Netflix has officially announced its latest enhancement to its streaming service: the addition of HDR10+ movies and shows. This new format is part of Netflix's ongoing commitment to providing viewers with the highest quality content. Since the launch of Marco Polo in December 2014, Netflix has been at the forefront of high dynamic range (HDR) technology, first supporting HDR10 and later integrating the more advanced Dolby Vision format into its offerings.
HDR10+ is an advanced version of HDR that utilizes dynamic metadata to adjust the viewing experience based on the specific content being streamed. This allows content creators to define how each frame should appear, providing viewers with a richer, more detailed visual experience that aligns with the creators' original vision. Both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are particularly beneficial for viewers using lower-priced HDR TVs, which may struggle with inadequate black levels and other performance issues.
To enjoy the full benefits of streaming in HDR and 4K resolution, subscribers must opt for Netflix's Premium ad-free plan, which is priced at $25 per month. In contrast, the Standard ad-free plan, available for $18 per month, limits streaming quality to 1080p resolution. This tiered pricing allows Netflix to cater to a broad audience while providing premium features to those willing to pay for higher quality.
In its recent blog post, Netflix stated that it is actively enhancing its library by adding HDR10+ streams to both new releases and existing popular titles. Currently, AV1-HDR10+ streams account for a remarkable 50% of all eligible viewing hours on the platform. The company aims to expand its HDR10+ offerings further and plans to provide an HDR10+ experience for all HDR titles by the end of the year. With over 11,000 hours of HDR content available, Netflix is positioning itself as a leader in HDR streaming.
While Dolby Vision has been available since 2014, three years prior to HDR10+, it has seen greater adoption due to its enhanced control over color and support for 12-bit video. Nevertheless, offering HDR10+ is crucial for Netflix to remain competitive against other streaming giants like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, and Disney+, all of which have announced support for this format. HDR10+ is particularly valuable for viewers whose devices, including many TVs from Samsung, do not support Dolby Vision.
Since 2020, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of HDR content, with HDR streaming increasing by over 300%. Netflix has reported that the number of devices capable of streaming HDR content has more than doubled during this period. The introduction of HDR10+ support at no additional cost is a refreshing change from the trend of price hikes and content removals seen in other streaming announcements.
While this new HDR10+ feature comes roughly three months after Netflix raised its Premium subscription price from $23 to $25, it marks a significant step towards enhancing the viewer experience. As Netflix continues to innovate and expand its HDR offerings, subscribers can look forward to a more immersive and visually stunning streaming experience.
