By Melanie Mayberry, programming editor

The TV Answer Man offers frequent reports on which shows and live sports will be available in 4K and/or 4K HDR, High Dynamic Range. Both Fox and ESPN provide live sports in 4K HDR. But what exactly is HDR and why does it matter to a 4K picture? We asked our favorite Artificial Intelligence engine, ChatGPT, for its assessment. Here is the AI response. (The article was fact-checked and edited by the TV Answer Man team.)

High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is a technology that enhances the picture quality of 4K TVs. HDR allows for a greater range of colors and brightness levels, resulting in a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience. In this article, we will explore how HDR works and how it enhances the picture quality of a 4K TV.

HDR works by expanding the range of brightness levels that a TV can display. Traditional TVs have a limited range of brightness levels, known as the dynamic range. This means that bright areas of the screen can become washed out or lose detail, while dark areas can appear too dark or lack detail. HDR, on the other hand, expands this range, allowing for brighter brights and darker darks, resulting in a more natural and lifelike image.

To achieve this expanded range of brightness levels, HDR TVs use a combination of hardware and software technologies. These technologies include a wider color gamut, higher peak brightness levels, and improved contrast ratios.

A wider color gamut means that HDR TVs can display a greater range of colors than traditional TVs. This allows for more subtle variations in color and a more natural and lifelike image. Higher peak brightness levels mean that HDR TVs can display brighter highlights, such as the sun or fireworks, without becoming washed out or losing detail. Improved contrast ratios mean that HDR TVs can display more detail in darker areas of the screen, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.

So how does HDR enhance the picture quality of a 4K TV? 4K TVs already offer a resolution four times higher than that of a standard HD TV. This means that 4K TVs can display more detail and sharpness than traditional TVs. However, without HDR, the picture can still appear flat and lack depth.

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With HDR, the expanded dynamic range and wider color gamut bring out the full potential of a 4K TV. HDR allows for brighter brights, darker darks, and more subtle variations in color. This results in a more natural and lifelike image, with more depth and detail.

In addition to enhancing the picture quality of movies and TV shows, HDR also improves the gaming experience. HDR gaming allows for more realistic and immersive visuals, with more detail in dark areas and brighter highlights.

In conclusion, HDR is a technology that enhances the picture quality of 4K TVs. It allows for a greater range of colors and brightness levels, resulting in a more natural and lifelike image. HDR brings out the full potential of a 4K TV, enhancing the viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and gaming. As more content becomes available in HDR, it will continue to be a key feature for those seeking the ultimate viewing experience.

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