Understanding HDR technology for Samsung TVs

Last Update date : Nov 13. 2024
Samsung TV displaying a vibrant HDR image with a 3D-like visual effect on screen, illustrating advanced color and detail.

If you're considering a new Samsung TV and find terms like 4K, 8K, and HDR confusing, our guide is here to help simplify things. We'll explain the differences between these technologies and show you why HDR+ or HDR10+ is the top choice for an exceptional viewing experience on your Samsung TV.

Note: The provided information refers to TVs sold in Canada. The available settings and options may differ for devices sold in other countries.

In the realm of televisions, 4K and UHD (Ultra HD) often refer to the same technology. A 4K TV boasts a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels; this is a substantial upgrade from the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, offering sharper and more detailed images.

8K TVs take detail and clarity a step further with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels, which is four times that of 4K Ultra HD. This immense increase in pixels allows for unparalleled image precision and depth.

Samsung TV showcasing a dynamic HDR image of a surfer riding a vivid sunset wave, highlighting the display's vibrant color range and detail.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, enhances this further by improving the contrast between the darkest and lightest parts of an image. It broadens a TV’s capacity to showcase a wider spectrum of brightness levels, yielding deep, rich blacks and luminous, vibrant whites. The synergy of HDR with 4K or 8K resolution significantly enhances the overall image quality beyond that of standard Full HD TVs.

HDR+ Mode takes picture quality to the next level by optimizing color and brightness levels, ensuring that SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content is elevated to mirror HDR quality. This mode doesn't just enhance SDR content; it also improves standard HDR content by amplifying the contrast ratio. This heightened contrast helps to distinguish objects more clearly from their backgrounds and brings out finer details for a richer, more refined visual experience.

Samsung TV displaying a crisp HDR image of a mirrored sunset between mountain peaks, illustrating enhanced color depth and clarity.

Newer Samsung TVs support HDR10+, an advanced HDR format that takes viewing to the next level. HDR10+ dynamically adjusts color and brightness on a scene-by-scene basis, ensuring optimal detail and realism in every frame. This technology not only offers deeper blacks and enhanced contrast but also supports a wider color spectrum for more vivid and lifelike images. For those interested in a deeper dive into how HDR10+ enhances your viewing experience, consider exploring our detailed guide.

Unlike older models, modern Samsung TVs are designed to automatically recognize and display HDR content without the need for manual HDR setting adjustments. To ensure your Samsung TV is fully optimized to display HDR content from connected devices, follow these straightforward steps:

1 Use your remote control to open the Settings menu, then navigate to and select All Settings.
2 Proceed to Connection and then choose External Device Manager.
Screenshot of the 'Connection' menu on a Samsung TV, highlighting 'External Device Manager' selected among other options.
3 With your remote, select Input Signal Plus.
Screenshot showing the 'External Device Manager' menu on a Samsung TV, with 'Input Signal Plus' highlighted among other settings.
4 Enable Input Signal Plus for the HDMI port that is connected to your HDR-capable device.
Screenshot of the 'Input Signal Plus' settings screen on a Samsung TV, displaying options to enable the feature for different HDMI ports.

Note: For gaming enthusiasts, Samsung TVs come equipped with features tailored to enhance your gaming experience. The Gaming Hub and Game Bar provide advanced controls and settings specifically for gaming. To learn more about these features and how to optimize your gaming setup, explore our detailed guides:

For Samsung TV models released before 2016, activating HDR+ Mode is necessary to experience the full benefits of enhanced display quality. It's always advisable to verify your settings to ensure optimal viewing:

1 Press the Home button on your TV's remote to open the Smart Hub. Then, use the directional pad of the remote to select Settings.
2 Select Picture, then Expert Settings.

Note: On some models, you may need to select Special Viewing Mode instead of Expert Settings within the Picture menu.

3 Navigate to and make sure HDR+ Mode is activated on your Samsung TV.
Screenshot of the 'Expert Settings' menu on a Samsung TV, showing HDR+ Mode activated among other settings.

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