High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Definition
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a video technology that allows for a much wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range (SDR) video. HDR video can represent much brighter highlights (up to 1000–10,000 nits, compared to 100 nits for SDR) and much deeper blacks, resulting in an image that more closely resembles what the human eye can perceive. HDR content requires both HDR-capable production equipment (cameras, monitors) and HDR-capable display devices (televisions, monitors). Common HDR standards include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Contextual Usage
The post-production supervisor discusses the delivery requirements: "The streaming platform requires both an SDR and an HDR master. We'll do the primary grade in HDR, targeting the HDR10 standard with a peak brightness of 1000 nits. Then we'll create an SDR version by applying a tone map to bring the HDR grade down to the SDR standard. The colorist will need to review both versions carefully to make sure the SDR version looks as good as possible."
About this section
Color grading and finishing is the final visual polish of the image — the stage at which the raw footage is transformed into the rich, cinematic image that the audience will ultimately see. A skilled ...
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