---
title: "HDR (High Dynamic Range)"
url: https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/hdr-high-dynamic-range
language: en
description: "HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a family of imaging technologies that captures, processes and displays a wider range of luminance and color than the SDR (St..."
updated: 2026-10-25
---

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# HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a family of imaging technologies that captures, processes and displays a wider range of luminance and color than the SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) Rec.709 standard. Where SDR is limited to about 100 nits peak brightness, HDR formats target 1,000 to 10,000 nits, revealing detail in highlights (sun, specular reflections, neon) and shadows simultaneously. HDR uses new transfer functions (PQ — Perceptual Quantizer, SMPTE ST 2084, and HLG — Hybrid Log Gamma, ITU-R BT.2100) instead of the gamma 2.4 of Rec.709, because traditional gamma cannot describe the extended luminance range. The dominant standards are: HDR10 (10-bit, static metadata), HDR10+ (dynamic metadata, royalty-free), Dolby Vision (12-bit with dynamic metadata, the cinema and premium streaming standard), and HLG (broadcast-friendly, no metadata required). HDR mastering requires reference monitors (Sony BVM-HX310, Canon DP-V series) capable of at least 1000 nits and P3-D65 or Rec.2020 gamut coverage. The grading session produces a master at the target peak luminance (typically 1000 nits for streaming, 4000 nits for premium), from which SDR trims are derived. Streaming platforms (Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+) mandate Dolby Vision or HDR10 masters for tier-1 originals. Reference: ITU-R BT.2100 (HDR system parameters) and SMPTE ST 2084 (PQ).

Image, DeliveryColorist, DIT, Mastering EngineerColor Grading, Delivery

## Related terms

[SDR (Standard Dynamic Range)](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/sdr-standard-dynamic-range)[Nit](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/nit)[HDR10](https://postproduction.studio/en/glossary/hdr10)

Peak luminance targets (logarithmic scale). Most consumer HDR displays cap around 1000-2000 nits today.

## Articles covering this term

* [HDR Formats: PQ, HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision Workflows

  Complete HDR guide: PQ vs HLG curves, HDR10/HDR10+, Dolby Vision, dynamic metadata, mastering workflows, dual SDR/HDR delivery strategies.](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/hdr-formats)
* [Dolby Vision Mastering in DaVinci Resolve: The Complete Workflow

  Master the complete Dolby Vision workflow in DaVinci Resolve: dynamic metadata, iCMU analysis, artistic trims, XML export, and three-step quality control.](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/dolby-vision-mastering-resolve)
* [HDR Grading: Mastering Monitor and Output Chain

  How to set up a reliable HDR grading suite: mastering monitor specs (PQ, HLG, nits, gamut), an SDI/HDMI output interface outside the graphics card, and the decisive role of the HDR metadata "flag".](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/hdr-mastering-monitor-setup)
* [HDR Delivery: From the UltraHD Label to Streaming and Cinema

  How HDR reaches the viewer: UltraHD Premium label, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG, streaming, broadcast distribution and cinema HDR (laser projection, LED screens).](https://postproduction.studio/en/formats/hdr-delivery-distribution)
* [Reference monitors: OLED, LCD, HDR

  Technical guide to reference monitoring displays. OLED, LCD, HDR evaluation, calibration standards, viewing environments, and professional display technologies.](https://postproduction.studio/en/tools/monitoring-displays)
* [ACES: End-to-End Color Workflow System

  Master ACES color workflow: AP0/AP1 spaces, IDT/RRT/ODT transforms, ACEScg/ACEScct, VFX integration, HDR workflows, and implementation best practices.](https://postproduction.studio/en/image/aces-workflow)