In the past two years, the term "HDR" has gained significant attention, but with so much media hype, it's easy to feel indifferent. So, what is the current state of HDR in the market? Kendra Chamberlain explores the technology and its real-world applications. Here's a detailed look at where HDR stands today.
When Apple introduced the latest version of Apple TV, CEO Tim Cook described HDR as a technology that "makes the living room magical." While High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging has been around for several years, Apple’s recent announcement marks a key milestone: HDR is finally entering the mainstream.
Since 2016, consumers have had access to both HDR content and devices. Ian Nock, a senior analyst at Fairmile West Consulting, humorously divides HDR history into two parts: before and after the 2016 CES. At that event, most major TV brands launched new 4K HDR TVs, along with other products supporting HDR.
David Mercer, an analyst at Strategy Analytics, predicts that nearly 5% of North American households will own an HDR TV this year. However, he notes that the adoption curve is still in its early stages. “We’re just starting to see real progress in the adoption of HDR,†he says.
Despite strong industry support, the HDR ecosystem still faces challenges. One of the biggest issues is consumer confusion. As awareness grows, so does the complexity of the market. From marketing strategies by TV manufacturers to the rise of end-to-end solution providers, and the confusing certification labels, consumers are often left puzzled.
Paul Gagnon, head of TV research at IHS Markit, explains: “There’s a lot for consumers to figure out in the industry chain. Even if you have an HDR TV, an HDR source device, and HDR content, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually see HDR.â€
The confusion stems from the varied use of HDR terminology. This acronym covers video production formats, encoding standards, decoding capabilities, and display performance, not to mention the various patented solutions emerging in the market.
For example, while the number of HDR TVs is increasing, not all of them can properly display HDR content. Gagnon points out that even some HDR TVs may only reach 300 nits of brightness, which isn’t much better than standard non-HDR TVs.
To address this, the UHD Alliance introduced the Ultra HD Premium certification, which supports the open HDR10 standard. However, not all manufacturers have adopted this, and many still use the term "HDR" in their marketing without proper certification.
Further confusion comes from end-to-end HDR solutions like Dolby Vision and Samsung HDR10+. These technologies meet the basic HDR10 standard but aim to deliver a more immersive experience. To fully enjoy these solutions, every part of the ecosystem must support them—something that remains a challenge for many consumers.
Although these solutions are heavily promoted, their market coverage is still unclear. Nock says, “We don’t know exactly how many TVs or set-top boxes support these technologies.†For instance, Dolby Vision is likely aimed at high-end devices rather than the mass market.
OTT services are leading the way in HDR content delivery. Due to easier infrastructure upgrades, digital platforms have a clear advantage. In fact, OTT devices were among the first to support HDR.
2016 was a turning point for HDR equipment. Alongside the rise of HDR smart TVs, Roku launched the first HDR streaming player, Sony added HDR support to the PS4, and Microsoft released the Xbox One S. By late 2016, the first Blu-ray players supporting HDR also hit the market.
As new HDR streaming devices entered the market, online video providers began offering HDR content. Amazon started providing HDR content in late 2015, followed by Netflix in early 2016. Both companies included HDR content on their apps, pre-installed on new HDR TVs.
Traditional content providers are also exploring HDR. Gagnon notes, “Studios, broadcasters, and distributors are excited about HDR because it offers significant visual improvements over the next five to ten years.â€
Hollywood studios are adopting HDR for its enhanced visual impact. As soon as HDR Blu-ray players became available, studios released premium HDR home entertainment titles, such as 21st Century Fox’s "Mars Rescue" and "The Fantasy Rafting of the Juveniles."
Broadcasters and service providers are still figuring out which HDR format to support. The main debate is between PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). Most U.S. HDR solutions like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ are based on PQ, while HLG is favored by broadcasters due to its ability to send a single signal to both HDR and SDR devices.
While HLG is more widely supported in broadcasting, the transition is still slow. Nock states, “It’s not a format war, but each has its own strengths.†He adds that as more TVs support HLG, the next step will be integrating it into set-top boxes.
Experts agree that linear broadcasting won’t adopt HDR anytime soon. Although some companies have plans, the timeline is uncertain. Nock says, “In 2017, there were many evaluations, but in 2018, we should see more concrete plans in Europe and the U.S.â€
So far, only two U.S. providers—Comcast and AT&T’s DirecTV—have announced HDR plans. Comcast, a leader in pay TV, initially announced an HDR set-top box in 2016, but delays have pushed the launch to the 2018 Winter Olympics. DirecTV also aims for a 2018 release, though details remain scarce.
As the HDR ecosystem continues to evolve, the path forward is clear: more education, better standardization, and broader adoption across devices and content. The future of HDR looks promising, but the journey is just beginning.
Boost Energy Storage Inductor
Boost Energy Storage Inductor,Drh High Current Inductor,High Current Inductor,Power High Current Inductor
Huizhou Show-Grand Electronics Co., Ltd. , https://www.sgtransformer.com