Netflix Now Streaming HDR10+ Content for Enhanced Viewing Experience

Netflix has announced that it is now streaming HDR10+ content, particularly for compatibility with AV1-enabled devices. This enhancement is set to improve the viewing experience for certified HDR10+ devices, which previously streamed only in HDR10. The incorporation of dynamic metadata allows compatible televisions to adjust and optimize tone mapping for each scene, aligning with the creator's intent. The shift to include HDR10+ fortifies Netflix's commitment to delivering high-quality streaming experiences, aligning with its strategy of supporting major HDR formats alongside Dolby Vision and standard HDR10. This move is notably beneficial for Samsung TV owners, as Samsung devices support HDR10+ while not offering Dolby Vision, addressing a specific user demographic. As HDR streaming has surged by 300% over the past five years, this addition is a strategic alignment to bolster Netflix's competitive advantage against rivals like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and AppleTV+, which have already integrated HDR10+. Netflix leverages the AV1 video codec; previously used for SDR content, as it facilitates high-quality streaming with reduced bandwidth usage. Despite these advancements, the perceptible difference for viewers remains a topic of debate, with technology consultants like Dan Rayburn pointing out that the quality differentiation often depends on individual viewer preferences and device capabilities. This update arrives amidst Netflix's recent subscription price increment, implying that premium subscribers, who contribute a significant portion of revenue, are the target audience for this feature. Supporting over 11,000 hours of HDR content, Netflix continues to expand its multimedia offerings to maintain its market leadership. The embrace of HDR10+ broadens options for consumers relying on Samsung devices while reinforcing Netflix's reputation for technological adoption and innovation.