Understanding HDR Formats: A Comprehensive Guide to HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision
When shopping for a TV, it’s essential to understand the different HDR (High Dynamic Range) formats available, including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. These formats are not just buzzwords, but rather distinct technologies that enhance the viewing experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each format, exploring their differences, benefits, and compatibility.
TCL / Samsung / Hisense
HDR10: The Baseline Format
HDR10 is the most widely supported HDR format, considered the baseline for nearly all modern TVs. Introduced a decade ago, it’s an open standard that uses static metadata, applying a single set of instructions to an entire movie or show. While HDR10 provides a better viewing experience than non-HDR content, its static metadata can lead to limitations in very bright or very dark scenes.
Most new TV models support HDR10+, but some affordable options, such as TCL’s T7 series and Sony’s Bravia 2 series, may only offer HDR10. However, it’s worth noting that even HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content is often available in HDR10 as well.
TCL / ZDNET
HDR10+: An Upgrade to HDR10
HDR10+ is an enhanced version of HDR10, introduced by a Samsung-led consortium in 2017. It uses dynamic metadata, allowing TVs to adjust tone mapping, including brightness and color, on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis. This provides a noticeable visual improvement over standard HDR10, preserving more detail in highlights and shadows.
Most major streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Hulu, offer HDR10+ content. If your TV supports HDR10+, it can auto-detect this content and apply dynamic metadata when available.
Samsung / ZDNET
Dolby Vision: A Premium HDR Format
Dolby Vision was the first HDR format to be introduced, developed by Dolby Laboratories in 2014. Like HDR10+, it uses dynamic metadata to continuously optimize tone mapping on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis. However, Dolby Vision supports up to 12-bit color and higher peak brightness, giving it an edge over HDR10+ in terms of picture quality.
Dolby Vision is supported by most major streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+. If a TV supports HDR10+, it likely supports Dolby Vision as well.
Hisense / ZDNET
Choosing the Right HDR Format
If you’re in the market for a new TV, consider a model that supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This will ensure the broadest compatibility with content and provide the best overall viewing experience. While Dolby Vision has higher specifications, the differences between Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are subtle, and both formats offer a significant improvement over standard HDR10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision the same thing? No, they are different HDR formats. HDR10 uses static metadata, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision use dynamic metadata.
Can a TV support both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision? Yes, many TVs support both formats, although Samsung sticks with HDR10+.
Is Dolby Vision better than HDR10+? Technically, Dolby Vision has higher specifications, but the differences are subtle, and both formats offer a great viewing experience.
What happens if I play Dolby Vision content on a TV that doesn’t support it? Dolby Vision content falls back to HDR10 on TVs that don’t offer support.
What about Dolby Vision 2? Dolby Vision 2 is the next generation of Dolby Vision, introduced in late 2025. It uses a new image engine, AI, and advanced tone mapping to automatically improve picture quality on your TV based on what you’re watching and the lighting in your room.
