HDR (High Dynamic Range) video is a technology that allows for a wider range of colors and brightness levels to be captured and displayed, resulting in more vivid and lifelike images. This allows for greater detail and contrast, particularly in areas of the image that would normally be overly dark or washed out. More immersive and visually striking viewing experience, with colors that are more true-to-life and greater detail in highlights and shadows. Additionally, HDR can help reduce the visibility of compression artifacts in video content.
A device that supports HDR playback: This could be a TV, computer monitor, or mobile that is compatible with HDR.
A source of HDR content could be streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or YouTube. It could also be a physical disc, such as a UHD Blu-ray.
The right settings on your device and streaming service enable HDR playback.
Check out my collaboration with OneSCRN in Hungary, showcasing TULPA (rock band) on a 28m x 6m LED wall. This is a true HDR masterpiece that demonstrates the ultimate potential of the technology. DP: David Laposi, Camera: Kinefinity Mavo LF, Prores 444. I used my favorite Cook Full Frame Anamorph lenses to capture this incredible experience, and I highly recommend watching it.
Streaming devices: Devices like the Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and Chromecast Ultra all support HDR playback, and can be used to stream HDR content from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube Vimeo, and Instagram reels.
Gaming consoles: Both the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 support HDR and are capable of displaying HDR content on compatible TVs.
PC's : Some PC monitors support HDR, and with a compatible graphics card, you can play HDR content via a high-speed HDMI cable.
iPhone 8 and newer: These devices can display HDR video content in the Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats.
iPad Pro (2nd generation and newer): These tablets also support Dolby Vision and HDR10.
Apple TV 4K: The Apple TV 4K supports HDR playback in both Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, and can be used to stream HDR content from various apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Macs: Some Macs such as the iMac Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro and Max support HDR playback and can be connected to an HDR-compatible monitor.
It's worth noting that these devices must be updated to their latest OS version to play HDR video.
To enable HDR playback on your MacBook Pro, you will need to follow these steps:
On your MacBook Pro, click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences."
Click on "Displays" and then select the monitor or TV that you want to use for HDR playback.
Click on the "Display" tab, and then select "Color" from the list of options.
Under "Color," you should see an option for "HDR display." If your monitor or TV supports HDR, this option will be available.
Select "HDR display" and then click on the "Use" button.
The display should change to HDR mode, and you should now be able to play HDR video content on your MacBook Pro.
It's worth noting that not all MacBook Pro models support HDR playback, and that you should check the technical specs of your device to confirm if it supports it. Additionally, you should also check that your monitor or TV supports HDR and that it's properly configured to receive HDR signal.
It is not necessary to use all the benefits of HDR all the time, as it depends on the content and personal preferences. HDR content is designed to provide a more vivid and lifelike viewing experience, with increased contrast and a wider range of colors. However, this can sometimes make the image oversaturated or unrealistic, especially in darker scenes.
Additionally, some users might find that the HDR effect can be too much for their eyes to handle, especially during prolonged viewing sessions.
It's important to note that some TVs and monitors have settings to adjust the HDR effect, such as 'HDR Brightness' or 'HDR Contrast', which could lead to different results to balance out the image and make it more comfortable to look at.
In conclusion, whether or not to use all the benefits of HDR depends on the content and personal preferences, while adjusting the device's settings could help make the image more comfortable to look at.
This video is mastered using the PQ (also known as ST2084 and REC2100/REC2020) standard, which allows for a brightness level of up to 1000 nits. To enjoy the video in its full HDR glory, make sure your device (whether it's a computer, phone, or tablet) can properly understand and stream the HDR signal. Without these HDR tags, you might see the video transformed into a Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) signal by YouTube's automation. But don't worry, you can control this transformation by using a special embended transformation LUT (Look-Up Table) that ensures the video is displayed exactly as intended.