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Google Adds HDR Support for YouTube (MESA)
Story Highlights
Google Nov. 7 announced it’s adding high dynamic range (HDR) support for YouTube videos, allowing users to upload content that includes the technology, which offers more contrast, darker darks and brighter colors. YouTube videos enabled with HDR will be able to be played back on HDR TVs with Chromecast Ultra, with support for 2016 Samsung Ultra High-Def (UHD) TVs coming soon. Videos with HDR that play on non-supported devices will play in standard dynamic range (SDR). Google hopes to add support for more devices soon.
“HDR adds a whole new dimension of creative freedom and visual spectacle, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of what this means for storytelling. We can’t wait to see the amazing videos you’re going to make with HDR,” wrote Steven Robertson, Google software engineer, and Sanjeev Verma, Google product manager, in a blog post.
“We believe in the power of video at YouTube. It’s what allows for the creativity, connection, and fun that brings together our community of creators and viewers. And over the last 11 years, we’ve worked hard to push the boundaries of online video. We’ve added product features and made new video and audio formats available to everyone, from HD to 4K video, live streaming, 3D, 360-degree video, and spatial audio.”
Some YouTube content creators — including MysteryGuitarMan, Jacob + Katie Schwarz, and Abandon Visuals — have HDR content available now, and YouTube is working with video tech company Blackmagic Design and its DaVinci Resolve software to make HDR uploads easier on content creators. YouTube has also upgraded its YouTube Spaces in Los Angeles and New York to allow for HDR content creation.
