Netflix starts HDR video rollout, but people will need new TVs to actually see it

High dynamic range videos allow for more shades of colour and extra brightness

Lorenzo Richelmy (Phil Bray/Netflix)

Netflix has turned on the TV technology of the future – but nobody noticed.

The streaming film and TV service has confirmed that its videos are now being made available using high dynamic range (HDR), a special technology that is meant to make videos look better.

TV companies say that HDR videos are able to show far more shades of colours, and do so with increased levels of brightness. That helps videos look more realistic and clear when watching.

But a new TV is needed to actually take advantage of the new technology. It can only be seen using a set that supports it, meaning that most that are on sale today won’t be able to see any of the new clarity and wouldn’t be able to detect any change.

HDR is also restricted to those Netflix members that pay for its premium-level subscription. That costs £8.99 per month, which gives people the ability to watch four 4K streams at once as well as HDR.

And it will also require a faster internet connection. HDR comes alongside 4K or ultra-HD, and as such Netflix recommends that people have an internet connection of at least 25 megabits per second – far faster than many home connections.

The announcement that its rollout has begun has come alongside a scheduled increase in prices next month. Until now some early customers had their prices frozen, and so were protected from price increases – but those people will now see their monthly bill go up by at least 50p.

Netflix has started the scheme with selected programmes, rolling out with the Netflix Originals that it makes itself.

"We just started streaming in HDR, with Marco Polo season one now available," said a Netflix spokesman.

"We will continue to expand the offering."

Amazon Prime Video already offered some of its programming using HDR.