HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision: what they are and why screens need them

HDR (high dynamic range) is a way to display and capture images with a greater difference between dark and bright areas and with richer colours. HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are the main formats for this kind of video.

HDR shows bright and dark details at the same time

In plain words

Look out of a window from a dark room: you can see both the sunny street and the things in the room. Your eyes easily handle that contrast. A regular screen cannot: either the street is white or the room is black. HDR tries to show things the way your eyes do: bright sunlight and shadow detail at the same time.

How it works

HDR video carries information about a wider range of brightness and colour.
The screen has to be bright and contrasty enough to show it.
HDR10 uses the same settings for the whole film.
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision use dynamic metadata - settings for each scene or frame.
Smartphone cameras take HDR photos by combining several frames of different brightness.

A regular picture versus HDR

Where you'll see it

In the screen specs of smartphones, tablets, laptops and TVs: "HDR10+", "Dolby Vision". Also in camera specs (HDR video recording) and on streaming services that offer HDR films.

Does it matter when buying

For watching films and series, yes - the difference on a good OLED screen is noticeable. But an HDR label on a cheap, dim screen gives you almost nothing: you need high brightness and contrast. When choosing, I look for Dolby Vision or HDR10+ together with peak brightness.

Myths

Myth: HDR is just a brighter picture. Reality: It is about a wider range - both bright highlights and shadow detail.
Myth: Any screen labelled "HDR" shows real HDR. Reality: Dim screens can accept an HDR signal but cannot fully display it.

FAQ

How is HDR10+ different from Dolby Vision?

Both use dynamic metadata; Dolby Vision is a licensed format, HDR10+ is open.

Are all films in HDR?

No, only those mastered in HDR, and only on services and plans that support it.

What is HDR in a camera?

A mode in which the phone combines several frames so there are no blown-out or overly dark areas.