2020 for UHD HDR content.
Bit Depth	Typically 10-bit or 12-bit for a broader range of colors.	Can be 8-bit, 10-bit, or 12-bit, depending on HDR support.
Formats	HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor.	4K UHD Blu-ray, 4K streaming, 8K UHD TVs.
Hardware Requirements	Requires an HDR-compatible TV or monitor with HDR-capable content.	Requires a 4K or 8K display for UHD resolution.
Software Support	Supported by HDR-enabled movies, streaming services, and games.	Used in TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, Blu-ray discs, and gaming.
Effect on Viewing Experience	Enhances contrast and colors, making images more immersive.	Makes images sharper and clearer due to increased pixel count.
Best For	Cinematic experience, gaming, realistic visuals.	Detailed visuals, large screens, gaming, high-resolution movies.

Key Takeaways: HDR vs. UHD

• Similarities: Both improve image quality and are often found together in modern TVs and displays.
• Differences: HDR improves contrast and colors, while UHD increases resolution and sharpness.

Which One Matters More?

• If you want better colors and contrast → HDR is more important.
• If you want sharper details → UHD (4K/8K) is crucial.
• Best experience? A UHD TV with HDR support!

Conclusion: Choosing the Best HDR Format for Your Needs

HDR technology has revolutionized the way we experience visuals. It delivers brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and richer colors. However, with multiple HDR formats available, picking the right one depends on your TV, streaming service, and content preferences.

• Dolby Vision is the best choice for those seeking premium HDR qualities with dynamic metadata and 12-bit color depth. However, it is not supported on Samsung TVs.
• HDR10+ is a great alternative for Samsung users. It offers dynamic metadata without licensing costs.
• HDR10 remains the most widely supported HDR format. It ensures compatibility across nearly all HDR-capable TVs and devices.
• HLG is ideal for live sports and broadcast TV since it works with both HDR and SDR displays.
• Advanced HDR by Technicolor is mainly for broadcasters and content creators. That is making it less relevant for general consumers.

Final Takeaway

If your TV supports Dolby Vision, it is the best option for cinema-quality HDR. However, if you own a Samsung TV, HDR10+ is the next best thing. For general HDR content, HDR10 is a safe, widely compatible choice.

Before investing in a new HDR TV or content, always check which formats your device supports to get the best viewing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About HDR TV

1. What is the difference between HDR and SDR?

SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) has a narrower range of brightness and color. That means details in very bright or dark areas can get lost. HDR (High Dynamic Range) expands this range. That allows for richer colors, higher contrast, and more realistic visuals.

2. Does every 4K TV support HDR?

No. While most modern 4K TVs support HDR, some older or budget models may lack proper HDR capabilities. Always check for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HLG support before purchasing.

3. Which HDR format is best for gaming?

For gaming, HDR10 is widely supported on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC games. However, Dolby Vision Gaming (available on Xbox Series X/S) offers better brightness and contrast adjustments. Some games also support HDR10+. But it is less common.

4. Can I watch HDR content on a non-HDR TV?

Yes, but you will not get the full HDR experience. HDR content will be displayed in SDR. That means you will miss out on the improved contrast and colors.

5. Is HDR10+ better than Dolby Vision?

Both formats use dynamic metadata, but Dolby Vision supports 12-bit color depth, whereas HDR10+ is limited to 10-bit. Dolby Vision generally offers better image quality. But HDR10+ is free for manufacturers. That is making it more widely available on Samsung TVs.

6. Does HDR work with streaming services?

Yes! Many streaming platforms offer HDR content:

• Netflix → Dolby Vision, HDR10
• Amazon Prime Video → HDR10+
• Disney+ → Dolby Vision, HDR10
• YouTube → HDR10, HLG

Make sure your TV and streaming device support the same HDR format as your chosen platform.

7. Why does HDR sometimes look too dark?

If HDR content looks too dim, it could be due to:

• Your TV’s brightness settings are too low
• The TV’s peak brightness not being high enough to display HDR properly
• Watching in a very bright room, which makes HDR appear darker

Try adjusting your TV’s picture settings or enabling “HDR Tone Mapping” if available.

8. Do I need a special HDMI cable for HDR?

Yes, you need an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable to properly transmit HDR signals. For higher frame rates (120Hz) and gaming, an HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended.

9. Which HDR format is best for sports and live TV?

HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) is specifically designed for live TV and sports broadcasts. It works on both SDR and HDR TVs. That makes it the best choice for broadcast networks.

10. Can I convert SDR content to HDR?

Some TVs and media players have HDR upscaling, which enhances SDR content to look more like HDR. However, this is a simulated effect and won’t match true HDR quality.