Panasonic and Samsung among first to deploy HDR10+ firmware

Panasonic and Samsung are among the first manufacturers to support HDR10+ after the companies announced that they are deploying firmware for select 2018 TV models.

HDR10+ Technologies announced the news ahead of IFA. The joint venture company – set up by 20th Century Fox, Panasonic Corporation and Samsung Electronics – is responsible for licensing the technology and said that more than 80 companies have already applied or completed the license program.

The application process is available to content companies, display manufacturers, Blu-ray makers, set-top box manufacturers, and SoC vendors. The license is royalty-free but a nominal administrative fee is applied.

“Panasonic is happy to announce that through the deployment of a firmware update, the majority of our 2018 4K models are now HDR10+ certified meaning that our viewers will be able to enjoy content even closer to the intentions of the filmmakers,” said Toshiharu Tsutsui, director of Panasonic’s TV business division.

Samsung Research America’s vice-president of industry relations, Bill Mandel, said: “We are thrilled that the majority of our 2018 lineup will be fully certified for HDR10+.”

20th Century Fox executive vice president and managing director of the Fox Innovation Lab, Danny Kaye, added: “A standardised licensing process has allowed partners, including content creators, television and device manufacturers, to easily incorporate HDR10+ technology.”

“We’re encouraged by the interest of early adopters and an expanded HDR10+ ecosystem that will improve the viewing experiences for all audiences.”

HDR10+ is an upgraded version of HDR10 that adds dynamic metadata to each frame. The HDR10+ license program and logo are designed to ensure that HDR10+ compliant products meet high standards for picture quality within defined parameters.