Disney+ has begun supporting the HDR10+ format, expanding its high dynamic range options beyond the existing HDR10 and Dolby Vision standards. The rollout comes through integration with Hulu content, following Disney’s full acquisition of Hulu earlier this year. According to Samsung, more than 1,000 Hulu titles are now available in HDR10+, with additional Disney+ content expected to adopt the format in the coming months.
For now, HDR10+ support is available first on Samsung TVs — including Crystal UHD, QLED, OLED, The Frame, and Micro RGB models produced from 2018 onward. These devices will be able to stream compatible Disney+ titles in the enhanced format. Samsung emphasized the move’s significance for its users, noting that its TVs do not support Dolby Vision, HDR10+’s main competitor. The Disney+ app for Apple’s tvOS also now lists HDR10+ compatibility, suggesting that the rollout is already extending beyond Samsung’s ecosystem.
HDR10+ differs from standard HDR10 by using dynamic metadata, which allows image adjustments on a frame-by-frame basis rather than relying on static data. This enables more precise control over brightness, contrast, and color balance throughout a video. Dolby Vision remains more technically advanced, with 12-bit color support and broader metadata control, but HDR10+ offers similar dynamic capabilities without requiring licensing fees — making it attractive for manufacturers and streaming platforms alike.
For Disney+, the move helps strengthen its technical parity with competitors such as Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video, all of which already support HDR10+. It also enhances the viewing experience for a segment of its user base previously limited by hardware compatibility, particularly Samsung TV owners.
The addition comes amid a broader push by Disney to improve the quality and reach of its streaming offerings following recent price increases and the consolidation of Hulu and Disney+ into a single app. By offering HDR10+ to all subscribers — including those on its lowest-tier plan — Disney+ distinguishes itself from rivals that often reserve HDR streaming for premium tiers.
While Dolby Vision remains the more widely adopted HDR format, Disney’s inclusion of HDR10+ marks a practical move to ensure broader compatibility and to appeal to viewers seeking improved image quality without needing additional hardware or subscription upgrades.
