By The TV Answer Man team
TV Answer Man, I read your article on Amazon doing the Thursday Night Football games in 4K HDR (High Dynamic Range). Why will that make the picture better? It seemed like the picture last year was pretty good and they are not going to do 4K this year. Can you explain? — Ethan, Indianapolis.
Ethan, Amazon last year did not stream the TNF games in 4K, choosing instead to produce them in 1080p SDR (Standard Dynamic Range). While 1080p SDR is an upgrade over what you see during NFL games on CBS (1080i) and Fox (720p), it cannot display the color range and vividness of a 1080p HDR image. But the TV Answer Man has learned that Amazon this season will stream its 2023 Thursday Night Football games in 1080p HDR. Why will that be better? Let’s explain the differences between HDR and SDR and why HDR delivers a noticeably improved picture.
Understanding the Basics: HDR vs. SDR
Before delving into the advantages of 1080p HDR sportscasts, it’s important to understand the foundational differences between HDR and SDR. SDR, the standard dynamic range, has been the traditional approach to broadcasting for decades. It provides a fixed level of contrast and brightness, limiting the ability to represent the wide range of colors and luminance that the human eye can perceive. On the other hand, HDR transcends these limitations by expanding the range of both contrast and brightness. This allows for a more lifelike and immersive representation of scenes, highlighting intricate details in both the brightest highlights and the deepest shadows. HDR is achieved by capturing and displaying a wider range of luminance levels, making it a natural choice for content that demands realism and intensity – such as sports events.
The Advantages of 1080p HDR Sportscasts
1. Enhanced Visual Realism
HDR sportscasts recreate the intensity of live games in a way that SDR simply cannot match. The vibrant colors, the stark contrast between bright stadium lights and the shadowy corners of the field, and the nuanced facial expressions of players are all faithfully captured by HDR technology. As a result, viewers feel as if they are part of the crowd, fully immersed in the exhilarating experience of the game.
2. Dynamic Contrast and Brightness
In sports, moments of intense action can vary from a perfectly sunlit pitch to a dimly lit indoor arena. HDR’s ability to adapt to these changing conditions ensures that viewers don’t miss a beat. The stark contrast between a player’s determined expression and the dazzling sunlight bouncing off their uniform elevates the emotional impact of the game, intensifying the sense of drama that defines sports.
3. Highlighting Detail and Texture
From the intricate stitching on a football to the beads of sweat on an athlete’s forehead, HDR brings out the minute details that might go unnoticed in SDR broadcasts. This level of detail enhances the viewers’ connection with the game, allowing them to appreciate the craftsmanship and athleticism of the players in ways previously unattainable.
4. Emotional Resonance
Sports evoke emotions like few other forms of entertainment. HDR technology amplifies these emotional moments, making the viewer’s heart race during a last-minute goal, a breathtaking dunk, or a game-changing tackle. The heightened visual impact draws viewers into the emotions of the players and the crowd, turning the living room into a front-row seat at the stadium.
5. Future-Proof Investment
Investing in 1080p HDR broadcasting technology is a future-forward move. As more content and displays adopt HDR capabilities, those broadcasting in HDR will ensure their content remains relevant and engaging for years to come. This forward-thinking approach helps keep viewers engaged and invested in the sportscasting experience.
Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.
Will viewers be able to see this 1080p HDR Thursday Night Football quality when viewing thru Xfinity X1 set top box amazon app or tile to view the game thru Xfinity’s set top box or must one use the Amazon Prime app off their smart tv or firestick to watch in this higher resolution?