HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) lets video reproduce a much wider gap between the darkest shadows and brightest highlights, plus a larger color gamut, usually under standards like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG. Where SDR peaks around 100 nits, HDR can push specular highlights to 1000 nits or more, so a sunset or neon sign keeps detail and punch instead of clipping to white. A colorist grading HDR works on a calibrated HDR monitor, watches a nits-aware scope, and protects highlights while keeping mid-tones and skin natural. The catch is delivery: HDR masters need careful tone mapping down to SDR so the show still looks right on standard screens, which is why most HDR pipelines manage both versions.