What is HDR?
HDR (high dynamic range) video stores a wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range (SDR), so highlights can be brighter, shadows more detailed and colors more vivid on a compatible screen.
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Definition
HDR — HDR (high dynamic range) video stores a wider range of brightness and color than standard dynamic range (SDR), so highlights can be brighter, shadows more detailed and colors more vivid on a compatible screen. Common HDR formats include HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG, all of which typically use 10-bit color.
What "dynamic range" means
Dynamic range is the gap between the darkest and brightest parts a picture can show. Standard video was designed decades ago around the limits of older TVs. HDR uses new transfer curves and wider color spaces so modern displays can show sunlight glinting off water and detail in a dark room in the same frame.
The main HDR formats
| Format | Metadata | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HDR10 | Static (one setting for the whole video) | Open, the most widely supported base format |
| HDR10+ | Dynamic (scene by scene) | Royalty-free extension backed by Samsung and partners |
| Dolby Vision | Dynamic | Proprietary, common on streaming apps and iPhone recordings |
| HLG | None needed | Developed by the BBC and NHK; designed for broadcast and works on SDR screens too |
What you need to see HDR
- An HDR-capable display (many recent TVs, phones and some monitors)
- A codec that carries 10-bit HDR, such as H.265, VP9 (Profile 2) or AV1
- A player and operating system that pass HDR to the screen correctly
Why HDR matters when downloading videos
HDR video online is often delivered at high resolutions such as 4K and in newer codecs. Downloading it raises a few practical issues:
- Washed-out or grey colors: an HDR file played on an SDR screen, or by a player that does not tone-map, can look flat and dull. That is a playback issue, not a broken download.
- Editing complexity: many basic editors convert HDR to SDR on import, sometimes with odd colors.
- Format choice: whether HDR information survives depends on the stream and container selected. If you need a file that looks right everywhere, an SDR version is the safer choice.
When the source offers HDR, it usually appears among the top qualities in the 4K downloader. Test the file on the device you will watch it on. Please download only videos you have permission to save.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why does my HDR video look washed out?
It is probably being shown on an SDR screen or by a player that does not convert HDR properly; try an HDR display or a player with tone mapping, such as VLC or mpv.
Is HDR the same as 4K?
No. 4K describes the number of pixels, while HDR describes the range of brightness and color; a video can be one without the other.