Where to Watch 4K Content With HDR
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There are now lots of 4K TVs that have HDR (high dynamic range) capability, technology that can create brighter, more lifelike images by expanding the set's brightness, contrast, and colors. But so far there aren't that many movies and TV series that really take advantage of it.
This is where 4K content was not long ago. But while your 4K options have expanded quickly, fewer shows and movies also include HDR.
Here’s a quick guide to what's available from the major video services.
Amazon Prime
Many of Amazon’s original shows are now shot with HDR10, including “The Grand Tour” with Jeremy Clarkson.
Apple iTunes
Apple recently announced a new Apple TV player, the Apple TV 4K ($179), which will support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Concurrently, iTunes will be adding movies and TV shows in both HDR formats. Apple has said that major Hollywood studios including 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Bros., will offer 4K titles with HDR in iTunes. You'll be charged the same prices for 4K HDR content as you will for the HD versions.
One nice perk: If you've already purchased an eligible film in regular HD in iTunes, Apple will automatically upgrade it to the 4K HDR version at no extra cost.
Apple is also planning to produce more of its own shows. The company says it will spend $1 billion on original content over the next year.
Cable, Satellite, and Over-the-Air TV
Broadcast TV doesn’t yet support 4K, let alone HDR. The DirecTV and Dish satellite services do offer some 4K content, though not yet with HDR. (DirecTV says this is on its 2018 roadmap.)
However, you may start to see some of the bigger cable companies testing 4K with HDR over the next 12 to 18 months, and there may even be some regular HD content with HDR from cable in the future.
A new over-the-air standard, called ATSC 3.0, will support 4K with HDR broadcasts when it’s rolled out over the next few years.
FandangoNow
This service (formerly M-Go) has a growing collection of movies in HDR10, including “Wonder Woman” and “The Fate of the Furious.” You need to buy most titles—typically for $20 to $30—but some can be rented.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
If you want premium picture and sound quality, 4K Blu-ray is your best choice. Plenty of HDR content is on the way from all the major Hollywood studios. Prices for 4K Ultra HD players are falling, so you can now get a good player for $200 or less.
Netflix
Almost every new Netflix original series is shot in HDR. That includes its entire Marvel catalog (“The Defenders,” “Jessica Jones” etc.) and shows such as “Santa Clarita Diet.” There are also some original Netflix movies with HDR, including “War Machine” with Brad Pitt and a collection of Adam Sandler productions, as well as some licensed content. ("Jessica Jones" is shown at top.)
Netflix says that all its supported titles are available in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision; the format will depend on the device you're using. You’ll need to step up to the company's pricier $12 per month Netflix 4-Screen plan to get 4K and therefore HDR.
YouTube
There’s a decent amount of 4K content with HDR on YouTube, though it’s mainly user-generated videos and promotional movie trailers. Just type “HDR Launch” into the search bar and you’ll come up with links to the content.
Vudu
This pay-per-view service was among the first to support Dolby Vision, and it has a growing list of titles, including “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” and “Ghost in the Shell.” Right now that's the only HDR format it supports, but HDR10 titles are planned. You'll typically pay about $30 to purchase a movie with Dolby Vision and as much as $10 to rent it.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the November 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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