What is HDR?

While looking for a TV to buy today, in addition to the display size and resolution, you’d have often heard the word “HDR” being thrown around today. Ever wondered just what it means, and how it affects your viewing experience? Read on. 

What HDR is and how it works

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a new display technology that essentially helps increase the number of details in scenes wherein there are very bright or very dark areas on your display. This is done primarily by offering a wider range of colours supported by a TV, brighter whites, and deeper blacks as well. This helps ensure a more immersive and true-to-life viewing experience, whether it is your favourite movies and TV shows, live sports, or anything else. 

ALSO READ: HDR10 vs HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision: Which high dynamic range format is better?

Earlier, a drawback most displays had was that they could not show accurate colour combinations, and their changes in bright and dull surroundings. HDR widens the entire tonal range that previous techniques, which helps exponentially improve image quality. 

HDR is therefore a significant factor to consider while buying a TV. The colour palette and brightness range of HDR-supported TVs is far superior to those with only standard dynamic range (SDR) support. A few examples wherein you will clearly notice the difference is the scene of a sunset casting long shadows, or a cityscape lit up against a dark night sky.

Difference between HDR in TVs and photography

Bear in mind, HDR in TV is different from the “HDR” you hear of when it comes to cameras. In photography, though HDR does pretty much the same job, it actually refers to combining multiple images with different levels of exposure into one, which showcases a greater dynamic range, in terms of lights and colours.