Published on February 21st, 2020 | by Sunit Nandi

Differences Between HDR vs UHD Monitors

When people are about to buy a new piece of hardware, it’s never easy to make a decision about which model is better, especially when they don’t understand the fundamental differences. Buying a new computer monitor was rather easy in the past. All of them had, more or less, the same specs, and the only difference was the screen size.

Today, buying a new computer monitor is not as easy as it once was. The size of the monitor is still one of the variables, but it’s not the only important one. It’s essential to mention that the computer monitor industry is continually improving, thus people can opt for 4K monitors, HRD monitors, ultra HD ones, or even for the full HD types. There are also curved monitors, 3D monitors, as well as many other available options.

When it comes to computer monitors, things have gotten complicated in recent years. This article can help you understand the fundamental differences between the best HDR monitors and their UHD counterparts.

What Are HDR Monitors?

The high dynamic range (HDR) screens first became popular as TV screens. When the TV industry stepped on more innovative projects, it was time for the computer monitor industry to take the HDR screens and incorporate them to their products.

An HDR monitor brings a much more comprehensive range of the color spectrum and contrasts than their average counterparts. What this means is that HDR screens present the hue tones much better and with a significant variety of shades.

The HDR screen technology allows users to experience the videos and images like never before since it has the ability to show much more color details. These details are what enable users to see more clearly when watching videos made in the dark because more information is available and visible. For instance, watching a nature documentary can provide users with an unforgettable experience, making them feel like they’re a part of the whole spectacle.

Vibrant colors and deeper black levels are what make HDR monitors an excellent choice for photo or video purposes, or even gaming, since everything looks much more realistic.

What Are UHD Monitors And Are They The Same As 4K Monitors?

Ultra-high definition (UHD) monitors are a relatively new thing in the market. These monitors first came into the market in the last decade, and they have significantly stepped up the game since then. For consumers to understand the critical differences between the UHD and 4K screens, it’s important to mention that 4K screens are a cinematic standard; on the other hand, UHD is a broadcast standard available to consumers.

4K stands for the number of pixels horizontally placed within the screen. The number by cinema standards for 4K resolution is 4096 pixels. UHD, on the other hand, has 3840 pixels. However, people may notice that the resolution of 3840×2160 pixels also stands for 4K on the packaging in the retail store.

The difference between the two is 13%, which is a minor discrepancy that can’t be noticed even on larger screens. However, it’s still a technical difference that is being masked by the manufacturers with a cunning marketing strategy. UHD and 4K are not the same thing, but they’re very close; thus, they’re presented as the same.

UHD monitor screens have the same horizontal resolution as the 4K ones, but their aspect ratio is a standard HDTV ratio of 16:9. This aspect ratio makes the full resolution of the UHD screen at 3840×2160, which is about 256 pixels less than the full 4K resolution.

HDR VS UHD Monitor

Now that you already know what HDR and UHD monitors are, it’s high time to talk about the main differences between these two monitor types:

1. UHD And HDR Are Not The Same Types Of Screens

Both HDR and UHD screen technologies improve image quality, but in different ways. UHD provides the users with much sharper and crisper image quality, while HDR standard provides users with higher brightness or darkness contrasts. These two monitor types aren’t directly competing with each other since each one has and offers its own unique features.

2. HDR Screens Provide A Better Visual Impact Than UHD

The color reproduction is drastically improved in HDR screens, while the UHD’s high resolution doesn’t impact the hue variety as much. HDR technology gives a much better contrast with black and white colors, making other colors on the screen look much more vibrant. In case consumers are watching a horror movie, it’ll allow them to see many more details in the dark scenes than they would see on a UHD screen.

3. The Compatibility With The Source Is Essential For Both Screen Types

If the user wants to enjoy the full UHD experience, they must have the UHD source so the screen could provide the image to its full potential. Whether the user has a UHD TV or a computer monitor, both devices require compatible UHD sources, like the UHD BlueRay DVD or the computer graphic card that supports the UHD standard.

The same goes for HDR screens. Although these screens will significantly improve the viewer’s experience with higher contrasts and more vibrant colors, to obtain the full potential of HDR monitor, the user must have a compatible HDR source. The compatible sources for HDR computer monitors are the graphic cards that support the HDR standard.

Without a compatible source, both UHD and HDR screens won’t provide the experience they are meant to deliver to users.

4. Which One Is The Better Option For Work?

In case you are trying to find the best option for editing videos or images or for other design-related work, you should opt for the HDR monitor since it’s significantly better for noticing the small differences in color hues and shades.

Graphic design requires the best coloration and details output from a monitor display, and that’s why it’s essential to choose the screen that’ll provide the best results for these specific needs. Additionally, high-end video games also require exceptional screen output so the player can experience the full capacity of the video game.

Conclusion

Nowadays, most high-end TV units (50 inches and above) and monitors come in both HDR and UHD standards. That’s why people don’t have to worry about which of these two types is better to buy. However, knowing the differences between them is essential before making a final decision. It’s important to know which one could provide a better visual impact, and which between the two types can be best used for your particular line of work. It’s also important for you to realize that in order to maximize the features of both HDR and UHD monitors, you need to have a compatible source.

Both standards have their own pros and cons, but both of them will undoubtedly provide users like you with an exceptional experience.

Tags: 4K, differences, HDR, HDR vs UHD, monitors, UHD

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.