On a typical SDR display, for instance, images will have a dynamic range of about 6 stops. Conversely, HDR content is able to almost triple that dynamic range, with an average approximate total of 17.6 stops. Because of this, a dark scene may see dark grey tones becoming clipped to black, while in the bright scene some colors and detail in that part of the scene may become clipped to white. This reflects adjustments made to the gamma and bit depth used in the image and will differ depending on whether HDR or SDR is in effect. SDR, HDR allows you to see more of the detail and color in scenes with a high dynamic range. Another difference between the two lies in their inherent measurement.įor those of you familiar with photography, dynamic range can be measured in stops, much like the aperture of a camera. SDR, on the other hand, lacks this aptitude. HDR, therefore, preserves details in scenes where the contrast ratio of the monitor could otherwise be a hindrance. Unfortunately, it is limited by its ability to only represent a fraction of the dynamic range that HDR is capable of. SDR, or Standard Dynamic Range, is the current standard for video and cinema displays. HDR remedies this problem by calculating the amount of light in a given scene and using that information to preserve details within the image, even in scenes with large variations in brightness. This is done in an attempt to create more realistic-looking images. When a monitor has a low contrast ratio or doesn’t operate with HDR, it is common to see colors and detail in an image being “clipped” as a result of the monitor’s display capabilities. As we mentioned earlier any information that has been clipped will be lost and therefore cannot be seen. When a monitor is trying to produce a scene with a wide range of luminance, this problem becomes even more pronounced. Sunrises and sunsets are a good example of images with high dynamic range. In most images you will come in contact with there will be brighter parts and darker parts of the image that both contain displayable detail. When an image is overexposed, information in the brighter part of the image will be lost likewise, when an image is underexposed information in the dark parts of the image will be lost.ĭynamic range is the range of information between the lightest and darkest part of an image, also known as an image’s luminosity. An image with a high dynamic range is an image with a mix of dark and bright attributes in the same image. So what does this mean for you? This means images have more overall detail, a wider range of colors, and look more similar to what is seen by the human eye when compared to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) images.įor the purposes of this article, we will focus on HDR video content. To understand high dynamic range, we must first understand how standard dynamic range works. While HDR was used in traditional photography in the past, it has recently made the jump to smartphones, TVs, monitors, and more.

HDR is an imaging technique that captures, processes, and reproduces content in such a way that the detail of both the shadows and highlights of a scene are increased. SDR comparison guide below to find out how HDR works and why it’s here to stay! What is HDR? So, what is HDR exactly? How does it differ from SDR? Why does it matter to you?įor the answers to these questions, take a look at our HDR vs. Superseding the standard dynamic range of SDR, HDR has acquired more and more buzz in recent years.Ĭhances are you have probably already heard about High Dynamic Range and how it’s going to take your viewing experience “ to the next level”. However, since HDR is still a fairly new technology, some people are still not quite clear about how it actually works. High Dynamic Range (HDR) is no exception. High definition, high security, high speed – in nearly every context, ‘high’ indicates elevation “to the next level”. If you’d like to take a look at our range of monitors designed specifically for color accuracy, click here. Ideal for media that require high contrast or mix light and shadows, HDR preserves the clarity better than Standard Dynamic Range (SDR).Ĭontinue reading to learn more about HDR technology (and get a handy checklist for making the switch). High Dynamic Range (HDR) is the next generation of color clarity and realism in images and videos.

Simply hdr serial number