If you're in the market for a new monitor (especially gaming monitors), you've probably seen the term "HDR" popping up more frequently. HDR, or high dynamic range, has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the realm of video and gaming. But what exactly is an HDR monitor, and how does it differ from a standard monitor? Here's what you need to know. 

What is an HDR Monitor? 

An HDR monitor is a display that is capable of displaying a wider range of colors and brightness levels than a standard monitor. This is achieved through a combination of hardware and software that can recognize and process HDR content. When you view HDR content on an HDR monitor, you'll notice that the colors are more vibrant and the contrast is much higher than what you would see on a standard monitor. 

Types of HDR 

There are several different types of HDR, each with its own technical specifications and requirements. These include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). The two main types are HDR10 and Dolby Vision.  

HDR10 is the most widely used HDR format and is supported by most HDR monitors and content. It uses static metadata to set the maximum brightness level for the entire video, which can limit its effectiveness in scenes with mixed brightness levels. HDR10 is an open standard that is used by most HDR content providers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. 

Dolby Vision, on the other hand, is a proprietary technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. It is a more advanced HDR format that uses dynamic metadata to adjust the brightness and color levels on a scene-by-scene basis. This allows for more precise and accurate HDR reproduction but requires specialized hardware and software. 

HLG is a newer HDR format that is designed for broadcast television and streaming services. It uses a hybrid gamma curve that is compatible with both SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) and HDR displays, making it a versatile and flexible option. 

VESA HDR Standards 

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is a non-profit organization that sets standards for video and display technologies. VESA has developed a set of standards for HDR monitors, known as DisplayHDR. DisplayHDR is a set of performance requirements that HDR monitors must meet in order to be certified by VESA. These standards define the minimum requirements for brightness, color gamut, and contrast ratio for HDR displays, and are designed to ensure consistent and high-quality HDR reproduction across different manufacturers and models.  

There are currently three levels of DisplayHDR certification: DisplayHDR 400, DisplayHDR 600, and DisplayHDR 1000. The higher the certification level, the more demanding the requirements are for color gamut, brightness, and contrast. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry-level standard, with a minimum peak brightness of 400 nits, while DisplayHDR 1000 is the highest standard, with a minimum peak brightness of 1000 nits. In addition, there are intermediate standards such as DisplayHDR 600 and DisplayHDR 1000 with local dimming, which provide improved contrast and black levels. 

DisplayHDR True Black is an update to the standard body’s DisplayHDR monitor performance standard that’s focused on expanding the specification to cover OLED displays. The technology behind DisplayHDR True Black is achieved through the use of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or MicroLED (Microscale Light Emitting Diode) technology. These display technologies can turn off individual pixels or zones to produce true black levels, as opposed to traditional LCD displays that rely on backlighting to produce the entire image. This allows OLED and MicroLED displays to deliver a much higher contrast ratio and better color accuracy, resulting in a more realistic and immersive visual experience.

Unlike the regular DisplayHDR standard, which specifies a peak brightness level of at least 400 nits, DisplayHDR True Black requires a minimum of 1,000 nits peak brightness and a minimum of 0.0005 nits black level. This means that displays that meet the DisplayHDR True Black specification can produce very bright highlights and very deep blacks at the same time, resulting in a more realistic and immersive visual experience.

HDR Gaming Monitor 

A gaming monitor with HDR support can greatly enhance your gaming experience. HDR utilizes various components to create its stunning effect. Firstly, it employs an expanded brightness range that surpasses the 256 levels exhibited by standard monitors and, in the best cases, even extends beyond the true 1,024 levels of an exceptional monitor. Additionally, it encompasses a wider range of colors than the least-common-denominator sRGB gamut, necessitating profiles to optimally map the color and brightness ranges of content to the display's capabilities. This process involves a decoder in the monitor that comprehends the mapping and other related technologies that integrate the pieces, including the operating system. 

Although HDR may not be significant for games that lack areas with high brightness or deep shadows or do not take advantage of the bigger tonal range, it can enhance the visual quality of AAA games, intensify the scares in horror games, and reduce ambushes in FPS games that support it. 

The crucial question to ask is not whether HDR is necessary, but rather how much one is willing to pay for it. It's not just about acquiring a display with "HDR10" in its specifications, but also a monitor that can deliver the expected image quality associated with HDR. 

When choosing an HDR gaming monitor, you should first consider the level of HDR support. Another important factor is the monitor's refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means that the monitor can display more frames per second, resulting in smoother gameplay. Most HDR gaming monitors have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. Finally, you should consider the monitor's resolution. A 4K HDR gaming monitor will offer the highest level of detail and clarity, but it may be more expensive than a 1080p or 1440p monitor. 

Will an HDR Gaming Monitor Work with the Xbox Series X/S and PS5? 

Both the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 support HDR, so an HDR gaming monitor will work with both consoles. However, you should make sure that the monitor you choose has HDMI 2.0 or higher ports, as this is required for HDR content. 

Indeed, the HDR Gaming Interest Group, which comprises companies such as Sony and Microsoft, has developed a publicly available set of best practices for HDR game development and monitor design. These guidelines are specifically tailored to their consoles and Windows platforms. 

It's also worth noting that some games may not support HDR on consoles, or may only support it in certain modes. You should check the game's specifications before purchasing an HDR gaming monitor to ensure that it will work as expected. 

What Do I Look for in an HDR Gaming Monitor? 

When buying HDR gaming monitors, there are a few key features to look for:

1. HDR support: Look for a monitor that at least supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision. 
2. Refresh rate: A higher refresh rate will result in smoother gameplay.
3. Resolution: A 4K monitor will offer the highest level of detail. 4K refers to the number of pixels on the screen, which is 3840x2160, four times as many as a traditional 1080p display. HDR refers to the monitor's ability to display a wider range of colors and brightness levels, resulting in a more vivid and lifelike image.
4. VESA Standards: Look for a monitor that meets DisplayHDR 600 or DisplayHDR 1000 standards for the best HDR performance. 
5. Input lag: This is the delay between when you input a command and when it appears on the screen. A lower input lag is better for gaming. 
6. Response time: This is the time it takes for a pixel to change color. A lower response time will result in less motion blur. 
7. Contrast ratio: This measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio will result in more vivid colors and better shadow detail. 
8. Viewing angle: If you plan on playing games with friends, a wider viewing angle will ensure that everyone can see the screen clearly. 
9. Panel type: IPS and OLED are the best types of panel to choose for the best gaming monitors/  

By considering these factors, you can find an HDR gaming monitor that will provide an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. 

In conclusion, HDR is a technology that provides a range of benefits in gaming. It offers better contrast, more realistic colors, improved lighting, greater detail, and better immersion. If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming setup, an HDR monitor is definitely worth considering.