Paving the way for a new video platform for HD and 4K/Ultra HD that promises to pump out brighter, more colorful pixels and create more realistic, eye-popping visuals, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has released the CE industry’s definition for high dynamic range (HDR)-compatible video displays.
The CEA said the definitions aim to assist retailers and consumers in identifying display products that incorporate the interface and processing technology needed to display HDR-enabled content properly.
The definitions also enter play as OTT providers such as Netflix and Amazon start to embrace HDR. Comcast, meanwhile, announced in May that it is developing the Xi5, a video device for its X1 platform that will support HDR.
The CEA noted that many 4K sets support early implementations of HDR support wider color gamut and higher frame rates, but now provides the organization's Video Division Board-approved definitions. A TV, monitor or projector may be referred to as a HDR Compatible Display if it meets the following minimum attributes:
-Includes at least one interface that supports HDR signaling as defined in CEA-861-F, as extended by CEA-861.3.
-Receives and processes static HDR metadata compliant with CEA-861.3 for uncompressed video.
-Receives and processes HDR10 Media Profile from IP, HDMI or other video delivery sources., though other media profiles may be supported.
-Applies an appropriate Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF), before rendering the image.
“HDR provides a significant step-up in delivering an incredible viewing experience for the consumer,” said Brian Markwalter, senior vice president, research and standards, CEA, in a statement. “We encourage manufacturers and our industry partners to use this voluntary compatibility guideline to provide greater consistency and clarity while ensuring compatibility and interoperability across the full content development to display ecosystem.”
He said the definitions complement work of other organizations that are developing HDR-related performance parameters and guidance, such as the UHD Alliance.
