Netflix has launched the new HDR capability on its streaming service that will now allow subscribers to stream video content in the high-dynamic range.
Earlier this year, Netflix hinted at bringing HDR streaming as well as delivering more original content as part of the company's near-future plans. While the company has yet to make an official announcement on the HDR support rollout, a company executive confirmed the feature is already accessible to users.
Yann Lafargue, manager of corporate communications at Netflix, said the new HDR content works with compatible TVs and in both Dolby Vision and HDR10.
"As of mid-March, we have been providing both Dolby Vision and HDR10 streams to supported TVs, giving Netflix members and even more visually stunning experience," a Netflix representative tells Engadget.
With the HDR launch, Netflix features Marco Polo as the company's first HDR streaming offer. While it is currently the only show available in HDR, the company said it is adding Daredevil and more titles to its HDR lineup as well.
Marco Polo may not be one of the hottest titles available on Netflix. However, the drama series was filmed natively in HDR. The title has also sparked great enthusiasm from the company's creative team, which enabled it to become the first title to launch along with the new HDR support feature.
Marco Polo season 2 will also be available soon in HDR version and will officially launch in the middle of 2016.
"[HDR] is more visibly different than 4K. Over the past 15 years, we have had plenty of increments of pixels on the screen, and from what we saw with digital cameras, pixel count eventually stopped being interesting," Neil Hunt, Netflix chief product officer, told Digital Trends back in February.
In March, Netflix announced the global launch of Netflix Recommended TV, which aims to inform consumers on the best smart TVs they can use for viewing content from Netflix and other services in their area.
A Netflix spokesperson also said that HDR programming will soon be delivered to compatible televisions. Apart from requiring members to use a new type of TV or monitor for viewing HDR content, the company also recommended consumers to have a premium-priced Netflix subscription in order to start streaming content.
