Netflix is introducing experimental HDR (High Dynamic Range) images onto the Netflix app used by the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S or X game consoles.
In a blog post the streaming service said it was important not to confuse the images with those taken by a mobile phone or camera that combine multiple exposures to generate a high-contrast scene.
Initially the test is being used to promote two shows The Innocents and Marvel’s Iron Fist. Netflix says the viewers have become accustomed to seeing SDR pictures displayed in a manner that was not initially intended: “SDR content is algorithmically adjusted (or boosted) to fill up the range of colors and brightness levels closer to the capabilities of the display. While HDR video may benefit from HDR TVs as it tries to accurately represent colors and preserve the creative intent of the source content, SDR is unfortunately subject to the inverse effect of being altered to ‘appear’ more HDR.”
Its emerged that despite streaming HDR for the past few years, displaying HDR images is not as straightforward as might first be imagined and there are a variety of technical hurdles to be overcome.
Netflix says it wants to work with others in the industry to develop a better experience.
