HDR vs. SDR

Attribute	HDR	SDR
Brightness Range	Higher	Lower
Color Depth	Wider	Narrower
Dynamic Range	Higher	Lower
Peak Brightness	Higher	Lower
Backlight Technology	Local Dimming	Edge-lit

Introduction

High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) are two different technologies used in displaying images and videos. Both have their own set of attributes that make them unique and suitable for different purposes. In this article, we will compare the attributes of HDR and SDR to help you understand the differences between the two.

Brightness and Contrast

One of the key differences between HDR and SDR is the level of brightness and contrast they can achieve. HDR displays are capable of producing much higher levels of brightness and contrast compared to SDR displays. This results in images and videos that are more vibrant and lifelike, with better details in both bright and dark areas. SDR displays, on the other hand, have limited brightness and contrast capabilities, which can lead to images that appear flat and lacking in detail.

Color Accuracy

Another important attribute to consider when comparing HDR and SDR is color accuracy. HDR displays are able to reproduce a wider range of colors and shades, resulting in more realistic and vivid images. This is achieved through technologies like Wide Color Gamut and 10-bit color depth, which allow HDR displays to accurately represent the colors in the original content. SDR displays, on the other hand, have a more limited color range, which can lead to colors appearing less accurate and vibrant.

Dynamic Range

As the name suggests, dynamic range is a key attribute of both HDR and SDR displays. Dynamic range refers to the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image or video. HDR displays have a much wider dynamic range compared to SDR displays, which allows them to show more details in both bright highlights and dark shadows. This results in images that are more realistic and immersive. SDR displays, on the other hand, have a more limited dynamic range, which can lead to loss of details in bright or dark areas.

Backlighting

One of the technical differences between HDR and SDR displays is the type of backlighting used. HDR displays often use technologies like local dimming or OLED panels to achieve better contrast and brightness levels. Local dimming allows the display to control the brightness of individual zones of the screen, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter highlights. OLED panels, on the other hand, can achieve perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. SDR displays, on the other hand, typically use edge-lit or direct-lit LED backlighting, which can result in less uniform brightness and contrast levels.

Content Availability

One of the challenges of adopting HDR technology is the availability of HDR content. While more and more content creators are producing HDR content, there is still a limited amount of HDR content available compared to SDR content. This can make it difficult for users to fully take advantage of the capabilities of their HDR displays. SDR content, on the other hand, is widely available and compatible with all types of displays. This makes SDR a more accessible option for users who are not yet ready to make the switch to HDR.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, SDR has the upper hand over HDR. SDR content can be displayed on any type of display, whether it is an older LCD TV or a new OLED TV. This makes SDR a more versatile option for users who have a variety of devices. HDR content, on the other hand, requires a compatible HDR display to be fully appreciated. This can be a limitation for users who do not have an HDR display or who are watching HDR content on a device that does not support HDR.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HDR and SDR are two different technologies with their own set of attributes. HDR displays offer higher levels of brightness, contrast, color accuracy, and dynamic range compared to SDR displays. However, HDR content availability and compatibility can be limiting factors for some users. SDR displays, on the other hand, are more widely available and compatible with all types of content. Ultimately, the choice between HDR and SDR will depend on your specific needs and preferences.