Netflix trials HDR pre-roll images

Netflix is rolling out experimental high dynamic range images to its app running on the latest generation of game consoles. These are images that take advantage of a display’s HDR capabilities. While Netflix has already rolled out HDR video to the service, the still images associated with these titles that viewers see prior to playback remain left behind in SDR format.

The company is starting with a small test on two shows: The Innocents and Marvel’s Iron Fist. This modest proof-of-concept test will allow us to begin learning how to create and deliver HDR images globally to millions of people. Members with HDR-capable TVs using Netflix on an HDR enabled PS4 Pro, Xbox One S, or X will have a chance to see these experimental images as these titles get promoted on the main billboard of the app.

Netflix sees HDR becoming the default format in the future. It has been reaching out to other industry leaders to have discussions and to share knowledge and learnings around the topic. The company wants to deliver the still images with the same standard of picture quality they have for video by using brighter and more vibrant pixels that HDR can produce. The company wants to preserve creative intent for all graphics associated with the content just like they do for the video.