Processing

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a video standard that captures and displays a wider range of brightness levels and colors than standard dynamic range (SDR). LED walls with HDR capability can display deeper blacks and brighter highlights simultaneously, creating more lifelike images with greater detail in shadows and highlights.

Understanding HDR

High Dynamic Range represents a significant advancement in video technology, enabling displays to show more realistic images with greater contrast and color range. For LED walls, HDR capability is increasingly important for premium content delivery.

HDR Fundamentals

**Dynamic Range:** The ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. HDR extends this range beyond what SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) can represent.

**Bit Depth:** HDR typically uses 10-bit or 12-bit color depth (versus 8-bit for SDR), enabling smoother gradients and more colors.

**Wide Color Gamut:** HDR standards specify DCI-P3 or Rec. 2020 color spaces, wider than the Rec. 709 used for SDR HD content.

HDR Standards

**HDR10:**

Open standard, widely supported
Static metadata (PQ transfer function)
10-bit color depth minimum
Peak brightness up to 10,000 nits
Rec. 2020 or P3 color space

**HDR10+:**

Dynamic metadata version
Scene-by-scene optimization
Samsung-led development
Requires specific support

**HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma):**

Broadcast-friendly
Backward compatible with SDR
No metadata required
Used for live broadcast

**Dolby Vision:**

Proprietary (licensing required)
Dynamic metadata per frame
12-bit color depth
Premium quality option

LED Wall HDR Requirements

**Brightness:**

Minimum: 1000 nits
Recommended: 1500+ nits
Premium: 2000+ nits

**Contrast:** LED's native high contrast supports HDR's dynamic range requirements.

**Color:**

DCI-P3 coverage minimum
Accurate primary colors
Wide gamut calibration

**Processing:**

HDR metadata interpretation
Tone mapping capability
Color space conversion

Implementation

**Signal Path:** HDR source → Processor (HDR support) → LED wall (calibrated for HDR)

**Processor Configuration:**

Enable HDR mode
Set correct color space
Configure tone mapping
Match source format

**Calibration:** HDR calibration differs from SDR—requires:

Higher peak brightness measurement
Wide gamut verification
EOTF (transfer function) accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do LED walls support HDR content?

Yes, most professional LED walls can display HDR content. They require appropriate brightness (1000+ nits for HDR10), wide color gamut (DCI-P3), and processor HDR support. The processor must handle HDR metadata (HDR10, HLG, or Dolby Vision) and map it appropriately to the display.

What brightness is needed for HDR on LED walls?

HDR10 specifies peak brightness up to 10,000 nits, but most content is mastered for 1000-4000 nits peak. LED walls should support at least 1000 nits for basic HDR, with 1500+ nits preferred. Actual displayed brightness depends on content and ambient conditions.

What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision?

HDR10 uses static metadata (same settings for entire content) and is an open standard. Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata (adjusts per scene) and is proprietary. Most LED walls support HDR10; Dolby Vision requires specific processor support and licensing.

Related Terms

Brightness

Performance

Brightness measures the light output of an LED display, typically specified in nits (candelas per sq...

Contrast Ratio

Performance

Contrast ratio measures the difference between the brightest white and darkest black a display can p...

DCI-P3

Calibration

DCI-P3 is the color space standard used in digital cinema projection, offering approximately 25% mor...

Color Gamut

Calibration

Color gamut describes the range of colors an LED display can reproduce. A wider gamut means the disp...

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