Netflix Now Supports HDR10+ for Better Picture Quality

Highlights

• Netflix adds HDR10+ support to enhance picture quality with dynamic brightness and contrast adjustments.
• Netflix pairs HDR10+ with the AV1 codec for smoother 4K streaming while conserving data and improving visuals for dark content.
• Users will need a Netflix Premium subscription and compatible devices supporting HDR10+ and AV1.
• Netflix is rolling out the update to select titles initially with expansion planned.

Netflix is expanding its HDR options by adding support for HDR10+ alongside the existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. This means viewers with compatible devices can enjoy even better picture quality, especially for Netflix’s often dark original content.

Announced in a detailed blog post, Netflix wrote, “HDR streaming has increased by more than 300%, while the number of HDR-configured devices watching Netflix has more than doubled. Since launching HDR with season one of Marco Polo, Netflix now has over 11,000 hours of HDR titles for members to immerse themselves in.”

What HDR10+ Brings to Netflix?

HDR10+ enhances visuals on a per-frame basis, adjusting brightness and contrast dynamically for a more lifelike experience. To enable this, Netflix is pairing HDR10+ with the AV1 codec, a compression technology designed to stream 4K video efficiently without consuming too much data.

Netflix initially introduced AV1 to help users save data while watching on mobile, but the same technology now ensures smooth streaming for large HDR files as well.

Who Can Watch in HDR10+?

Netflix has started rolling out HDR10+ support on select titles with plans to eventually expand it to all HDR content. To watch in HDR10+, you’ll need the following –

• A Netflix Premium subscription
• Show/Film must be available in HDR10+ format
• A device that supports both HDR10+ and AV1 (most modern smartphones and tablets qualify)
• For TV or streaming devices, ensure that the HDR toggle is enabled in Netflix application settings

Why Does HDR Matter?

After 4K resolution, high dynamic range (HDR) has become the next big thing in modern streaming. It improves contrast and makes bright and dark areas of an image more distinct. Many TV shows today are designed with HDR in mind, meaning that without it, some scenes may look too dark or washed out.

Netflix first introduced HDR in 2016 with Marco Polo and has since made Dolby Vision and HDR10 the standard.

If your TV already supports Dolby Vision, you may not notice much of a difference, but if it only supports HDR10+, this update will enhance your viewing experience.

FAQS

Q1. What does HDR10+ bring to Netflix?

Answer. HDR10+ dynamically adjusts brightness and contrast on a per-frame basis, enhancing visuals for a more lifelike streaming experience.

Q2. What do I need to watch Netflix in HDR10+?

Answer. You’ll need a Netflix Premium subscription and a device that supports both HDR10+ and the AV1 codec, such as modern smartphones and tablets.

Q3. Is HDR10+ available for all Netflix content?

Answer. HDR10+ support is rolling out for select titles and is planned to expand to all HDR content over time.

Also Read: Best HDR10 & HDR10+ Smartphones 2024

Also Read: Dolby Vision IQ: Enhanced Viewing