HDR10+: Dynamic Metadata and Why It Matters

What is HDR10+?

HDR10+ is a high dynamic range format that builds on the HDR10 standard by adding dynamic metadata. The HDMI 2.2 specification describes dynamic HDR as support that ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts, on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis. That is the core idea behind HDR10+.

For a viewer, dynamic metadata means the display receives updated information for each scene. A bright explosion and a dark corridor are tone-mapped separately, so you see detail in both without one being washed out. Static HDR, like HDR10, sends a single set of mastering values for the entire program, which forces a compromise between the brightest and darkest parts. If you want to understand the baseline, our HDR10 guide explains the static format.

How dynamic metadata works

Dynamic metadata is delivered alongside the video stream, telling the display the maximum and minimum luminance for each scene along with color information. The display uses that data to adjust tone mapping and backlight control. VESA's DisplayHDR criteria include tests for active dimming and black level, which are directly relevant to how well a display can respond to dynamic content.

A display with poor local dimming will struggle with the contrast that HDR10+ demands. The DisplayHDR performance tiers set minimum requirements for luminance and black level. For example, a DisplayHDR 600 display must reach at least 600 cd/m2 in a center patch test while keeping black levels within a specified range. The better the display's ability to dim and brighten different zones, the more convincing the HDR10+ effect. For an overview of HDR display performance, see our DisplayHDR guide.

HDR10+ and display performance

HDR10+ content pushes a display to show a wider range of brightness and color than standard content. The DisplayHDR specification sets concrete performance criteria, including minimum luminance levels, black level, color gamut, and bit depth. A display that meets these requirements is more likely to reproduce HDR10+ faithfully.

For example, DisplayHDR 1000 requires a minimum of 1000 cd/m2 for an 8% center patch and a full-screen flash test, and a black level of no more than 0.05 cd/m2. It also requires at least 95% DCI-P3 coverage. These numbers help you understand what a monitor can do before you rely on it for HDR10+. High bit depth is also important: DisplayHDR requires 10-bit video signal processing, and Windows Advanced Color supports high bit depth to reduce banding, as described in Microsoft's DirectX documentation. You can learn more about color gamut in our DCI-P3 guide and bit depth in our 10-bit color guide.

HDR10+ in gaming

Games can take advantage of HDR10+ because content is rendered in real time and luminance varies significantly from frame to frame. NVIDIA's G-SYNC page mentions that G-SYNC ULTIMATE delivers "ultimate HDR" and "stunning contrast," which are qualities HDR10+ targets. Many gaming monitors offer HDR10+ support as a way to get dynamic HDR without a proprietary format.

For a smooth experience, you also want a monitor with variable refresh rate and low input lag. The HDMI 2.2 specification includes VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode, which work alongside HDR to keep gameplay fluid. When choosing a gaming monitor, look for one that combines HDR10+ support with a high refresh rate like 144Hz or 240Hz and a fast response time. Check our gaming monitor guide for options.

Setting up HDR10+ on Windows

Windows 11 has built-in HDR support. In the Settings app, go to System > Display and turn on HDR. Microsoft's support page explains that you can also use the HDR Calibration app to fine tune the display. This is especially useful after you connect an HDR10+ monitor, because you can adjust the maximum brightness and saturation.

To check if your display supports HDR10, use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Look for "AdvancedColorSupported" in the system information. That tells you the driver and display support HDR10, but not specifically HDR10+. For HDR10+, you need to verify the monitor's specifications or check the manufacturer's documentation. Our HDR monitor guide covers the basics.

What to look for in an HDR10+ monitor

If you want to enjoy HDR10+ content, focus on three things: panel type, brightness, and color gamut. OLED monitors are ideal because they have per-pixel dimming and can show true black, but high-quality IPS and VA panels with local dimming can also work well. The DisplayHDR tier tells you how bright the display can get and how deep the black level is.

For streaming movies and TV, a 4K UHD monitor with wide color gamut and high peak brightness will make the most of HDR10+. For gaming, you may prefer a high refresh rate model. For professional work, color accuracy and bit depth are critical. Use the guides below to narrow down your options.

• Check for DisplayHDR certification to know the minimum performance.
• Look for 90% or higher DCI-P3 coverage for a wide color range.
• Consider an OLED panel for the deepest blacks and per-pixel contrast.
• Verify HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 support for sufficient bandwidth.
• Confirm HDR10+ explicitly in the monitor's specification sheet.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is dynamic metadata in HDR10+?

Dynamic metadata is a stream of information that tells the display how to adjust tone mapping for each scene or frame. In HDR10+ it includes maximum and minimum luminance and color values. The HDMI 2.2 specification describes dynamic HDR as support that ensures every moment is displayed at its ideal values.

Do I need a special cable for HDR10+?

No. HDR10+ is carried over standard HDMI or DisplayPort connections. However, to get the required bandwidth for high-resolution HDR at high refresh rates, you should use an HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 cable and a monitor that supports those standards.

Is HDR10+ better than HDR10?

HDR10+ offers scene-by-scene adjustments, which can produce more accurate images in mixed-brightness content. HDR10 uses static metadata, so it cannot adapt to each scene. The practical difference depends on the display's tone mapping ability and the content itself.

Can I use HDR10+ on a monitor that only supports HDR10?

The monitor will not process HDR10+ dynamic metadata. It will fall back to HDR10 tone mapping or possibly SDR. Check the monitor's specifications to confirm HDR10+ support.

How do I know if my monitor supports HDR10+?

Look for the HDR10+ logo or check the manufacturer's specification sheet. In Windows, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool shows HDR10 support, but not HDR10+ specifically. You can also enable HDR in Windows and see if the display accepts the dynamic metadata.

Does HDR10+ work with games?

Yes. Many games support HDR10+ on PC and some consoles. For the best experience, pair it with variable refresh rate and low latency features. NVIDIA G-SYNC ULTIMATE displays emphasize HDR quality, which complements HDR10+ content.