What is VESA DisplayHDR

VESA has developed new DisplayHDR standardization certificates, with three different levels that will certify the quality of the screens on the market, to make life easier for users

Robert Sole 7 January 2021

0 5.752 3 reading minutes

Buying a monitor with a high dynamic range capability can be complex. To make life easier for buyers, the Video Electronics Standards Association, better known as VESA, will launch DisplayHDR certificates, an open set of three levels of specifications for HDR quality. This new standard includes test specifications for luminance, color gamut, bit depth, and rise time.

The body claims that DisplayHDR is the first open HDR specification with a transparent methodology. The initial version of the specification focuses on LCD panels, but future versions will also measure OLED displays. More than two dozen companies have contributed to the development of the DisplayHDR standard, including AMD, Intel, Microsoft and NVIDIA.

Table of Contents

What is DisplayHDR

High Dynamic Range monitor technology enhances the dynamic range of colors. Through this technology, more vibrant colors and better contrasts can be displayed. Allows the image to be more realistic and the brightness is adjusted to provide a clearer view of the game. Thus we obtain a wider color gamut, darker shadows and brighter reflections, all to promote the feeling of immersion.

VESA has created a standard called DisplayHDR with demanding minimum requirements. The purpose of this certificate is to protect users of monitors with incorrect HDR labeling. Therefore, only monitors that meet the parameters stipulated by VESA, can be validated and therefore, be able to display the corresponding certificate.

DisplayHDR 400 certified

Intended for entry-level monitors that can offer HDR support. Its name indicates that this monitor should have a peak luminance of 400cd / m² (candela per square meter). In addition, you must comply with the following:

Real 8-bit image processing
Global attenuation
320cd / m long life full screen luminance²
Black to white luminance response should be achieved in 8bits or less
At least 95% of the BT.709 Color Space (as wide as the sRGB gamut, albeit with a different transfer function)
Black level luminance as low as 0,4cd / m²

DisplayHDR 400 True Black Certified

For those who seek greater precision in blacks, these certifications have been created. It is the same as the DiplayHDR 400 certification, but much more demanding in black levels and in the luminance transition from black to white. On the other hand, the long-time luminance is reduced. These are the complete features:

Real 8-bit image processing
Local dimming
250cd / m long life full screen luminance²
Black to white luminance response should be achieved in 2bits or less
Cover 99% of BT.709 color space and 90% of DCI-P3 space at least
Black level luminance as low as 0,0005cd / m²

DisplayHDR 500 True Black Certified

It is positioned as an intermediate certification focused on black tones. It is very similar to the DiplayHDR 600 certification, but much more demanding in black levels and in the luminance transition from black to white. On the other hand, the long-time luminance is reduced. These are the complete features:

Real 8-bit image processing
Local dimming
300cd / m long life full screen luminance²
Black to white luminance response should be achieved in 2bits or less
Cover 99% of BT.709 color space and 90% of DCI-P3 space at least
Black level luminance as low as 0,0005cd / m²

DisplayHDR 600 certified

This certification is intended for high-end monitors with a maximum of 600cd / m². As the brightness increases, reflections are improved, producing realistic images. The rest of the parameters are:

Real 8-bit image processing
Local dimming
350cd / m long life full screen luminance²
Black to white luminance response should be achieved in 8bits or less
Cover 99% of BT.709 color space and 90% of DCI-P3 space at least
Black level luminance as low as 0,1cd / m²

DisplayHDR 1000 certified

Developed for enthusiastic users looking to go further in their gaming system. A monitor to obtain this certification must offer a peak luminance of 1.000cd / m². It must also meet the following parameters:

Real 8-bit image processing
Local dimming
600cd / m long life full screen luminance²
Black to white luminance response should be achieved in 8bits or less
Cover 99% of BT.709 color space and 90% of DCI-P3 space at least
Black level luminance as low as 0,0.5cd / m²

DisplayHDR 1400 certified

It is the latest certification incorporated and is intended for Premium systems. A maximum luminance of 1.0400cd / m is required², which is 4 times more than typical displays, according to VESA. It must also comply with: