Netflix has announced a significant upgrade to its streaming offerings by adding support for HDR10+ technology, a move aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for its subscribers. This new format complements the existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats already provided by the popular streaming service.
The announcement, made on March 24, 2025, emphasizes the significant benefits HDR10+ brings to the table. According to a statement from Netflix, "HDR10+ should offer greater visual fidelity on a per-frame basis for Netflix's frequently dark original programming." Such advancements will allow viewers to enjoy more vibrant colors and improved detail in every frame, especially during darker scenes.
This move is particularly relevant as high dynamic range (HDR) content continues to define modern TV and film presentations. HDR enhances the difference between light and dark parts of an image, providing viewers with a richer, more engaging experience. The muddy quality often associated with streaming is often due to an inadequate color and brightness range; HDR10+ aims to eliminate that issue.
To support HDR10+, Netflix is utilizing the AV1 codec, which was introduced in 2018 specifically for efficient data streaming. Initially, the platform adopted AV1 to assist customers in conserving data usage on mobile devices, but it has now become crucial for streaming larger HDR files without sacrificing quality.
Excitingly, Netflix is already enabling HDR10+ on select popular titles, and there are plans to convert all HDR content to this format in the near future. Anyone with a Netflix Premium subscription and a compatible device should be ready to experience the enhanced content in HDR10+.
As Netflix explained in their announcement, "Anyone with a Netflix Premium subscription and a device that supports both HDR10+ and AV1 should be able to watch compatible content in HDR10+." This means that those with modern television sets, smartphones, or tablets that support the new technology can immediately benefit from the improvements associated with HDR10+.
Netflix first rolled out HDR support in 2016 with the launch of the series "Marco Polo." Over the years, the company added support for Dolby Vision and HDR10, two of the most prevalent HDR formats. The introduction of HDR10+ represents a natural evolution in streaming technology as Netflix continues its commitment to providing exceptional content quality for its viewers.
For fans of cinematic experiences, HDR10+ promises to enhance every detail, showcasing subtle tones and shadows that were previously lost in less advanced formats. It's an exciting time to be a Netflix subscriber, with HDR10+ bringing a new layer of sophistication to the viewing experience.
In conclusion, the addition of HDR10+ not only increases the quality of Netflix's already extensive library of shows and movies but also reaffirms the platform’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technology for viewer satisfaction. The transition to HDR10+ is set to elevate audience engagement in the ever-evolving landscape of digital streaming.
