Disney+ finally has HDR10+ — at launch only on Samsung televisions!

After months of waiting, Disney+ is introducing support for HDR10+, a format with dynamic metadata that allows for better contrast and more natural colours – scene by scene, just like in Dolby Vision.

To start, the new standard has been implemented for over 1000 titles from the Hulu library, and in the coming weeks it will also cover content from the main Disney+ catalogue. This means that films and series available on the service will now be offered in three HDR formats – classic HDR10, Dolby Vision, and the new HDR10+.

What does HDR10+ offer?

Unlike standard HDR10, which uses static brightness data, HDR10+ adjusts the image for each scene individually, resulting in more accurate colours and a more natural contrast. This is particularly good news for owners of mid-range televisions that cannot fully exploit the potential of Dolby Vision.

For now, only for Samsung

It is no surprise that the HDR10+ premiere will mainly benefit Samsung television users. The technology has been developed by Samsung and Amazon, and the company has consistently avoided Dolby Vision for years. At launch, HDR10+ works on LCD and OLED models from 2018, as well as on selected Smart Monitor displays with Tizen. Simply update the Disney+ app to the latest version.

"We are excited to bring this technology to Disney+ and expand HDR10+ support across our products and the entire streaming ecosystem," said Inbeom Kim, vice president of the display division at Samsung Electronics.

HDR10+ also on Apple TV and Fire TV… but not just yet

Although the Disney+ app on Apple TV 4K already shows the label "HDR10+", the format is not yet working on Apple devices or Amazon Fire TV. Disney has not provided any specific timeline for when support will be expanded. At this moment, to watch "Avengers: Endgame," "The Bear," or "Prey" in HDR10+, you need a Samsung TV and a Disney+ Premium plan (which also includes 4K and Dolby Atmos).

What does this mean for the market?

Adding HDR10+ to Disney+ is a significant step – not only for Samsung, which finally has a strong argument in the debate with Dolby Vision fans, but also for the entire streaming market. If HDR10+ gains popularity, we might see greater emphasis on open standards, and less on licensed formats like Dolby. For now, however – as is often the case in the world of technology – users outside the Samsung ecosystem will have to wait.