Posted Mon Nov 7, 2016 at 10:45 AM PST by Steven Cohen
The streaming platform now supports HDR videos.
YouTube has announced the addition of HDR video support. High Dynamic Range content offers enhanced contrast with more detailed highlights and shadows. Likewise, HDR YouTube videos also include support for a wider color gamut.
Several YouTube videos in HDR are now available to stream. Users can confirm HDR streaming if they see the "HDR" badge on the player controls. HDR YouTube videos can be played back through supported setups, including HDR TVs with the new Chromecast Ultra or other HDR-enabled media players. Likewise, YouTube HDR video streaming will soon be enabled on all 2016 Samsung SUHD and UHD TVs directly through the display's integrated YouTube app. For users without supported TVs, HDR content will simply stream in standard dynamic range. Current HDR videos come from various YouTube creators like MysteryGuitarMan, Jacob + Katie Schwarz, and Abandon Visuals. Users can check out the HDR YouTube playlist here.
In addition to streaming, users can also upload HDR video to YouTube. Uploaded content must have HDR metadata in the codec or container to be played back in high dynamic range. YouTube recommends exporting content from a supported application, such as BlackMagic DaVinci Resolve 12.5.2, in order to ensure proper recording of the metadata. Uploaders who use a different workflow to grade in HDR, can also use the YouTube HDR metadata tool to add HDR metadata to a video -- but only if the video was graded using an HDR transfer function. Likewise, color grading should be conducted in Rec. 2020 with PQ or HLG in order to achieve correct results. Click here for more details on the HDR uploading process and requirements.
YouTube will continue to work with partners to add more high dynamic range videos and support for more devices as more HDR content and hardware becomes available.
Source: YouTube
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