High dynamic range, or HDR, often changes a picture more than resolution does. It widens the gap between the darkest shadows and the brightest highlights and allows richer color. There are four formats you will see on TVs and streaming devices. Here is what each one does and what your setup needs to show it properly.
- HDR10 is the common baseline that almost every HDR TV supports.
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision add scene-by-scene instructions for the TV.
- HLG was designed for live broadcast and is common on live TV and sports.
- Your TV, streaming device, app, HDMI connection and the source all need to support a format for it to work.
What HDR actually changes
Standard dynamic range video was built around older TV technology with limited brightness. HDR video carries more information about brightness and color, so a capable TV can show bright highlights, such as sunlight on water or stadium floodlights, without washing out the rest of the image. Shadows keep more detail, and colors can look deeper and more natural.
The result depends heavily on the TV. A panel with strong peak brightness and good contrast shows HDR well. An entry-level panel may accept an HDR signal but lack the brightness to display it with much impact.
The four main HDR formats
HDR10
HDR10 is an open standard and the baseline for HDR. It uses static metadata: one set of brightness instructions for the whole program. Nearly every HDR TV and 4K streaming device supports it, so it is the format you are most likely to see.
HDR10+
HDR10+ builds on HDR10 with dynamic metadata. Instead of one setting for the entire program, it can adjust the tone mapping scene by scene. That helps a TV handle a dark interior followed by a bright outdoor shot. It is supported by many Samsung TVs and a range of other brands and devices.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision also uses dynamic metadata and is widely supported by LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense and other TVs, as well as Apple TV 4K and many Fire TV and Google TV devices. Samsung TVs generally do not support it. If your TV lacks Dolby Vision, a Dolby Vision source normally falls back to HDR10.
HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
HLG was developed for broadcasting. It does not rely on metadata, and the same signal can be shown on both HDR and standard TVs. That makes it practical for live TV and sports, where content is produced in real time.
| Format | Metadata | Where you see it most |
|---|---|---|
| HDR10 | Static | Almost every HDR TV and device |
| HDR10+ | Dynamic | Samsung and several other brands |
| Dolby Vision | Dynamic | Many TVs, Apple TV 4K, many streaming sticks |
| HLG | None | Live broadcasts and sports |
What your setup needs for HDR to work
HDR only appears when every link in the chain supports it:
- The source. The channel or title must be produced and delivered in HDR. Many live channels are standard dynamic range.
- The player app. Some IPTV players pass HDR through correctly, others convert everything to SDR. Check the app’s playback settings.
- The streaming device. It must support the format and be set to output HDR.
- The HDMI connection. Use a high-speed HDMI cable and a TV port that supports 4K HDR. On some TVs you must enable an enhanced HDMI or deep color setting for that port.
- The TV. It must support the format, and its HDR picture modes should be set sensibly.
Our setup guides for LG, Samsung and Apple TV include device-specific picture tips.
Common HDR problems and quick fixes
The picture looks dark or dull
HDR on a TV with limited brightness can look dim, especially in a bright room. Try the TV’s HDR brightness or dynamic tone mapping option, and avoid energy-saving modes that cap brightness.
Colors look washed out
This often happens when the device sends HDR to an HDMI port that is not set to enhanced mode, or when the device and TV disagree about the color range. Enable the enhanced HDMI setting on the TV for that input and keep the device’s color range on automatic.
Everything is forced into HDR
Some devices convert every program to HDR, which can make SDR channels look odd. Look for a “match dynamic range” or “match content” setting so the device switches only when the source is HDR.
For a full walkthrough of picture modes and settings, see our guide to the best picture settings for 4K TVs.
Is HDR more important than 8K?
For most viewers, yes. Good HDR is visible from any seat, while extra resolution only shows on large screens viewed up close. If you are choosing where to spend money, a TV with strong HDR performance usually gives a more noticeable improvement. Our comparison of 4K and 8K on a real TV explains why.
Frequently asked questions
Which HDR format is best?
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ can look slightly better on TVs that handle them well, because they adjust scene by scene. In practice, the TV’s brightness and contrast matter more than the format. HDR10 on a strong panel often beats Dolby Vision on a weak one.
Why does my TV not switch to HDR on IPTV channels?
Most live channels are broadcast in standard dynamic range. When a source is HDR, check that your player app supports HDR output, that the device is set to output HDR and that the TV’s HDMI port is in enhanced mode.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for HDR?
Use a cable labeled High Speed or Premium High Speed for 4K HDR, and Ultra High Speed if you want full HDMI 2.1 features. Very old or cheap cables can cause flicker or dropouts with HDR signals.
Want help getting HDR right?
Send us your TV model and streaming device on WhatsApp. We will point you to the right settings and the plan that fits.
