Disney+ has announced its adoption of HDR10+, the cutting-edge high dynamic range (HDR) technology that promises a more immersive and visually stunning viewing experience. This move places Disney+ amongst a growing number of major streaming services embracing HDR10+, including Prime Video, Paramount+, YouTube, Hulu, and Apple TV+.
The announcement was made at a CES 2025 press conference hosted by Marc Finer of Communication Research Inc. on behalf of HDR10+ Technologies LLC, the organization responsible for certifying and administering the technology.
HDR10+ distinguishes itself from traditional HDR by incorporating dynamic metadata, which allows for frame-by-frame optimization of picture quality. This results in a more nuanced and realistic image, with improved brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
He further highlighted the advantages of HDR10+, emphasizing its robust standardization, ease of implementation, global certification, and lack of licensing fees. These factors make HDR10+ an attractive option for content creators and distributors seeking to provide high-quality visuals without incurring significant costs.
The press conference also showcased the expanding reach of HDR10+ beyond streaming services. Notable developments include:
- Gaming: Electronic Arts has released its first title, Dragon Age: The Vailguard, with HDR10+ support, bringing enhanced visuals to compatible PCs and displays.
- Hardware: Intel announced that its latest ARC GPUs will support HDR10+ in nearly 30 products, further broadening the ecosystem of compatible devices.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Panasonic Avionics has certified its latest in-flight entertainment displays for HDR10+, paving the way for a more cinematic experience for airline passengers.
- NextGen TV: HDR10+ is poised to play a key role in the rollout of NextGen TV, with Gray Media already utilizing the technology for broadcast content and working to expand its adoption across Fox affiliates. NBC 4 New York is also currently broadcasting in HDR10+.
These advancements underscore the growing momentum behind HDR10+ as it becomes increasingly integrated across various platforms and industries. With Disney+ now on board, viewers can anticipate a richer and more immersive experience when enjoying their favorite movies and shows.
This move by Disney+ signifies a broader trend towards wider adoption of HDR10+ in the entertainment industry. As more content creators, distributors, and hardware manufacturers embrace this technology, consumers will benefit from a more vibrant and engaging visual experience across a range of devices and platforms.