In a thrilling development for Samsung TV owners, Netflix has rolled out support for HDR10 Plus, unlocking a new level of streaming quality that allows users to experience enhanced clarity and vibrant colors. This exciting addition is now available to subscribers of Netflix’s Premium plan, making HDR10 Plus a significant upgrade that accounts for approximately 50% of "eligible viewing hours."

Until now, Samsung TVs, which dominate the market with nearly a 30% share, have been hindered by their lack of Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision, a high-dynamic-range format that employs dynamic metadata to adjust brightness and tone levels scene-by-scene, has been a preferred choice for many, but it comes with royalty fees that Samsung opted to avoid. Instead, Samsung developed HDR10 Plus in 2017, a format that adjusts tone mapping per scene without the associated costs of Dolby Vision.

While HDR10 may offer some advantages, it relies on static metadata for an entire film or series, often leading to less accurate lighting—especially in extreme scenes. Now, thanks to the integration of HDR10 Plus, Samsung TV users can finally enjoy their favorite Netflix content in a more immersive format, enhancing visual storytelling where every detail matters.

Other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus have gradually embraced HDR10 Plus, although many also cater to Dolby Vision users. In contrast, many TVs from brands like Panasonic, Hisense, and TCL support both HDR10 Plus and Dolby Vision, offering more versatility in HDR viewing.

For those wondering about technical requirements, Netflix has enabled HDR10 Plus using the AV1 video codec. This means that most televisions manufactured within the last five years should be compatible with this advanced standard. Looking to the future, Netflix has ambitious plans to expand its library, aiming for all HDR titles to be available on HDR10 Plus by the end of 2025.

This major update not only elevates Samsung’s offerings but also signifies a broader shift in the streaming industry towards a richer, more customizable viewer experience. As Netflix continues to innovate, users can expect more from their viewing sessions—because when it comes to 4K HDR, seeing is believing! Stay tuned for even more updates as streaming technology evolves.