Netflix has announced that it will now support streaming in HDR10+, adding to its current lineup of supported high dynamic range (HDR) formats, which already includes Dolby Vision and standard HDR10. This move aims to expand the accessibility of high-quality video streaming to a broader range of devices and users.
HDR10+ is an advanced HDR format developed by Samsung, which offers dynamic metadata capabilities. Unlike standard HDR10, which uses static metadata to set brightness and contrast levels for an entire movie or show, HDR10+ adjusts these parameters on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. This results in improved image quality, more accurate colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast overall, significantly enhancing the visual experience for viewers.
This upgrade means that users with HDR10+-compatible TVs and devices — such as many Samsung, Panasonic, and Hisense models — will now be able to experience Netflix shows and movies in higher fidelity. This includes popular content such as original series, feature films, and documentaries that Netflix produces in HDR.
To enjoy content in HDR10+, users will need a Netflix Premium subscription, a stable internet connection capable of streaming in Ultra HD, and a device that supports the HDR10+ standard. As with Dolby Vision and HDR10, the availability of HDR10+ also depends on the title itself being mastered in the format.
This move aligns Netflix with other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, which already support HDR10+. It signals Netflix’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness in the high-stakes streaming market, where technical features can influence consumer choice as much as content libraries.
While Dolby Vision remains a highly regarded format, especially in the premium home cinema space, HDR10+ offers an open alternative that doesn’t require royalty fees, which could be appealing to hardware manufacturers and potentially to consumers looking for more budget-friendly options.
Netflix’s support for HDR10+ also demonstrates its ongoing investment in technological innovation aimed at enhancing user experience. By enabling more adaptive picture quality across a wider variety of displays, Netflix ensures that its content remains visually engaging regardless of the hardware used.
In an increasingly competitive streaming landscape, the addition of HDR10+ positions Netflix as a more flexible and inclusive platform. As more devices adopt the HDR10+ standard, users can expect a broader and richer viewing experience without being locked into a specific brand or technology ecosystem. This is a win for consumers and another step forward in the evolution of streaming quality.