High dynamic range (HDR) is evolving from a premium picture-quality differentiator into a widespread feature of the video ecosystem, spanning TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, gaming platforms and live entertainment, according to a new report from InterDigital and Parks Associates.
The report, “High Dynamic Range and the Future of Video”, was produced by InterDigital, a research and development company focused on wireless, video and AI technologies, and Parks Associates, an international market research and consulting firm. It examines the evolution of HDR across televisions, streaming services, live production, gaming and mobile devices, as well as the technologies enabling its continued growth.
The report notes that HDR expands brightness, contrast and colour to deliver images that more closely resemble what the human eye sees, and that it is increasingly supported across new TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles and mobile devices.
Advances in AI-assisted video enhancement, cloud production and new codecs are helping to lower the technical and economic hurdles to broader deployment, the report finds. While HDR is now commonplace for on-demand streaming, it is also being extended to live productions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Winter Olympics, the authors of the report stated.
Looking ahead, the report finds that HDR is positioned to follow a path similar to HD and 4K, becoming a capability that viewers simply expect across movies, television, live events and games.
“Consumers may not always know HDR by name, but they recognize the experience it enables: richer colour, deeper contrast and a more lifelike picture,” said Lionel Oisel, head of video labs at InterDigital. “As HDR expands across streaming, live sports, gaming and mobile, the opportunity is to make that premium experience consistent and efficient on every screen. Innovation in HDR, video compression and delivery will be fundamental to making that possible.”
“HDR technology support has advanced faster than consumer understanding,” said report author Michael Goodman, director, entertainment research at Parks Associates. “HDR is increasingly becoming an expected part of a high-quality viewing experience, and the industry is working to improve interoperability, reduce production complexity and communicate HDR’s value to consumers.”
The white paper, “High Dynamic Range and the Future of Video”, is available here.
