David Bridges
Netflix Enhances Streaming Experience with HDR10+ Support
In a significant move to elevate viewer experience, Netflix has officially announced the addition of HDR10+ streaming support, complementing its existing offerings of HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. This new format promises to provide enhanced visual fidelity on a per-frame basis, particularly benefiting Netflix’s often darker original programming, where detail is crucial. With HDR10+, viewers can expect a more immersive experience, as this technology is designed to optimize picture quality, ensuring that every scene is presented with remarkable clarity and precision. This upgrade aligns with Netflix’s commitment to delivering high-quality content that meets the evolving demands of its audience.
To enable HDR10+, Netflix is employing the AV1 codec, a specification that made its debut in 2018 and has gradually become the go-to standard for streaming high-resolution 4K video without excessive data usage. Initially adopted to assist users in conserving data while streaming on mobile devices, AV1’s efficient compression technology also proves effective for transmitting large HDR files. Currently, Netflix is rolling out HDR10+ for select popular titles and aims to eventually extend this format to all HDR content. Subscribers with a Netflix Premium account and devices that support both HDR10+ and AV1—most modern smartphones and tablets—will enjoy the benefits of this upgrade.
Following the advent of 4K, high dynamic range (HDR) technology has become synonymous with the quality of contemporary television and film, especially in the streaming landscape. HDR content highlights the profound contrasts between light and dark areas of an image, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The often dull and under-exposed appearance of some modern streaming content can be attributed to the assumption that viewers will watch on devices equipped with HDR capabilities. Without HDR, essential details are lost, but with it, audiences can appreciate the nuanced shades of gray that characterize high-quality productions.
Netflix first embraced HDR technology in 2016 with the launch of Marco Polo, and since then, it has integrated support for Dolby Vision and HDR10—the most prevalent HDR formats—into its platform. For viewers using displays that already feature Dolby Vision, the transition to HDR10+ might be subtle. However, for those whose televisions only support HDR10+, the inclusion of HDR10+ is set to enhance their viewing experience, making every title more enjoyable and visually stunning.
