Samsung, a long time supporter of the open standard HDR10 specification for High Dynamic Range video, announced a collaboration with Universal Pictures to utilize the new and improved HDR10+ spec.
Although specific titles were not mentioned, the press release from Samsung stated partnering on a “wide selection of new release and catalog fare” for improved color experience on a “variety of displays.”
One might immediately assume we’re talking solely about digital movies from Universal given the fact Samsung has quit making 4k Blu-ray players. But that might not be entirely the case as UPHE’s Executive VP of Digital Distribution, Michael Bonner, mentioned working on movies “across an array of Universal physical and digital titles.”
Regardless of how the HDR10+ is delivered though, either through disc or digital, Samsung TVs display the content and the company has already been pushing out firmware updates for older 4k HDR TVs to support HDR10+.
So what is the big deal with the “plus”? The next-gen HDR10+ specification uses the Rec. 2020 color space for 10 bits of color just like HDR10, but has been improved by making HDR10 dynamic. In effect, the metadata changes throughout a video stream rather than loaded all at once. This was one advantage Dolby Vision had over HDR10 until HDR10+.
“We are delighted to team with Samsung Electronics on HDR10+ to deliver this striking, cutting-edge technology to entertainment consumers,” said Michael Bonner, Executive Vice President, Digital Distribution, UPHE.
The HDRPlus organization hasn’t listed Universal Pictures on their website yet among adopters, but the studio will join other content creators including 20th Century Fox (now Disney), Shout! Factory, and Warner Bros. Entertainment in utilizing HDR10+ for digital and physical media.
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Samsung Electronics and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Announce HDR10+ Content Collaboration
Samsung Electronics and American global content production and distribution company Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) announced plans to bring to market titles mastered with HDR10+, the next generation of video standard specification technology developed by Samsung Electronics.
HDR10+ (High Dynamic Range 10+) is an open source-based next-generation video standard led by Samsung Electronics. HDR10+ transforms your TV experience with incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights and deepest darks. HDR10+ provides an extraordinary HDR picture-quality experience for viewers and delivers the highest-quality viewing experience.
Through this partnership, Samsung Electronics and UPHE will collaborate on a wide selection of new release and catalog fare with HDR10+ technology, providing consumers with the best-possible home entertainment viewing experience on a variety of displays.
“We are delighted to team with Samsung Electronics on HDR10+ to deliver this striking, cutting-edge technology to entertainment consumers, providing them opportunity to enjoy unparalleled, state-of-the-art movie-watching experiences across an array of Universal physical and digital titles,” said Michael Bonner, Executive Vice President, Digital Distribution, UPHE.
“We have launched a new era of picture-quality technology with HDR10+, providing an amplified vivid viewing experience for consumers” said Hyogun Lee, Executive Vice President of R&D Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Based on Samsung Electronics’ unique technology and proficiency, we will continue to expand our alliances with premier partners like Universal to provide consumers with the best HDR content possible.”
Samsung Electronics has been collaborating with various companies such as movie studios and OTT operators since the formation of the HDR10+ LLC in August, 2017, leading the next generation HDR technology and expanding the ecosystem. In addition to Korea, Japan and the US, Samsung will continue to strengthen the HDR10+ logo and certification program partnership in other territories around the world.
The HDR10+ certification / logo operating program consists of sharing detailed specifications of technology and test, providing a certification logo and user guide, and certifying the device through a third-party testing laboratory. Logo and technology fees are free. Additional details can be found at www.hdr10plus.org.
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