HDR (High Dynamic Range) explained

HDR (High Dynamic Range) pixel technology explained

Already an existing Optik TV customer? Check out Am I ready for 4K HDR to see if you’re ready to starting watching Optik TV in 4K HDR.

HDR
, or
High Dynamic Range
, is a new type of display technology that allows television pixels to display a wider range of colour and contrast combinations, providing a more realistic image and immersive viewing experience.

What’s the difference between 4K and HDR?

4K technology displays images at over eight million pixels (3,840 x 2,160), providing four times the detail of 1080p HD (2 million pixels in total). HDR technology enhances a pixel’s ability to become brighter or darker, expanding the set of colours that can be displayed. 4K ensures that the image is clear, while HDR uses colour ranges to create image depth. An HDR TV can cover a wider space within the colour spectrum. To quantify it, a standard dynamic range (SDR) television can display approximately 16 million colours, while an HDR-capable TV can display approximately 1 billion colours. This enables the creation of more realistic images on screen, and helps to mimic what a person might see in reality.

For more information about 4K on Optik, please visit
telus.com/4kupgrade
.

Am I ready for 4K HDR?

To watch 4K HDR on Optik TV, you will need the following:

  • An Optik 4K PVR and a TV subscription to Optik TV 3 theme packs or higher
    Note
    : Already an existing Optik TV customer? To upgrade to a 4K PVR call us at 1-888-811-2323.

  • A subscription to TELUS Internet 50 or higher
    Note
    : Already an existing Optik TV customer? To upgrade to Internet 50 or higher log into
    My Account
    or
    give us a call
    . An agent can verify if the
    Optik 4K HDR
    is available in your area.

  • An HDMI cable (2.0a/2.0b)

  • A TV that supports HDR

With the Optik 4K Digital Box and a subscription to Internet 50 or higher, you’re ready for HDR as content becomes available. To deliver the best viewing experience, Internet 50 or higher is required to support the bandwidth requirements of 4K and 4K HDR video content.

To check if your TV is able to display HDR, check your owner’s manual or check the manufacturer's online support pages for your TV model to ensure that your settings are optimized for HDR. For example, on some Sony brand HDR-capable TV sets, HDMI port settings need to be changed from
Standard
to
Enhanced
in order for HDR content to be displayed properly.

What content is available in 4K HDR with Optik TV?

Currently, Optik TV provides customers access to 4K HDR content, including:

  1. On Demand

  2. Netflix accessed directly from your Optik STB on channel 422 (requires Netflix Premium Account)

  3. Live (only on Optik)

    • Access the first 24x7 4K HDR channel in Canada

    • Watch Travel XP 4K HDR on channel 716

All HDR content currently supported by Optik TV is in 4K resolution.

Note
: 4K and HDR are two distinct technologies and when combined they provide the best viewing experience available. There is still content in 4K only (without HDR).

How do I watch 4K HDR content On Demand?

To access 4K HDR content On Demand:

  1. Select the
    On Demand
    button your remote

  2. Access the
    Featured
    or
    Movies
    folder

  3. Scroll to the 4K HDR folder and select
    View All
    to see all available titles

When you rent or purchase a 4K HDR title, you may get access to the HD version of that title at no additional charge, provided it is available in HD, and available as a format bundle. This enables you to watch the chosen title on both your 4K HDR TV set(s) or your standard HD TV set(s) for the full duration of the rental or purchase.

How do I watch 4K HDR content on Netflix?

To access 4K HDR content through Netflix on Optik, you require a premium Netflix subscription (Ultra HD). To upgrade your Netflix subscription login at
netflix.ca/changeplan
.

HDR titles can be identified by an HDR badge located above the title synopsis. You can also search for
HDR
using the Search menu and all HDR titles will displayed.

Tune to channel 422 to launch Netflix on your Optik 4K digital box.

HDR availability is subject to your Netflix subscription plan, Internet service, device capabilities and content availability. Visit
netflix.com/termsofuse
.

What HDR formats does Optik TV support?

Optik TV supports both HDR10 and HLG formats. To view content in HDR10 or HLG, your TV must support each individual format respectively. The most common format is HDR10; another format is Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) used for live broadcast. Different manufacturers of television equipment (including digital boxes) and content producers use different formats of HDR, sometimes offering support for both.

How can I check if my 4K TV supports HDR?

Some 4K TV manufacturers models require you to download firmware upgrades to become HDR capable. Others require you to specifically update your TV settings so that the input you are using can support HDR.

In order to check if your TV needs further updating to settings or firmware:

  • Refer to your owner’s manual

  • Visit your manufacturer’s web site and find information specific to your TV model

  • Search technology blogs for information on the correct TV model settings to optimize your TV for HDR

Why do I get a message saying “HDR TV not detected” when renting/purchasing On Demand content?

In order to ensure you watch the best quality TV available to you, we permit the renting or purchase of HDR movies only if we can detect that your TV and any other a/v devices (e.g. receiver or amp) connected to our Optik equipment is HDR capable. If your equipment receives HDR information that your display is not capable of transmitting, you may notice colour distortion (e.g. too much green in the image).

For that reason, if we cannot confirm HDR capability, our service will automatically block the rental/purchase and direct you to find the HD version of that title.

Can I resume my 4K HDR movie on another TV that is not 4K HDR capable?

When you have multiple TVs in your home, but only one is HDR capable, you may be able to rent/purchase a 4K HDR title on your 4K HDR TV, but when attempting to resume the title on your NON-HDR capable TV, playback will be in the highest video quality and resolution available to that TV (e.g. Standard Dynamic Range and HD).

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