Key Highlights
- Disney+ has started streaming movies and shows in the HDR10+ format.
- “Over 1,000” Hulu titles are now available in HDR10+ for Disney+ users.
- Samsung TVs are the first devices to support HDR10+ content from Disney+.
- Disney+ previously only supported HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR formats.
New Streaming Format: HDR10+
Disney+, a major player in the streaming market, has recently announced its support for the advanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) format known as HDR10+. This move comes after other popular streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV have already adopted this technology. The addition of HDR10+ to Disney+’s repertoire is part of an ongoing effort by the company to enhance user experience and compete with its rivals.
From Hulu, a Unified Approach
The support for HDR10+ on Disney+ primarily stems from “over 1,000” titles originally sourced from Hulu. Upon acquiring Hulu in June of this year, Disney integrated the vast content library into their unified app, which now includes both Disney+ and Hulu offerings. This integration has led to a more comprehensive collection of streaming options for subscribers, enhancing the overall value proposition of Disney+’s service.
Technical Details
HDR10+, developed by Samsung, stands out from its predecessor HDR10 in terms of dynamic metadata capabilities. Unlike static metadata used in HDR10, HDR10+ allows content creators to control how each individual frame appears on the screen. This results in a more nuanced and vivid visual experience for viewers. Moreover, while Dolby Vision offers even greater color control through 12-bit color support, its adoption has been slower due to broader compatibility issues.
Compatibility and Advantages
The decision by Disney+ to include HDR10+ is strategic, especially considering Samsung’s market leadership. As the world’s top-selling TV brand, Samsung offers a wide range of devices that can now stream content in this advanced format. This move not only caters to home theater enthusiasts who own these TVs but also aligns with Disney+’s broader strategy to improve its service and maintain competitiveness.
Future Prospects
While the support for HDR10+ is currently limited, it opens up a new avenue for Disney+ to differentiate itself from competitors. As more users upgrade their televisions to support this format, Disney+ stands to benefit significantly. Additionally, with its cheaper subscription plans allowing access to HDR content, Disney+ aims to attract a broader customer base.
By embracing HDR10+, Disney+ is not only enhancing the visual quality of its offerings but also positioning itself as a technologically advanced streaming service. This move reflects a broader trend in the industry where content providers are increasingly focusing on improving user experience through technological advancements.
