HDR vs SDR

August 25, 2021

HDR vs SDR

You may have heard about HDR or High Dynamic Range technology when shopping for a new TV or other display devices. But what is it really and how does it differ from SDR or Standard Dynamic Range? In this article, we will provide you with a factual comparison between HDR vs SDR display technology, so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range refers to the range of brightness levels or luminance that a display can produce. The human eye can perceive a wide range of brightness levels, from the darkest black to the brightest white. A display with a high dynamic range can produce a wider range of brightness levels, resulting in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.

SDR

SDR or Standard Dynamic Range is the most commonly used display technology. It has been used for decades and can produce up to 100 nits of brightness. SDR displays have a limited dynamic range, which means that they cannot produce as much contrast between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. This can result in a flat and washed-out picture, especially in scenes with high contrast.

HDR

HDR or High Dynamic Range is a new technology that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It can produce up to 1000 nits or more of brightness, resulting in a much wider range of brightness levels. HDR displays also have a wider color gamut, which means that they can display more colors than SDR displays. This can result in a more vibrant and lifelike color reproduction. HDR also supports deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in more contrast and detail in both bright and dark scenes.

HDR Standards

There are several HDR standards in the market today. The most popular ones are HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Advanced HDR by Technicolor. Each of these standards has its own set of requirements and specifications. For example, HDR10 requires a minimum of 1000 nits of brightness and 10-bit color depth, while Dolby Vision can support up to 10,000 nits of brightness and 12-bit color depth.

Which one should you choose?

It depends on your needs and budget. If you are on a tight budget, then SDR may be a better option for you. However, if you want a more immersive and realistic viewing experience, then HDR is the way to go. When choosing an HDR display, make sure to check which HDR standard it supports and if it meets your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HDR is a newer and more advanced display technology than SDR. It can produce a wider range of brightness levels and colors, resulting in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience. However, it also comes at a higher cost. When choosing between HDR vs SDR, it's important to consider your needs, budget, and the specifications of the display.

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