Glossary · Hardware

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR is a display and video technology that expands the range between the darkest and brightest parts of an image for more realistic contrast.

Updated October 6, 2026

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a video and display capability that shows a wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range. Highlights get brighter and shadows keep more detail.

Why it matters

HDR content looks the most impressive on displays with high peak brightness and good contrast, such as OLED or full-array local dimming LCD. Formats include HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Cheap monitors labeled HDR often lack the brightness to show a real difference.

Example

SDR mastering:  about 100 nits reference
HDR10 content:  can be mastered up to 1000 nits or more

Nits measure brightness. A display peaking at 300 nits cannot reproduce highlights that were mastered at 1000.

Common mistakes

  • Turning on HDR for a screen that cannot reach adequate brightness, producing a washed-out look.
  • Using an HDMI cable or port that does not support the needed bandwidth.
  • Expecting SDR content to look better just because HDR is enabled.

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