By helmsm | Sun, 08/15/2021 - 17:14

Dispelling the Myths about HDR

Published 8/15/2021

When buying a new TV, most people get that 4K will give them a better resolution picture than HDTV. But if they havent yet experienced High Dynamic Range (HDR), they may wonder if that feature really will make that big a difference. However, once people compare HDR to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) in 4K or HD pictures, HDR usually wins out.

So, why does HDR dazzle viewers, often impressing them more than 4Ks ultra-high definition (UHD) picture? Its because HDR captures and displays video images in a way that closely matches what the human eye sees in real life. Since dynamic range refers to the difference between the blackest blacks and the brightest whites that can be seen on a video display, the result is that viewers perceive the following attributes in the video:

  • Greater detail in the shadows and low light areas
  • Richer, more saturated colors
  • Sharper textures and other picture information lost in SDR
  • Greater detail in areas that normally would have blown-out highlights
  • Greater clarity in light reflections
  • Improved contrast

The bottom line is that HDR displays give viewers a remarkable video image enhanced with brighter, sharper picture detail and more vivid colors, dispelling any myths that it isnt worth it or better than SDR.

Another myth about HDR is that the display is the main determinant of quality, when the reality is that it matters greatly how the video has been captured and processed. This is because HDR is a complete system from video capture to display. The HDR video signal may contain metadata that allows the TV to display the HDR picture as it was captured in-camera. HDR displays allow viewers to really see and appreciate the directors artistic vision and intent, as well as the cinematographers talents and skills.

Since consumers associate HDR with newer TV sets, another myth is that todays ATSC 1.0 can transmit HDR programs. In fact, only the next-generation DTV standard, ATSC 3.0, allows broadcasters to transmit a HDR video over the air and viewers will only pick it up if theyre using an ATSC 3.0 DTV receiver, as well as a HDR-capable TV.

In our next blog, well delve further into HDR by discussing the many different HDR profiles that are in use today, and how to ensure optimal results when converting between them. In the meantime, broadcast and production professionals can rest assured that most top-of-the-line camera systems from Hitachi Kokusai, such as the SK-HD1800 for studio and/or field use, fully support both HDR and SDR natively. And several different camera control units from Hitachi output HDR and SDR video simultaneously, as well as outputting optional 4K-HDR.

Youll also find an installment of our Short Takes video series devoted to HDR, as well as other videos touching on HDR, in our online Video Gallery. At Hitachi Kokusai, we pride ourselves on being pioneers and leaders in the realm of High Dynamic Range.