In a significant move for streaming video quality, Netflix has announced the addition of HDR10+ support to its platform. This update, which rolled out on March 25, 2025, is particularly beneficial for Samsung TV owners, who have long been unable to access Dolby Vision HDR content on their devices.
Why it matters: The introduction of HDR10+ on Netflix marks a major improvement in picture quality for Samsung TV users, offering enhanced contrast and color accuracy previously unavailable to them through the streaming giant.
Key Details of the HDR10+ Rollout:
- Netflix is initially offering HDR10+ on 50% of “eligible viewing hours”
- The company aims to extend HDR10+ support to all HDR content by the end of 2025
- Users will need a Netflix Premium subscription to access HDR10+ content
- Compatible devices must support both HDR10+ and the AV1 video codec
HDR10+, like Dolby Vision, uses dynamic metadata to optimize video quality on a scene-by-scene basis. This results in more accurate tone mapping, which is especially beneficial for extremely bright or dark scenes. Previously, Samsung TV users were limited to standard HDR10 on Netflix, which uses static metadata for an entire film or series.
“This is great news for owners of the best Samsung OLED TVs and best Samsung phones, because these don’t support Dolby Vision HDR – in the world of TVs, Samsung is the only brand that doesn’t support the format on its premium TVs,” notes TechRaddar.
Impact on the Streaming Landscape:
The addition of HDR10+ to Netflix’s offerings puts it on par with other major streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+, which already support the format. This move could potentially influence other content providers to expand their HDR format support, benefiting consumers with a wider range of compatible devices.
Device Compatibility and Requirements:
To enjoy HDR10+ content on Netflix, users will need:
- A Netflix Premium subscription
- A device that supports both HDR10+ and the AV1 video codec
- To ensure the HDR toggle is enabled in Netflix application settings
Most mid-range and high-end TVs from recent years support AV1, but older devices may not be compatible.
Looking Ahead:
As Netflix continues to expand its HDR10+ offerings throughout 2025, Samsung TV owners can look forward to a significantly enhanced viewing experience across a wide range of content. This development not only improves the value proposition of Samsung’s TVs but also demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to providing high-quality viewing options across different HDR formats.
While LG and Sony continue to favor Dolby Vision, the addition of HDR10+ on Netflix ensures that Samsung TV owners are no longer left behind in terms of advanced HDR capabilities. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, picture quality enhancements like these may become increasingly important differentiators for both content providers and device manufacturers.
