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Using HDR in ProPresenter

Beginning with ProPresenter version 21, ProPresenter now supports HDR outputs. This functionality allows you to output content to Video and Graphics (HDMI and DisplayPort only) outputs in an HDR Format resulting in sharper, better, colors.

 

What is HDR?

HDR stands for High-Dynamic Range and refers to the range of luminance or brightness shown in an image. HDR displays typically process video at 10 or 12 bits per color component rather than the standard 8 bits. The additional data lets HDR displays render more discrete steps from the minimum to maximum brightness value in each color, creating more realistic color transitions and revealing more detail in both shadows and highlights.

 
IMG_0204.jpeg

 

Lost Detail HDR
 
SDR - Crushed blacks in shadows
 
Washed Out_HDR
 
SDR - Washed out whites in bright areas
 
HDR
 
HDR

Bit Depths

Bit Depth refers to the number of colors each pixel can display. The greater the bit depth, the more colors can be displayed, for smoother and more natural gradations.

ProPresenter now allows you to render content in either Normal (8-bit) or Enhanced (10-bit).

To change the Bit Depth setting in ProPresenter, navigate to Settings > Screens Settings. There under Rendering, you can adjust the Bit Depth. Note that in order for the new bit depth to be applied, ProPresenter must be restarted.

Screens Tab of Settings
 
Rendering at a higher bit depth requires significantly more processing from the computer, and as such Enhanced (10-bit) rendering in not encouraged on lower powered machines.

HDR Formats in Screen Configuration

In order to render a ProPresenter output in an HDR format, the Format must be set from Screen Configuration.

After opening Screen Configuration, select the screen you would like to output in an HDR Format.

After selecting the correct device, you should see an option for Format. There will be three options: SDR, HDR - Rec. 2100 HLG, and HDR - Rec. 2100 PQ. Select either of the HDR options for that screen to render in HDR.

Windows Display outputs only support SDR & HDR - Rec. 2100 PQ.

 

HLG vs PQ

ProPresenter supports HDR with HLG & PQ. These relate to gamma curves. Gamma curves are how HDR displays color and tones in a way that matches human eyesight. Color and tones are affected by an input-output characteristic called gamma that each input and output device has.

PQ stands for Perceptual quantization. The PQ gamma curve is based on the characteristics of human visual perception, and is most suitable for the production of movies or streaming video content on the internet, where reproduction accuracy is key.

HLG stands for Hybrid Log-Gamma and is intended to allow for display on existing SDR TVs without looking out-of-place, and is most suitable for broadcast and live video feeds.

 

Limitations of HDR within ProPresenter

  • HDR & enhanced bit depth is not supported on Intel Macs.

  • HDR is not supported for NDI outputs.

  • HDR is not supported for Capture and Streaming.

  • Enhanced Bit Depth (10-bit) is required to be enabled for the rendering of HDR outputs.

  • On Windows Only, HDR - Rec. 2100 HLG will not be available as a Format for connected Display outputs. The only options will be SDR and HDR - Rec. 2100 PQ.
    However, all three options (SDR, HDR - Rec. 2100 PQ, and HDR - Rec. 2100 HLG) be available for SDI outputs.

  • For true HDR outputs, the entire workflow from the ProPresenter machine to the output screen much be HDR compatible – including the SDI cables in the signal path.

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