8.1 HDR display technologies

HDR display technologies offer cinematographers powerful tools to create visually stunning content. With increased contrast ratios, wider color gamuts, and higher peak brightness levels, HDR enables more dynamic and lifelike images than traditional SDR displays.

Understanding different HDR display types, standards, and content creation workflows is crucial for cinematographers. From LED LCD and OLED to emerging technologies like Micro LED, each display type has unique strengths to consider when crafting HDR content for various platforms.

HDR vs SDR

• High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) are two different standards for displaying video content
• HDR offers several advantages over SDR, including a wider range of brightness levels, more vibrant colors, and enhanced detail in both bright and dark areas of the image
• Understanding the differences between HDR and SDR is crucial for cinematographers to create visually striking and immersive content

Increased contrast ratio

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• HDR displays offer a significantly higher contrast ratio compared to SDR displays
• Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image
• HDR displays can produce deeper blacks and brighter highlights, resulting in a more dynamic and realistic image (e.g., a sunset with bright sun and dark shadows)
• The increased contrast ratio allows for better preservation of detail in both bright and dark areas of the image

Wider color gamut

• HDR displays support a wider color gamut than SDR displays
• Color gamut refers to the range of colors that a display can reproduce
• HDR displays can show a broader range of colors, particularly in the red, green, and blue primary colors
• The wider color gamut allows for more vibrant and lifelike colors (e.g., a lush green forest or a vivid red sunset)
• Cinematographers can take advantage of the wider color gamut to create visually striking and emotionally impactful scenes

Higher peak brightness

• HDR displays can achieve much higher peak brightness levels compared to SDR displays
• Peak brightness is the maximum brightness a display can produce
• HDR displays can reach peak brightness levels of 1,000 nits or more, while SDR displays typically max out at around 100 nits
• The higher peak brightness allows for more impactful highlights and specular details (e.g., glints of light on metal or water)
• Cinematographers can use the higher peak brightness to create more dynamic and visually engaging scenes

HDR display types

• There are several types of HDR displays available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses
• Understanding the different HDR display technologies is important for cinematographers to ensure their content looks its best on various screens
• The choice of HDR display type can impact the creative decisions made during the production process

LED LCD with local dimming

• LED LCD displays with local dimming are a common type of HDR display
• Local dimming allows the display to control the brightness of specific zones or areas of the screen independently
• By selectively dimming or brightening different zones, the display can achieve higher contrast ratios and better black levels
• However, local dimming can sometimes result in blooming or haloing artifacts around bright objects on a dark background
• Cinematographers should be aware of these potential issues when creating content for LED LCD displays with local dimming

OLED

• OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays are another popular type of HDR display
• OLED displays offer several advantages over LED LCD displays, including perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, and fast response times
• Each pixel in an OLED display can be individually controlled, allowing for precise local dimming and eliminating blooming artifacts
• However, OLED displays may be susceptible to image retention or burn-in if a static image is displayed for an extended period
• Cinematographers should consider the strengths and weaknesses of OLED displays when creating HDR content

Dual modulation displays

• Dual modulation displays are an emerging type of HDR display that combines two light modulation techniques
• These displays use a high-resolution LCD panel to control the color and a low-resolution LED backlight array to control the brightness
• By separating the color and brightness control, dual modulation displays can achieve high contrast ratios and minimize haloing artifacts
• However, dual modulation displays are currently more expensive and less widely available than other HDR display types
• Cinematographers should be aware of the potential of dual modulation displays for future HDR content creation

Micro LED

• Micro LED displays are a promising new type of HDR display technology
• Micro LED displays consist of an array of microscopic LED lights that can be individually controlled
• Like OLED displays, Micro LED displays offer perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, and fast response times
• However, Micro LED displays can achieve higher peak brightness levels and are less susceptible to image retention or burn-in than OLED displays
• As Micro LED technology matures and becomes more affordable, it may become a popular choice for HDR content display

HDR standards

• There are several HDR standards available, each with its own specifications and requirements
• Understanding the different HDR standards is crucial for cinematographers to ensure their content is compatible with a wide range of displays and distribution platforms
• The choice of HDR standard can impact the creative decisions made during the production process

HDR10

• HDR10 is an open, royalty-free HDR standard supported by a wide range of devices and platforms
• It uses 10-bit color depth and the BT.2020 color space, which offers a wider color gamut than the standard BT.709 color space used in SDR
• HDR10 supports peak brightness levels up to 1,000 nits and a maximum contrast ratio of 10,000:1
• However, HDR10 uses static metadata, which means the brightness and color information is set for the entire video and cannot be adjusted on a scene-by-scene basis
• Cinematographers should be aware of the limitations of static metadata when creating content for HDR10

HDR10+

• HDR10+ is an enhanced version of the HDR10 standard that adds dynamic metadata support
• Dynamic metadata allows the brightness and color information to be adjusted on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis
• This enables more precise control over the HDR presentation and can result in a more optimal viewing experience
• HDR10+ is supported by a growing number of devices and platforms, including Samsung TVs and Amazon Prime Video
• Cinematographers can take advantage of the benefits of dynamic metadata when creating content for HDR10+

Dolby Vision

• Dolby Vision is a proprietary HDR standard developed by Dolby Laboratories
• It offers several advantages over HDR10, including 12-bit color depth, a wider color gamut, and dynamic metadata support
• Dolby Vision supports peak brightness levels up to 10,000 nits and a maximum contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1
• The standard also includes a content mapping engine that can optimize the HDR presentation for the capabilities of the specific display being used
• However, Dolby Vision requires licensing fees and is less widely supported than HDR10
• Cinematographers should consider the benefits and limitations of Dolby Vision when creating HDR content

HLG

• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is an HDR standard developed by the BBC and NHK for broadcast and streaming applications
• HLG is designed to be backward compatible with SDR displays, allowing broadcasters to deliver HDR content to a wide range of viewers
• The standard uses a logarithmic transfer function that can encode a wide range of brightness levels in a signal that is compatible with existing SDR infrastructure
• HLG does not require metadata and is well-suited for live broadcasts and other real-time applications
• Cinematographers should be aware of the benefits and limitations of HLG when creating content for broadcast and streaming platforms

HDR content creation

• Creating HDR content requires a different approach than creating SDR content
• Cinematographers must consider the unique characteristics of HDR displays and adapt their techniques accordingly
• The HDR content creation process involves several key steps, including camera settings, monitoring, color grading, and mastering

HDR camera settings

• When shooting HDR content, cinematographers must use cameras that support HDR capture
• Many modern digital cinema cameras offer HDR modes or log formats that can capture a wide dynamic range
• Cinematographers should choose the appropriate HDR mode or log format based on the specific requirements of the project
• It is important to properly expose the image to take full advantage of the camera's dynamic range without clipping highlights or crushing shadows
• Monitoring the image on an HDR display during shooting can help ensure proper exposure and creative intent

HDR monitoring on set

• Accurate HDR monitoring on set is crucial for ensuring the desired look and feel of the final image
• HDR monitoring requires specialized displays that can accurately represent the full range of brightness and color values in the HDR signal
• These displays should be properly calibrated to the chosen HDR standard (e.g., HDR10, Dolby Vision) to ensure consistency with the final deliverable
• Cinematographers should work closely with the DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) to ensure accurate HDR monitoring throughout the production process

HDR color grading workflow

• Color grading for HDR requires a different approach than grading for SDR
• HDR color grading should take advantage of the wider color gamut and increased dynamic range to create visually striking and immersive images
• Colorists should use HDR-capable grading software and hardware to ensure accurate representation of the HDR image
• The HDR grading process may involve the use of HDR-specific tools and techniques, such as color space conversions, tone mapping, and metadata management
• Cinematographers should work closely with the colorist to ensure the final HDR grade achieves the desired creative intent

HDR mastering displays

• HDR mastering requires the use of specialized displays that can accurately represent the full range of brightness and color values in the HDR signal
• These displays should meet the specifications of the chosen HDR standard (e.g., peak brightness, color gamut, contrast ratio)
• Proper calibration of the mastering display is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the final HDR deliverable
• Cinematographers should work closely with the mastering facility to ensure the final HDR master meets the desired creative intent and technical specifications

HDR distribution

• Distributing HDR content requires consideration of the various platforms and devices that support HDR playback
• Different HDR standards and formats may be required for different distribution channels
• Cinematographers should be aware of the HDR distribution landscape to ensure their content reaches the widest possible audience

HDR streaming services

• Many streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, support HDR content delivery
• These services may require specific HDR formats or standards, such as HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision
• Cinematographers should work with the streaming service to ensure their HDR content meets the required specifications and delivery requirements
• Proper encoding and packaging of the HDR content is crucial for ensuring optimal playback on a wide range of devices

HDR Blu-ray discs

• HDR Blu-ray discs offer a high-quality option for distributing HDR content to home viewers
• The Ultra HD Blu-ray format supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, as well as higher resolutions (4K) and expanded color gamuts
• Cinematographers should work with the Blu-ray authoring facility to ensure the HDR content is properly encoded and authored for optimal playback on Ultra HD Blu-ray players
• Proper metadata management is crucial for ensuring the correct HDR presentation on a wide range of displays

HDR broadcast standards

• Broadcast networks are beginning to adopt HDR for live and recorded content delivery
• The HLG standard is widely used for HDR broadcasting due to its backward compatibility with SDR displays
• Other HDR broadcast standards, such as Advanced HDR by Technicolor and SL-HDR1, are also being developed and deployed
• Cinematographers should work with the broadcast network to ensure their HDR content meets the required specifications and delivery requirements for the chosen HDR broadcast standard

HDR display setup

• Proper setup of HDR displays is crucial for ensuring the optimal viewing experience for HDR content
• Cinematographers should be aware of the key factors involved in HDR display setup to ensure their content looks its best on a wide range of devices

HDR picture modes

• Most HDR displays offer a variety of picture modes that can impact the appearance of HDR content
• These modes may include options such as Cinema, Movie, or HDR, each with its own settings for brightness, contrast, color, and other parameters
• Cinematographers should be aware of the recommended picture mode for their HDR content and communicate this to viewers when possible
• Proper selection of the HDR picture mode can ensure the content is displayed as intended by the creator

HDR calibration

• Proper calibration of HDR displays is crucial for ensuring accurate and consistent representation of HDR content
• Calibration involves adjusting various display settings, such as brightness, contrast, color, and gamma, to match a reference standard
• Professional calibration tools and software, such as colorimeters and spectroradiometers, can be used to ensure accurate calibration
• Cinematographers should work with professional calibrators or provide guidance to viewers on proper HDR display calibration when possible

HDR metadata handling

• HDR metadata is crucial for ensuring the proper display of HDR content on a wide range of devices
• This metadata includes information such as the peak brightness, color gamut, and tone mapping characteristics of the content
• Proper handling of HDR metadata by the display is necessary for ensuring the correct HDR presentation
• Cinematographers should be aware of the metadata requirements for their chosen HDR standard and ensure this metadata is properly embedded in the content and handled by the display

Challenges of HDR adoption

• Despite the many benefits of HDR, there are still several challenges that can impact the widespread adoption of the technology
• Cinematographers should be aware of these challenges and work to address them when possible

Lack of HDR content

• One of the main challenges facing HDR adoption is the limited amount of available HDR content
• Many viewers may be hesitant to invest in HDR displays without a wide selection of HDR movies, TV shows, and other content
• Cinematographers can help address this challenge by creating more HDR content and advocating for the benefits of the technology
• As more HDR content becomes available, viewer adoption of HDR displays is likely to increase

Inconsistent HDR implementations

• Another challenge facing HDR adoption is the inconsistency of HDR implementations across different devices and platforms
• Different HDR standards, formats, and display capabilities can result in a varied viewing experience for HDR content
• Cinematographers should be aware of these inconsistencies and work to ensure their HDR content is optimized for a wide range of devices and platforms
• Collaboration with display manufacturers, content distributors, and industry organizations can help address these inconsistencies and ensure a more consistent HDR experience for viewers

Consumer confusion about HDR

• The variety of HDR standards, formats, and display capabilities can also lead to consumer confusion about the technology
• Many viewers may not fully understand the benefits of HDR or how to properly set up their HDR displays for optimal performance
• Cinematographers can help address this confusion by educating viewers about the benefits of HDR and providing guidance on proper display setup and calibration
• Clear communication and marketing of HDR content can also help alleviate consumer confusion and drive adoption of the technology

Future of HDR displays

• As HDR technology continues to evolve, new advancements in display capabilities and standards are likely to emerge
• Cinematographers should stay informed about these advancements and consider how they may impact the creation and distribution of HDR content

Increasing peak brightness

• One area of focus for future HDR displays is increasing peak brightness levels
• Higher peak brightness can provide even more impactful highlights and specular details, creating a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience
• Advancements in display technologies, such as miniLED and microLED, may enable peak brightness levels of 2,000 nits or more in future HDR displays
• Cinematographers should consider how these increased peak brightness levels may impact the creative choices made during production and post-production

Improving local dimming precision

• Another area of focus for future HDR displays is improving the precision of local dimming
• More precise local dimming can help minimize blooming and haloing artifacts, providing a more accurate and consistent HDR presentation
• Advancements in display technologies, such as miniLED and dual-modulation displays, may enable more precise local dimming in future HDR displays
• Cinematographers should consider how improved local dimming precision may impact the appearance of their HDR content on future displays

Addressing haloing artifacts

• Haloing artifacts, which can appear around bright objects on a dark background, are a common issue with current HDR displays
• Future HDR displays may employ advanced techniques to minimize or eliminate these artifacts, such as improved local dimming algorithms or new display technologies
• Cinematographers should be aware of the potential for haloing artifacts in current HDR displays and consider how these artifacts may be addressed in future displays
• Collaboration with display manufacturers and industry organizations can help drive the development of solutions to haloing artifacts

Developing new HDR standards

• As HDR technology continues to evolve, new standards and formats may emerge to address the limitations of current standards
• These new standards may offer improved color gamut, dynamic range, and metadata handling capabilities
• Cinematographers should stay informed about the development of new HDR standards and consider how they may impact the creation and distribution of HDR content
• Collaboration with industry organizations and participation in the development of new standards can help ensure the needs of content creators are met in future HDR standards