VESA Updates its DisplayHDR Specs to Mandate Local Dimming – DisplayHDR 1400 spec created

VESA Updates its DisplayHDR Specs to Mandate Local Dimming - DisplayHDR 1400 spec created

VESA Updates its DisplayHDR Specs to Mandate Local Dimming – DisplayHDR 1400 spec created

VESA has officially revealed their DisplayHDR 1.1 specification, drastically altering what the group expects from future HDR screens. No longer will DisplayHDR 400 be known for its lack of true HDR capability. In addition to this, a new DisplayHDR 1400 spec has been revealed to separate high-end HDR screens from the professional-grade monitors.  

For starters, with DisplayHDR 1.1, active dimming will be required for all HDR performance levels. This change will make future DisplayHDR 400 screens appear a lot more capable, as active dimming will enable higher contrast levels and much darker blacks. Before now, DisplayHDR 400 was the laughing stock of HDR enthusiasts, as its specifications were too low to benefit from HDR content fully.  

With this release also comes DisplayHDR 1400, a new standard which requires a 40% increase in luminance and a 2.5x reduction in black levels over DisplayHDR 1000. This results in a 350% increase in maximum contrast ratio. Other changes include requirements for 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space and a long-duration brightness of 900 nits over the full screen for 30 minutes. This spec is designed for rock stable displays for professional or prosumer use. 

ASUS’ ProArt PA32UCG has become the first screen to meet the DisplayHDR 1400 specification. This screen actually exceeds VESA’s specs by offering peak brightness levels of 1600 nits and sustained brightness levels of 1000 nits. 

VESA’s DisplayHDR 1.1 spec will come into play in May 2020, allowing in-development screens that meed VESA’s existing DisplayHDR standards to be released without any issues. After this, DisplayHDR 1.0 will be dropped in favour of DisplayHDR 1.1. This move will also require DisplayHDR 1.1 screens to be certified with DisplayPort if screen makers wish to offer their users DisplayPort inputs. 

  

VESA Updates its DisplayHDR Specs to Mandate Local Dimming - DisplayHDR 1400 spec created  

Ultimately, this move is a positive one for both VESA and the wider world of HDR. The addition of active dimming/local dimming will soon prevent sub-par HDR monitors from being certified, while the new HDR 1400 standard will work to incentivise the creation of more premium HDR monitors. 

You can join the discussion on VESA’s updated DisplayHDR 1.1 specification on the OC3D Forums.Â