Apple, Google, and NBCUniversal have decided to join forces to develop Eclipsa Video, a new open-source HDR format designed to improve the delivery of high dynamic range content. Developed in collaboration with the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), this technology aims to offer an open alternative to existing dynamic HDR solutions such as Dolby Vision. Even more surprising, Eclipsa Video also has the backing of the HDR10+ ecosystem, as the HDR10+ Technologies consortium has been selected to oversee its rollout. This initiative could pave the way for a new generation of HDR content with no licensing fees for manufacturers and broadcasters.
Google quietly announces a new HDR format
Unlike the big announcements that usually accompany the arrival of new video technologies, Eclipsa Video was introduced relatively quietly. It was through a technical announcement from Google regarding Chrome and future developments in HDR on the web that the format began to attract attention. Officially named SMPTE ST 2094-50, it joins the family of dynamic HDR standards that already includes Dolby Vision (SMPTE ST 2094-10), HDR10+ (SMPTE ST 2094-40), and other less widespread variants.
One of Eclipsa Video’s main strengths is that it is open source. Unlike some HDR technologies that require license fees or certifications to be integrated into devices, the new format can be used without any fees. This approach allows manufacturers to adopt an advanced HDR solution at no additional cost, which could encourage its integration into TVs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and Chromium-based browsers.
Designed to preserve the creator’s intent
Eclipsa Video’s philosophy is based on a simple goal: to enable users to view content exactly as its creators intended. In a market where display performance varies considerably across product categories and lines, it becomes difficult to guarantee consistent playback. The new HDR format was therefore designed to intelligently adapt the image to the capabilities of each screen while preserving the artistic choices of the director, colorist, or content creator.
Reference White Anchor: a shared brightness standard
The first mechanism used by Eclipsa Video is called Reference White Anchor. Its purpose is to establish a stable reference point for the standard brightness levels displayed on the screen. This common baseline makes it easier to manage the coexistence of SDR and HDR content while taking advantage of the additional brightness capabilities of compatible screens.
With this approach, HDR areas make full use of the available brightness range without disrupting the overall balance of the image. The result is a more consistent rendering of contrasts and highlights, regardless of the device used to view the content.
Headroom-Adaptive Gain Curves: dynamic HDR adaptation
The second technical pillar of the format is based on Headroom-Adaptive Gain Curves. Behind this term lies a system of dynamic metadata that accompanies all video content. This information tells the display exactly how to adjust the image when its HDR capabilities are limited.
In practice, the system can adjust certain areas of the image to preserve the most important details. Shadows, midtones, and highlights are then intelligently processed to prevent the loss of visual information. This dynamic adjustment ensures a more consistent HDR experience across a wide variety of devices.
A free alternative to Dolby Vision and a complement to HDR10+
The lack of a license is undoubtedly Eclipsa Video’s strongest selling point. Whereas Dolby Vision relies on a proprietary model that requires commercial agreements, this new format is designed to be freely usable. This advantage may appeal to many manufacturers looking to keep their integration costs down. However, the situation is somewhat different when it comes to HDR10+, which is also open source.
In fact, the HDR10+ Technologies consortium has been tasked with managing Eclipsa Video, and the two formats were designed to work together. Compatible devices will even be able to display the label “Eclipsa Video powered by HDR10+.” Eclipsa Video therefore appears less as a replacement for HDR10+ and more as a new, open HDR layer capable of complementing the existing ecosystem while offering a credible alternative to Dolby Vision.
Is this the end of licensing fees for manufacturers?
The launch of Eclipsa Video comes more than a year after that of Eclipsa Audio, an open-source audio format designed to compete with certain proprietary spatial audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With these two initiatives, Apple, Google, and their partners appear to be aiming to build a comprehensive ecosystem of royalty-free audiovisual technologies.
This approach could appeal to many market players. Streaming platforms, software publishers, smartphone manufacturers, and TV makers are constantly looking to reduce the costs associated with technology licenses. By offering a free, open-source dynamic HDR format, Eclipsa Video could make advanced features more accessible without imposing additional costs. It remains to be seen whether manufacturers will widely adopt this new standard and whether it will succeed in gaining a foothold against formats that are already well-established in the audiovisual industry.
The HDR format war
With Eclipsa Video, Apple, Google, and NBCUniversal are introducing a new open-source HDR standard that could shift the market balance. By combining dynamic image adaptation, no licensing fees, and compatibility with the HDR10+ ecosystem, the format has several strong selling points to attract manufacturers and broadcasters. Its adoption remains to be seen, but one thing seems certain: the HDR format war has only just begun, and Eclipsa Video could quickly become a major player in this new technological battle.
