High Dynamic Range (HDR) explained
High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays are beginning to appear from several manufacturers. They are destined to revolutionise the entire viewing experience and deliver dramatically improved storytelling for audiences. I have been monitoring (excuse the pun) the technology progress and am now a firm advocate of the potential of HDR and of Dolby Vision as a leader in the field.
What exactly is HDR?
High Dynamic Range or HDR displays and projectors produce significantly brighter, more detailed images, which are described as more realistic and engaging. Of course it’s not enough to just make existing images brighter, the workflow holds extra information in the highlights, which adds to the perception of reality.
Maybe the best way to describe it is to try and imagine a candle or torch that has the same brightness on screen as it does in real life, or flames that are not just clipped shapes, but actually show the rich detail and colors of real fire.
Dolby Vision offers a new workflow which produces and delivers HDR content from production to consumer.
Why do I need to know about it?
Due to the fact that modern digital cameras and traditional film already capture content suitable for HDR, it’s very feasible to convert existing HD masters to HDR, so I’m predicting a significant upswing in demand for this enhanced content.
Dolby Vision is on the precipice of reaching mainstream consumers through home TVs and has already started installing Dolby Cinemas – the recent “Tomorrowland” movie was the first HDR title to be shown. Dolby Cinemas feature HDR laser projection with Atmos sound.
How can HDR help my business?
Put quite simply, the end result is better. If you are in the production business, it offers a more engaging format for your projects. If you are in the distribution business it offers the opportunity to re-release content in a way that looks clearer and more dynamic.
In tests, there are debates over the benefits of more pixels, but everyone agrees on one point – that brighter pictures are better.
How will HDR affect the industry?
There is already a SMPTE standard (rec 2084) and discussions are taking place to make this a part of the next UHD standard. It probably means more deliverable formats.
How much will it cost me?
The good news is that it costs very little to implement. It’s easy to re-master existing HD content to take advantage of the new display technology.
For new material I suggest grading on the DI master on a Dolby Vision Reference Monitor. daVinci Resolve, Digital Vision Nucoda and FilmLight Baselight all have the tools to create metadata that maps the images to any display from the current standard dynamic range (SDR) upwards.
Who else is using it?
Disney’s “Tomorrowland”, Pixar’s “Inside Out” and Warner Brothers’ “San Andreas” are the first films mastered in Dolby Vision. HDR versions are currently viewable in Dolby Cinemas, but the plan is to roll them out on consumer displays soon.
When will this have an impact?
Dolby Cinema has launched in California, and there will be one in Holland by Autumn 2015. These cinemas use laser projectors to produce the best images you have ever seen. Consumer displays with Dolby Vision HDR were shown at NAB 2015 and should be on sale about a year from now and Amazon and Netflix have confirmed HDR channels in the next 12 months
Do I need to do anything now?
I predict that this workflow will become increasingly prominent over the next 12 months. There is only one Dolby Vision Reference Monitor in Europe at the moment, and it’s here in London throughout July 2015. I’m currently working closely with Dolby Europe to arrange demonstrations, tests and undertake mastering. If you’d like a demonstration, get in touch with me.
Happy Coloring
Kevin
