HDR10
HDR10 combines ten-bit PQ video, BT.2020 color signaling, and static mastering metadata for HDR delivery.
An HDR10 delivery combines a ten-bit picture signal with a defined light and color interpretation. Its components have separate jobs:
| Component | What it supplies |
|---|---|
| Ten-bit precision | The possible signal levels |
| PQ transfer characteristic | Absolute reference-light interpretation |
| BT.2020 primaries | The color-coordinate space |
| Static mastering metadata | Context about the grading display |
Content can additionally carry MaxCLL and MaxFALL, which provide reported content-light bounds. The number 10 refers to precision; peak brightness comes from the encoded picture and its interpretation.
From the encoded picture to a light request
A video decoder reconstructs sample values. The range and component information establish the normalized nonlinear signal, PQ supplies its light meaning, and the primaries establish its colors. These operations turn a compressed picture into an image suitable for rendering.
The mastering description gives a renderer context about the source reference. The current picture can use much less of the available range than the mastering display allowed. A restrained night scene and a bright exterior can therefore share one HDR10 mastering record.
Fit the source to the output
Suppose a reflection in the source requests 1,000 nits and the destination has a lower usable peak. The output path chooses how to fit that reflection alongside the face and background around it. Tone mapping redistributes brightness differences; color adaptation handles the destination gamut and volume.
HDR10 supplies a stable signal interpretation and static context rather than a prescribed per-scene appearance for every output. Different implementations can use the available picture and metadata differently while adapting to different screens.
In an Emby session, record the source and delivered stream separately. The source can be HDR10 while an SDR destination receives a converted rendition. A Direct Play session can instead deliver the original picture for adaptation in the app or display.
Codec, container, audio, and subtitle support determine other parts of playback compatibility. HDR10 describes the image interpretation within that route. HDR10+ adds dynamic information to a compatible base so adaptation can also use scene-specific guidance.