New From YouTube – HDR Video Support Launched

News

by Jakub HanNovember 8^th, 2016

As of yesterday, Youtube has started to support HDR video. It is a step forward in implementing new technologies to web streamed videos, although at the moment only a handful of devices can really enjoy this new exciting feature. However, more supported TVs and displays are coming soon.

“The World in HDR” from Jacob + Katie Schwarz (Youtube)

YouTube seems to be always making first steps towards new technologies. We have seen this in the past with 4K video, live streaming, 360-degree video and many more features. This time, they bring HDR support to their video streaming service.

HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range”. To simplify, HDR videos have higher contrast and clarity, revealing more detail in the shadows and highlights. Also, support for wide color gamut has been implemented, meaning that colours are more vibrant. For a closer look at “What HDR video is”, please head to a previously published video we made last year.

Simulated HDR vs SDR comparison (truly visible only on HDR displays)

Youtube HDR video compatible devices

You can now watch YouTube videos in HDR on supported devices, such as HDR TVs with Google’s new Chromecast Ultra, Sony PlayStation 4 Pro Gaming Console and soon on all Samsung SUHD and UHD TVs 2016 models as well. If you’re using a device that doesn’t yet support HDR, videos will play in standard dynamic range. As more HDR devices become available, YouTube will work with partners to enable streaming of the HDR versions.

If you want to watch some YouTube HDR video content today, you can check the following YouTube channels:

• MysteryGuitarMan
• Jacob + Katie Schwarz
• Abandon Visuals

YouTube have worked together with these creators to bring HDR content in time for the HDR support launch.

Starting today, any creator can upload HDR videos to YouTube. You can learn more about uploading HDR videos here. It is worth mentioning that YouTube team worked together with the DaVinci Resolve team to make uploading HDR content just as simple as SDR videos. They’ve also outfitted the YouTube Spaces in LA and NYC with all the gear needed to produce high quality HDR content.

Ed Khoma from Abandon Visuals responded to our request to highlight the new YouTube HDR support and here is what he had to say:

HDR implementation is revolutionary to our industry and we believe that it is the next evolution of content streaming. It gives content creators the power to show their viewers a new visual experience by expanding the range of color and data that was once sacrificed. We are honored to be a part of the launch for Youtube’s HDR support and are excited for a future with HDR-capable monitors and online streaming.”

You can watch Ed Khoma and Jonny Mass’s HDR short film on YouTube here:

Do you already have an HDR supported device? What do you think of the quality of HDR that YouTube streams? Let us know!