Displays
What is HDR10 and how does it compare with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision?
HDR10 is the most widespread high dynamic range (HDR) format: almost every series, movie and console with HDR uses it. It works with 10-bit color and tells the screen once how to display the whole piece of content. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision go a step further and adjust the picture scene by scene.
The formats, one by one
HDR10 is an open standard: any manufacturer can use it without paying a license, which is why it is everywhere. Its brightness data is static: one instruction for the whole movie.
HDR10+ adds dynamic data that changes per scene, so dark parts and very bright parts each look their best. Dolby Vision does the same with its own system, supports up to 12-bit color and requires a license.
When you actually notice it
HDR shines when the screen has plenty of brightness for highlights and good contrast for shadows. A budget projector or monitor may accept an HDR10 signal and display it, but with limited brightness the difference from standard video is small.
So on a projector's spec sheet, "HDR10 compatible" means it plays that format without problems, not that it delivers the effect of a high-end HDR television.
What to check before you buy
- To enjoy HDR, also check brightness: ANSI lumens on projectors, nits on screens.
- If you use Netflix or Disney+, check which HDR formats both the device and the app support.
- To get HDR over a cable you need a compatible HDMI input (2.0 or higher).
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
HDR is the general idea: more range between dark and bright. HDR10 is one of the specific formats that puts it into practice, and the most common one.