The Offset Podcast EP034: Is HDR Really Taking Off?

In this episode of The Offset Podcast we’re asking & discussing the question - Is HDR really taking off?

At first blush, the answer is yes, but the really, the answer is decidedly more nuanced.

Specifics discussed in this episode include:

• HDR seems to be everywhere - streaming platforms, consumer electronics, professional gear with billions made in investment
• While wildly available, access to HDR content is still often based on ‘level’ of plan.
• Disconnect for consumers between HDR capable hardware and plans
• The role the iPhone has played in helping spread HDR
• Although available & accessible, HDR is still widely weighted to the ‘higher end’. Mid and entry level productions aren’t utilizing HDR. Why? And how can that change?
• The language of HDR has become conservative and very similar to SDR versions making differentiation harder
• A safe approach to HDR may be tied to derived downstream HDR and SDR performance.
• Investment in expensive gear (reference monitoring) for what many see as niche is also a contributing factor
• How to sell and consistency in selling HDR content is important
• Many feel that HDR is something that is being dictated to them…but for technical not creative reasons
• Important to remember HDR technology and workflows are still relatively new
• Stunning HDR content does exist and shows what can be done (Ian Vertovec examples)
• Given artists space and time to work on HDR can produce amazing results

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