High dynamic range
HDR technology captures a broader spectrum of light and dark details, replicating a more realistic visual experience. Compared to standard displays and content, HDR showcase richer colors, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights with preserved details. While SDR struggle with the full range of light in a scene, HDR allows for a more natural representation. HDR content is created by combining multiple exposures, resulting in an image closer to what our eyes perceive.
Inverse tone mapping
Unfortunately, most content we used in the past and today are SDR. While technology is improving, SDR contents can't natively showcase the entire spectrum of light information present in HDR display. But at least there is a way to potentially enhancing the visual experience for non-HDR content, this is where ITM comes into play.
Tools
- Windows Auto HDR (Built-in Windows feature, similar to equivalent in Xbox One X|S and Xbox Series X|S)
- Special K: HDR Retrofit
- Machine-learning based NvTrueHDR, new NVIDIA app[1] is now available with the new Freestyle filter option called RTX HDR, See Shaders and filters#AI-powered filters.
Alternative tools
- ReShade shaders such as EndlesslyFlowering's ReShade HDR shaders
- Some of the standalone emulators comes with enhancement post-processing option for HDR such as Dolphin emulator[2][3].
- There are some shader presets for HDR displays or non-HDR but high-dim displays.
- NVIDIA RTX Video HDR: Enhancing SDR videos with AI-Powered HDR Conversion.[4]