Samsung has partnered with Amazon Video to create an alternative to HDR10, called “HDR10+â€, which they claim can adjust brightness levels on a frame-by-frame basis.
Samsung’s complete UHD product lineup for 2017, including its latest QLED TVs will support with HDR10+. 2016 UHD models will join the most recent models with a firmware update issued in the second half of 2017.
Just how is HDR10+ different from HDR10, Dolby Vision and the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) formats? Chiefly, Dynamic Tone Mapping. According to Samsung and Amazon, the updated open standard that uses “dynamic metadata” to produce "enhanced contrast and colours on an expanded range of televisions." Samsung admit the differences between HDR10 and HDR10+ are actually few and far between, primarily being that HDR10+ can adjust brightness levels on a scene-by-scene basis or frame-by-frame basis (whereas the HDR10 standard’s static metadata that does not change based on scene-specific brightness levels necessary to maximise image quality).
"As an advanced HDR10 technology, HDR10+ offers an unparalleled HDR viewing experience [offering] a vivid picture, better constrast and accurate colours that brings HDR video to life," said Kyoungwon Lim, vice president of visual display division at Samsung Electronics. "We're excited to work with partners like Amazon Video to bring more amazing HDR content directly to our 2017 UHD TVs, including our QLED TV lineup."
Greg Hart, vice president, Amazon Video Worldwide, added: "At Amazon, we are constantly innovating on behalf of customers and are thrilled to be the first streaming service provider to work with Samsung to make HDR10+ available on Prime Video globally later this year."
Amazon Video claims to be the first streaming service provider to begin development of the standard for its audiences, following on from introducing HDR10 open standard with Samsung back in May 2015.