Do you know the difference between standard-dynamic range (SDR) and high-dynamic range (HDR)? They are commonly used as specifications for displays. Whether you’re shopping for a new TV, computer monitor, tablet or any other display device, it may feature SDR or HDR. By understanding how these two specifications differ, you can choose the right type of display.
What Is SDR?
SDR is a technology for display devices that offers limited light intensity. Light intensity is measured by a display device’s dynamic range. The greater the light intensity, the higher the device’s dynamic range will be. SDR, as the name suggests, means the display device has a standard or average dynamic range. It doesn’t produce a particularly wide range of colors. Rather, it offers a standard range of colors and a moderate level of light intensity.
What Is HDR?
HDR is a newer technology that offers a wider or higher dynamic range. Light intensity affects the brightness and color of display devices. All display devices have some level of light intensity, meaning they can produce a certain range of brightness and colors. HDR display devices simply have a wider dynamic range than their SDR counterparts. The light intensity of an HDR display device is greater than that of an SDR display device.
Differences Between SDR and HDR
While they both represent the range between a display device’s light and dark colors, SDR and HDR aren’t the same. SDR is an older technology. It wasn’t until recently that HDR emerged as an alternative. Today, you can find display devices with either SDR or HDR.
HDR display devices have stronger contrast. Contrast is the difference between a display device’s lightest colors and its darkest colors. A strong contrast means a display device will produce lighter light colors and darker dark colors.
HDR display devices can show more detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of an image The end result is more vivid and realistic-looking images. HDR achieves this by using a combination of hardware and software to produce a wider range of colors and brightness levels.
In Conclusion
You can’t choose a new display device without considering its light intensity. SDR and HDR are specifications used to describe the range of light intensity produced by a display device. SDR indicates a standard range of light intensity, whereas HDR indicates a high range of light intensity. Light intensity is measured in dynamic range. Most display devices offer either SDR or HDR for their respective light intensity.
Recent Comments