Technicolor Releases ‘Single-Layer Solution’ for HDR-SDR Compatibility

Technicolor released a “single-layer solution” for coding and delivering high dynamic range content in a single stream “to accurately display the content regardless of the display type,” including standard dynamic range TVs, the HDR proponent said in a Wednesday announcement. Designed for broadcasters, pay-TV operators and over-the-top streaming services looking to migrate to HDR video, “it allows for the storage and delivery of one video file, which plays back on legacy SDR TVs and new HDR TVs coming to market,” Technicolor said. “Today the option to view HDR content is an either-or scenario depending on screen display, which creates duplicity and inefficiencies in delivering content to the consumer,” said Mark Turner, Technicolor vice president- partnership relations and business development, in a statement. “Our single-layer technology looks to address such challenges, dramatically reducing storage and bandwidth costs by eliminating the need for two delivery systems, which will mean more consumers will enjoy the benefits of HDR sooner and on more screens.” Technicolor has submitted the solution for standardization to the Motion Picture Experts Group, where testing is already underway with suppliers of H.265 video decoders, including Marvell Technology, MStar Semiconductor and STMicroelectronics, Technicolor said.