High-dynamic-range television

High-dynamic-range television (HDR-TV) is a technology that uses high dynamic range (HDR) to improve the quality of display signals. It is contrasted with the retroactively named standard dynamic range (SDR). HDR changes how luminance and colors in videos and images are represented in the signal, allowing brighter, more detailed highlights, darker, more detailed shadows, and more intense colors. HDR allows compatible displays to receive a higher-quality image source. It does not improve a display's intrinsic properties (brightness, contrast, and color capabilities). Not all HDR displays have the same capabilities, and HDR content will look different depending on the display used; the standards specify the required conversion depending on display capabilities.

HDR-TV is a part of HDR imaging, an end-to-end process of increasing the dynamic range of images and videos from their capture and creation to their storage, distribution and display. Often, HDR is used with wide color gamut (WCG) technology. WCG increases the gamut and number of distinct colors available. HDR increases the range of luminance available for each color. HDR and WCG are separable but complementary technologies. Standards-compliant HDR displays also have WCG capabilities, as mandated by Rec. 2100 and other common HDR specifications.