HDRsignal

HDRsignal is a term used to describe any signal whose dynamic range exceeds that of conventional standard dynamic range (SDR). In imaging and sensing, HDRsignals capture or represent scenes with both very bright and very dark regions in a single dataset, preserving details that would be lost with SDR. They can be produced by capturing multiple exposures with high dynamic range sensors, using sensors with extended full-well capacity, or by acquiring high-precision linear data stored in floating-point formats.

Encoding and processing of HDRsignals often involves high bit depth (typically 10–16 bits per channel) or floating-point representations to preserve the extended range. To display on standard devices, tone mapping or perceptual encoding may be applied to fit the data within a more limited display range. Common transfer functions include linear, logarithmic, or perceptual curves such as those used in modern HDR video standards.

Applications and standards: HDRsignals are central to HDR photography and cinematography, enabling more faithful reproduction of real-world lighting conditions and scene detail. In video, HDR signals are delivered with metadata and color volume information following standards such as ST 2084 (PQ), ST 2086 (Mastering Display), and formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG. Medical imaging and scientific sensing also leverage HDR representations to improve detail visibility across wide intensity ranges.

Challenges: Processing HDRsignals requires careful noise management, robust motion handling in bracketed captures, and effective methods to maintain detail without artifacts. Compatibility with SDR displays often relies on tone mapping and color management, while streaming and storage demand efficient compression and metadata handling to preserve the extended range.