Introduction

In an exciting development for Samsung TV owners, Netflix has just introduced support for HDR10 Plus, a feature that allows users to experience enhanced clarity and vibrant colors while streaming their favorite content. This upgrade is now available through Netflix’s Premium plan, which represents approximately 50% of eligible viewing hours on the platform.

HDR10 Plus vs. Dolby Vision

For those unfamiliar, Samsung TVs have previously lacked support for Dolby Vision, a competing HDR format renowned for its dynamic metadata that optimizes brightness and tone levels for each specific scene. Launched back in 2017, HDR10 Plus, Samsung's proprietary technology, also allows for adjustments to tone mapping on a scene-by-scene basis but does so without the costly licensing fees associated with Dolby Vision.

Market Positioning of Samsung TVs

While HDR10 Plus may not be as widely recognized as Dolby Vision, it's worth noting that Samsung commands the global TV market with about a 30% share. This dominance offers a unique opportunity for the HDR10 Plus format to gain traction, especially among its substantial customer base.

Limitations of HDR10

Until now, Samsung TV users had to settle for content streamed in HDR10, a format that employs static metadata which applies the same settings across an entire film or show. This 'one-size-fits-all' method often results in less-than-ideal lighting, especially during scenes that may vary significantly in brightness or darkness.

Growth of HDR10 Plus in Streaming Services

Interestingly, support for HDR10 Plus has been gradually gaining momentum across streaming platforms. While services like Amazon Prime Video initially embraced the format, others like Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus have also jumped on board—now, with Netflix doing so, a larger audience can appreciate the benefits of HDR10 Plus.

Compatibility and Future of HDR10 Plus

It's important for viewers to note that Netflix has enabled HDR10 Plus using the AV1 video codec, so compatibility depends on having a TV that supports this standard. Fortunately, most models released in the last five years are equipped with AV1 support. Moreover, Netflix is ambitiously looking to expand its library of HDR10 Plus content, aiming to include all HDR titles by the end of 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with Netflix supporting HDR10 Plus, Samsung TV owners can finally unlock richer, more dynamic picture quality for their streaming. This advancement not only enhances the viewing experience but also underscores the growing significance of HDR formats in the competitive landscape of streaming services. Don’t miss out on the upgrade—your next binge-watching session could look more spectacular than ever!