You probably want to buy a monitor or TV as soon as you read this post and you have come across the HDR10 label. Well, that is the most advanced HDR format at the moment.
What does it actually mean and why is it increasingly mentioned in advertisements for a device and how does it compare to HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. We will cover all of this in the rest of this article.
What is HDR10?
I’m one of those who, when buying a TV, first look at the capabilities of the monitor or TV, then the price, of course, and if I had a budget in mind, but I would rather take a smaller monitor size with better performance such as HDR10 so that I wouldn’t have to watch a faded image for a few years where black is actually gray.
Well, that’s exactly what HDR10 does, it gives us accurate colors because it uses 10-bit color depth and over one billion colors, as well as a brightness of a thousand nits. By the way, read my article about HDR that has something to do with this.
How HDR10 Works
HDR10 uses static metadata that is available across all displays. This means that HDR10 video sets the brightness and color levels in absolute values, regardless of the display it is displayed on.
It is an open standard, so any content producer or distributor is free to use it.
Key Features of HDR10
1. 10-Bit Color Depth
This is one of the best features of this format, which it can boast of, that is, it has a 10-bit color depth with over one billion colors. You will notice this most in scenes like the sunset, where you can see exactly the spectrum of colors.
2. Wide Color Gamut
I already mentioned this before that you will have realistic shots where you will have clear colors that will not be blurred and merged into one color. It’s up to you to find a good movie :D.
3. Peak Brightness of 1,000 Nits
You must have watched the movie on the old TV and with the neon light in the movie everything is in the same purple color, but this will not be the case here.
With 1000 nits, the light will be the same as in real life without excessive light, the same thing happens when there is a sunny scene and everything is yellow light. I suggest you read my article on MPRT.
4. Static Metadata
The static metadata feature of HDR10 sets brightness and color levels once for the entire piece of content. HDR10’s static metadata feature sets brightness and color levels once for an entire piece of content. This is not the case with HDR10+, but I wrote about it below so read on.
HDR10 vs. HDR10+
I was afraid of this part, now I have to say that HDR10 is weaker than its brother HDR10+. So there is always something better than something, just don’t let my wife read this.
A little joke won’t hurt any of us. Have you read my post about DispayPort, that’s the link that will allow you to use all these advanced features without any problems.
Look at the table below and it will be clear to you why it is better and where.
| Feature | HDR10 | HDR10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata | Static | Dynamic |
| Color Depth | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 4,000 nits |
| Scene Adaptation | Uniform | Adjusts scene-by-scene |
To conclude with HDR10+, it works on the principle that each frame or scene adjusts its brightness, which gives you an incredible picture.
As I said before, but now I will explain again, HDR10+ processes light in each frame, while HDR10 does it based on the entire film.
And now I would like to ask you to read my article about 1500R vs 1800R curved monitors.
HDR10 vs. Dolby Vision
We’re pushing the boundaries and here we are with Dolby Vision. This is one of the best HDR formats, check out the table below this paragraph and everything will be clear to you.
| Feature | HDR10 | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata | Static | Dynamic |
| Color Depth | 10-bit | Up to 12-bit |
| Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 10,000 nits |
| Licensing | Open Standard | Proprietary (requires fees) |
Dolby Vision really looks good, but its price is not acceptable as with other HDR formats and it is especially limited with compatibility with other devices.
Read my article about QHD, what this resolution offers and whether it is worth having.
How to Enable HDR10 on Your Device
- Check compatibility: Check if your monitor or TV supports this format at all.
- Use the right cables: As I mentioned earlier in the text a DisplayPort cable would be the best option, if you don’t have one then HDMI is an alternative.
- Activate HDR in Settings: Go to your device’s display settings and enable HDR.
- Access to HDR content: Here, it’s all up to you to find a great movie and enjoy it.
Conclusion
HDR10 has pushed the boundaries of the already outdated SDR format. With all the features now, who would go back to the old format?
If you’re changing your monitor now, choose one with HDR format because you won’t regret it and you won’t feel a big difference in price.
FAQs
What is HDR10?
Well, that’s exactly what HDR10 does, it gives us accurate colors because it uses 10-bit color depth and over one billion colors.
How does HDR10 differ from HDR10+?
HDR10+ processes light in each frame, while HDR10 does it based on the entire film.
Is HDR10 better than SDR?
Yes, HDR10 provides brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and a wider color palette than SDR.
Can I watch HDR10 on any TV?
You need an HDR10-compatible TV or monitor.
Does HDR10 support 4K?
Of course, and in most cases, 4K resolution is used.