HDR is perhaps one of the most significant innovations in TV technology. Specially programmed to enhance colour depth and sharpen contrast on even the most ordinary of TVs. In the decade since its inception, HDR has undergone its own evolution. Now, HDR is available in a number of different forms, most notably, the two industry leaders: HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
But which of the two is the very best? In this guide, we’re going to find out what sets them apart, and which one you should choose!
What Is The Difference Between HDR10 And Dolby Vision?
HDR10 and Dolby Vision are both distinct variations of standard HDR technology, each promising an improved visual experience. Thanks to their capabilities, they’ve quickly become the industry standard.
The two formats differ most notably in terms of how they encode visual information. HDR10 uses static metadata, while Dolby Vision instead uses dynamic metadata. Static metadata is used to encode the entirety of a piece of content, like a film or TV episode. This means that many of the visual settings are fixed throughout, such as brightness. Dynamic metadata, on the other hand, is used to encode each individual scene of a piece of content. This means that settings such as brightness can change from scene to scene.
Now that we’re clear on the distinct differences between the two formats, let’s put them head to head to see which stands out as the best.
Which Picture Format Is Best?
Picture Quality
In terms of picture quality, Dolby Vision is easily the superior format. As we mentioned, Dolby Vision makes use of dynamic metadata that differs from scene to scene within your content. This means the screen’s brightness can change depending on the unique needs of each scene. This is perfect for watching moody and atmospheric fantasy films, as you can be sure contrast looks perfect from one scene to the next. You won’t find black values being washed out by excessive brightness, or colours lacking in vibrancy.
Dolby Vision also totally optimises your TV’s visual capabilities. When it comes to brightness alone, HDR10 peaks at around 4,000 nits of brightness. Dolby Vision, on the other hand, can reach up to an incredible 10,000 nits of brightness. This means that images appear more vibrant. The higher range of brightness levels also allows for striking contrast that draws the eye.
Dolby Vision is also more colourful than HDR10. Dolby Vision supports up to 12 bits of colour depth, while HDR10 is limited to 10 bits of colour depth. Bits are used to create distinct colours within each individual pixel. The more bits there are, the more capable a TV is of recreating highly specific colours. Dolby Vision simply offers a more detailed and vibrant experience.
While Dolby Vision is superior, HDR10 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to offering an immense visual experience. The high brightness and range of colour bits allow you to truly enjoy content that’s rich in visual detail.
Accessibility
While Dolby Vision offers a superior viewing experience, it’s much less accessible than HDR10. Dolby Vision is only supported by a set number of devices, while HDR10 is supported by the vast majority of modern TV models. If a manufacturer wants to include Dolby Vision support in a TV model, they need to pay a license for the technology. Many manufacturers, like Samsung, forgo this fee, and instead opt for HDR10 support.
Dolby Vision is also quite an expensive format to access. As we mentioned, only a limited number of TV models support the format. These same models are often prohibitively expensive, making it quite an investment.
There’s also a limited selection of content available that supports the Dolby Vision format. For instance, there are a few streaming services that don’t support the format at all. HDR10, on the other hand, is fully supported by all major streaming services. Platforms that support Dolby Vision are also largely made up of content that supports only the HDR10 format.
Gamers are also limited in choice when it comes to HDR. For instance, major consoles like PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 don’t support the format. Only a few consoles, such as the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, support Dolby Vision. Most consoles, instead, support HDR10 at most. If you’re looking to buy a brand new gaming TV you might want to save money by opting for a TV that supports HDR10 at most.
Final Thoughts?
Ultimately, the choice between Dolby Vision and HDR10 comes down to the experience you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a truly mind-blowing visual experience that makes films, shows and games look their best, then a TV with Dolby Vision support is a great option.
The trouble is that because Dolby Vision is a proprietary format, manufacturers have to pay a license to include the technology in their TV models. This means you’ll often have to pay a lot for a TV that supports the format.
If you’re looking for a simple TV that’s not lacking in visual features, then you may want to opt for a TV that supports the HDR10 format.
What Is HDR10+?
HDR10+, often confused with standard HDR10, is an upgraded version of the HDR10 format, designed to compete with the Dolby Vision format. Unlike standard HDR10, HDR10+ features fully dynamic metadata, so you can enjoy content with improved colour and contrast. It’s also a totally open format, so it’s free for manufacturers to include support for it in their devices. This means if you have a Samsung TV, you can still enjoy top-quality content.
It’s also more widely supported by a greater number of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
