HDR FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about HDR in Frame.io

Brett avatar
Written by Brett
Updated over a week ago

These are the common questions regarding HDR and HDR support in Frame.io.

What is HDR?

HDR is High Dynamic Range. Dynamic Range is the range from the darkest points to the brightest points of an image. When that range is large, the darks can be darker, and the brights can be brighter; it also means that there is much more information between the two, which can give an image more detail. HDR images also have a Wide Color Gamut, which means they can display more colors, giving images more life. Viewing HDR requires an HDR capable display and a file encoded to certain HDR specs.

Where can I view HDR?

You can view HDR in the Frame.io iOS and iPad apps on compatible devices. You can also view HDR on your TV when you AirPlay from the Frame.io iOS app.

Note: HDR assets uploaded previously to the release of HDR support will not playback in HDR. Please upload these assets again to see them play back in HDR.

How do I calibrate my TV?

Many displays are vastly different in their features, menu systems, and vocabulary, and so the calibration process can also vary dramatically from display to display. Several guides (like the Spears and Munsil benchmark discs) can walk you through the process and external calibration solutions like CalMan software paired with a meter like an X-Rite i1.

Is my iPhone / iPad calibrated?

Apple’s displays are considered color accurate out of the box. However, you can do a few things to ensure you see as accurate a picture as possible. Under Settings > Display & Brightness, make sure both True Tone and Night Shift are switched off. Finally, for HDR, make sure your brightness is set to 100%. Click here for more information.

What consumer devices support HDR?

HDR on Frame.io works in the iOS app on all current-generation iPhones starting with the iPhone 12 series. Click here for more information about legacy devices and support.


Most modern TVs support HDR. HDR content on Frame.io can be played on an HDR TV either through AirPlay built into the TV or through AirPlay to an AppleTV 4K connected to the TV. Computer monitors with HDR will work as well, but only through AirPlay.

How can I view HDR on Frame.io?

You can view HDR in the Frame.io iOS and iPad apps on compatible devices. You can also view HDR on your TV when you AirPlay from the Frame.io iOS app.
Note: HDR assets uploaded previously to the release of HDR support will not playback in HDR. Please upload these assets again to see them play back in HDR.

Can I watch HDR on the web?

Currently, limitations and inconsistencies between browsers make it difficult for Frame.io to support HDR in our web browser platform, so we’ve focussed on iOS as our platform of choice for HDR. HDR images on the web will not decode properly in HDR, but you can download those files and play them on other HDR-enabled player tools.

Does Frame.io support 10 bit HDR?

Enterprise customers can play 10-bit HDR proxies on iOS only. Other plans and playback on the web support 8-bit proxies. Users must also be active, logged in members of Enterprise accounts to see the 10-bit proxies. Contact Support for more information.

Can I watch HDR on my TV?

If you have an HDR-capable TV, you can watch HDR from Frame.io through AirPlay to an AirPlay-compatible TV or an AppleTV 4K.

What if I have an old iPhone/iPad?

HDR viewing requires an HDR capable display. If you have an older iOS device that does not support HDR, Frame.io will tone map the HDR down to SDR. You can also still use AirPlay to play the asset on an HDR-capable TV. On older Apple devices, files will be tone mapped to levels appropriate for that device's display. While the files can be reviewed, they will not be HDR.

What if I have an old TV?

HDR viewing requires an HDR capable display. If you have an older TV that does not support HDR, you can view HDR in the iOS app on a compatible device.

How can I make HDR content for Frame.io?

For HDR content to display and be processed correctly on Frame.io, the platform needs to know that the content is HDR. Frame.io recognizes an asset as HDR based on metadata flags embedded in the file. These flags tell Frame.io that the asset is Rec.2020 or P3-D65, that the asset is encoded with PQ gamma or HLG, and what its color primaries are. All of these help Frame.io display the asset the way it’s meant to be displayed. Most software tools (like NLEs or color systems) will embed these flags into their exported files; see click here for a detailed breakdown of supported deliverables.

Note: HDR assets uploaded previously to the release of HDR support will not playback in HDR. Please upload these assets again to see them play back in HDR.

Are HDR videos from iPhone supported in Frame.io?

Yes! HDR videos recorded on iPhone will playback in HDR on supported devices.

How do I share HDR assets in Frame.io?

Other users can view HDR assets you upload by inviting them into your project as team members or collaborators or using Review Links. 10-bit HDR assets are only available to active, logged in users on Enterprise accounts on iOS devices. Reviewers without a Frame.io account or on the web will not be able to see 10 bit.
Presentation Links do not currently support HDR.

Can I make comments in HDR?

Yes! All features of Frame.io, including comments, are available on HDR assets.

Can I download HDR clips to my iOS device?

Yes! You can make an HDR clip available offline in the Frame.io iOS apps or save it to your camera roll in the Frame.io iOS apps if you have the appropriate permissions.

Who can access HDR?

HDR is offered to all Frame.io customers in 8-bit proxy playback. Enterprise customers can request access to 10-bit HDR master playback on iOS. Contact Support for more information.

Please contact Sales if you would like to explore an Enterprise plan.

Next Articles

For more information on HDR and Frame.io, please visit frame.io/hdr.

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