Streaming Just Got Sharper: Samsung TVs and Netflix Team Up

Samsung TV owners have a reason to celebrate. Netflix has finally added support for HDR10 Plus, a feature that enhances picture quality with better clarity and color. This update is part of Netflix's Premium plan, and it's already making a big impact. About half of the viewing hours on eligible content now use HDR10 Plus. Samsung TVs have always had a unique approach to HDR. They don't support Dolby Vision, which is a popular HDR format that adjusts tone and brightness for each scene. Instead, Samsung created HDR10 Plus in 2017. It does something similar, but without the extra costs. This might be why it's not as widely used as Dolby Vision. However, Samsung is the biggest TV brand globally, with nearly 30 percent of the market share. So, this update is a big deal.

Before this change, Samsung TV owners had to watch Netflix content with HDR10. This format uses a static approach, applying the same tone-mapping to an entire film or show. It's like a one-size-fits-all solution, which can lead to less accurate lighting in very bright or dark scenes. The good news is that more streaming services are supporting HDR10 Plus. Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and now Netflix have all joined in. Other TV brands like Panasonic, Hisense, and TCL also offer HDR10 Plus, but many of them support Dolby Vision too. To enjoy HDR10 Plus on Netflix, you'll need a TV that supports the AV1 video codec. Most TVs made in the last five years or so already do. Netflix plans to expand its HDR10 Plus content library to include all HDR titles by the end of 2025. But here's a question to ponder: Why did it take so long for Netflix to support HDR10 Plus? And will this update make a big difference in viewing experience? Only time will tell. For now, Samsung TV owners can enjoy a sharper, more vibrant streaming experience.

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