Disney+ Expands HDR Options: What It Means for Viewers

Disney+ has taken a significant step forward in improving its streaming quality by adding support for the HDR10+ format. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the viewing experience, though it comes with certain limitations.

Current Availability

Selection of Hulu Titles: Over 1,000 Hulu titles are now available in HDR10+ on Disney+.
Fraction of Total Content: This represents a significant number but is still a small fraction of the total content library.

Samsung TV Owners Benefit First

Samsung TV owners are the first to benefit from this update. The range of supported TVs includes:

Crystal UHD
OLED
QLED
The Frame TVs

This is particularly noteworthy because Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision, another popular HDR format. By offering HDR10+, Disney+ is making its service more attractive to Samsung TV users, who constitute a large portion of the market.

HDR10+ vs. Dolby Vision

HDR10+:
More advanced than HDR10.
Uses dynamic metadata to fine-tune each frame for better image quality.
Particularly useful for improving black levels and other image-quality issues.
Dolby Vision:
Offers advanced capabilities such as 12-bit color and different profiles and levels.
Despite its advantages, HDR10+ has its merits, especially for streaming services catering to a wider range of devices.

Competitive Landscape

The addition of HDR10+ comes at a time when streaming services are facing increased competition and scrutiny. Customers are looking for the best value for their money, and features like HDR can make a service stand out.

Budget-Friendly Option: Disney+ offers HDR streaming even on its cheapest subscription plan, which is a plus for budget-conscious viewers.

Recent Price Increase

This update follows a recent price increase for Disney+'s streaming service. While the addition of HDR10+ is a positive step, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to justify the higher costs for some subscribers. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that Disney+ is trying to stay ahead of the curve.