YouTube introduces HDR support

Streaming video giant YouTube has for some time supported 4K video, and now HDR output has been added to the mix.

Both the recently released Xbox One S and the PS4 – both in original and PS4 Pro flavours – support the tech, which ups the contrast and lighting range for an image, supposedly leading to even more lifelike imagery.

Starting today, you can watch YouTube videos in HDR on supported devices, such as HDR TVs with the new Chromecast Ultra, and soon on all 2016 Samsung SUHD and UHD TVs,” YouTube said.

Starting today, any creator can upload HDR videos to YouTube. To make sure creators can tell awesome stories with even more colour, we’ve been working with companies across the industry. We’ve worked with the DaVinci Resolve team to make uploading HDR just as simple as SDR videos to YouTube.”

Those wishing to view HDR will need a compatible screen. 4K and HDR panels have flooded the market in recent months, presumably as manufacturers are hoping to a boom in sales on the back of this new wave of console support.

Saying that, YouTube’s HDR videos can still be watched on a non-HDR screen, but the image will lack the extra bells and whistles. A number of creators such as MysteryGuitarMan, Jacob + Katie Schwarz, and Abandon Visuals are all on board to deliver HDR content from the off.