Netflix has announced a major upgrade to its video streaming capabilities, introducing support for HDR10+ content on compatible devices. This move marks a significant step forward in delivering enhanced visual experiences to viewers, particularly those using Samsung TVs and mobile devices.
What is HDR10+ and Why Does it Matter?
HDR10+ is an advanced high dynamic range (HDR) format that aims to deliver more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights in video content. Unlike standard HDR10, which uses static metadata for an entire video, HDR10+ employs dynamic metadata that can adjust brightness and contrast on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis.
The key advantages of HDR10+ include:
- More accurate color reproduction
- Improved contrast and brightness
- Better preservation of creative intent
- Open standard with no licensing fees
For viewers, this translates to a more immersive and lifelike viewing experience, especially on high-end displays capable of showcasing HDR content to its full potential.
Netflix’s HDR10+ Implementation
Netflix’s rollout of HDR10+ comes with some specific requirements:
Step 1: Ensure you have a Netflix Premium subscription.
Step 2: Use a device that supports both the AV1 codec and HDR10+.
Step 3: Enable HDR settings in the Netflix app.
Initially, only select titles will be available in HDR10+, with plans to expand the library over time. Netflix aims to offer HDR content in multiple formats (HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision) to cater to different devices and viewer preferences.
Compatibility with Samsung Devices
Samsung has been a strong proponent of HDR10+, incorporating support for the format in many of its devices. The following Samsung products are likely to benefit from Netflix’s HDR10+ streaming:
- Smart TVs (2020 models and newer)
- Select smartphones and tablets
- Some laptops and smart monitors
It’s worth noting that while many Samsung devices support HDR10+, they typically lack Dolby Vision support, making this update particularly valuable for Samsung users.
The Role of AV1 Codec
Netflix’s implementation of HDR10+ is closely tied to the AV1 video codec. AV1 offers several benefits:
- Improved compression efficiency
- Reduced bandwidth requirements
- Maintained or improved video quality
By pairing HDR10+ with AV1, Netflix can deliver high-quality HDR content while optimizing streaming performance, especially on mobile devices where data consumption is a concern.
HDR10+ vs. Dolby Vision
While Netflix now supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, it’s natural to wonder about the differences:
- HDR10+: Open standard, royalty-free, typically supports up to 4,000 nits peak brightness
- Dolby Vision: Proprietary format, requires licensing, supports up to 10,000 nits peak brightness (theoretical)
In practice, the visual differences between the two formats can be subtle, especially on consumer-grade displays. The choice often comes down to device compatibility and content availability.
Growing Support for HDR10+
Netflix’s adoption of HDR10+ is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry. Other major players have also embraced the format:
- Amazon Prime Video has offered HDR10+ content for several years
- Disney+ recently added support for HDR10+
- Apple TV+ and iTunes now offer movies in HDR10+
This growing support suggests that HDR10+ is becoming an increasingly important format in the streaming ecosystem, offering viewers more options for high-quality content.
Netflix’s introduction of HDR10+ streaming marks another step forward in the evolution of home entertainment. As more devices and content become available in this format, viewers can look forward to increasingly immersive and visually stunning experiences right in their living rooms.