NonHDR

NonHDR denotes material or modes that do not employ high dynamic range (HDR) processing. In practice, it describes standard dynamic range content or devices where HDR features are disabled or not utilized.

Technically, HDR expands brightness, contrast, and color gamut beyond standard dynamic range. NonHDR relies on a limited peak brightness and color volume and uses conventional transfer functions, often gamma-based, rather than HDR-specific curves such as PQ or HLG. Color spaces commonly associated with nonHDR content include Rec. 709 or similar SDR standards. This results in images with less luminance detail in highlights and shadows and a narrower color range compared with HDR content.

Production and delivery for nonHDR content typically involves mastering for standard dynamic range, often referred to as SDR. Metadata that instructs HDR tone mapping is absent or unused. When such content is displayed on HDR-capable devices, the devices may apply tone mapping to fit the content within the SDR range, potentially altering contrast and brightness to preserve visibility.

Display and viewing considerations vary with device capabilities. On HDR displays, nonHDR content will not take advantage of expanded brightness or color gamut and may look flatter compared with HDR material. On SDR displays, nonHDR content is natively displayed within its designed dynamic range. In catalogs and consumer labels, content intended for nonHDR is usually described as SDR rather than HDR, though terminology can vary by vendor. See also SDR, HDR, Rec. 709, PQ, HLG.