Tomasz Wadowski
Philips joins Samsung – Netflix launches support for HDR10+
Netflix has officially started rolling out support for the HDR10+ format – and while the process is gradual, it is already known that the next manufacturer whose TVs are ready for the new format is Philips. Previously, a similar declaration was made by Samsung, and now another, this time a holding player, is joining the game.
HDR10+ available on Philips TVs from 2022
According to the editorial team at FlatpanelsHD, Philips TVs from 2022 and newer, equipped with the Google TV or Titan OS system, already support playback of content from Netflix in HDR10+ format. This primarily applies to models from the lower series PUS7 and PUS80, which often do not support the competing Dolby Vision format.
PML8709 is a budget MINI-LED television that supports the HDR10+ format. You can find its review here:
Three HDR Formats on Netflix – with a Certain "But"
In March, Netflix officially announced that its library will gradually be available in as many as three HDR formats: classic HDR10, Dolby Vision, and of course HDR10+. However, the introduction of the new format does not mean that users with TVs supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ will have the freedom to choose – Netflix defaults to Dolby Vision, as long as the device supports it. Furthermore, for content from Netflix to be available in HDR10+, the TV must support the AV1 codec – this is a technical requirement that not all models, especially from previous years, meet.
Competition for Dolby is Growing Stronger
Unlike the static HDR10, the HDR10+ format uses dynamic metadata that allows for the adjustment of brightness and contrast for each scene individually. This is particularly important for lower-end LCD televisions, where often the brightness of the TV is not adequate for content mastered by professional film studios. Against its competitors, HDR10+ is gaining more and more allies. Amazon Prime Video has been a partner of the format since its launch, Apple added support in 2022, and Disney+ plans to join in 2025.
Although currently only about half of the HDR catalogue on Netflix is available in HDR10+, the pace of change suggests that the format may become a permanent feature among the key technologies available on streaming platforms. For users of televisions without Dolby Vision – especially in cheaper models – this is definitely good news.
