HDR10 vs HDR400: Key Differences, Features & Best Uses

Part 1. What is HDR10?

HDR10 is an open HDR format that has become the industry baseline for high dynamic range video. By employing static metadata, HDR10 ensures consistent brightness, contrast, and color settings across entire videos. As the backbone of many modern TVs, monitors, and game consoles, HDR10 offers a balance of rich color expression and widespread compatibility. When assessing HDR10+ vs HDR400, HDR10's ability to deliver one billion colors and deep shadow detail makes it a popular choice for cinematic content and professional video work.

The Key Features of HDR10

• Rich color expression: Uses 10-bit color depth to render around 1 billion colors for smooth gradations and natural hues.
• High compatibility: Industry standard supported by most TVs, monitors, and consoles; ideal for movies and pro video production.
• Excellent light and dark detail: Enhances depth in shadows and highlights for a lifelike, dynamic image.
• Static metadata only: Applies the same brightness, contrast, and color settings throughout, unlike HDR10+ or Dolby Vision.
• Limited black level expression: Some LCD devices may struggle with deep darks, making HDR10 images appear flatter compared to OLED.

Part 2. What is HDR400?

HDR400, also known as VESA DisplayHDR 400, is an entry-level HDR certification aimed at general-purpose displays and gaming monitors. It guarantees a minimum peak brightness of 400 nits to deliver brighter highlights than standard SDR panels. While not as advanced as HDR 10 vs HDR400 in color gamut or contrast, HDR400 is sufficient for casual media viewing in well-lit rooms. When comparing HDR400 vs HDR10, it's clear HDR400 prioritizes basic HDR performance at an affordable price point, making it a solid choice for everyday use.

The Key Features of HDR400

• Increased brightness: Ensures at least 400 nits of peak brightness for vibrant highlights in bright environments.
• Bright enough for general use: Ideal for rooms with ambient light; enhances contrast in movies, games, and web browsing.
• Wide compatibility: Certified across many gaming monitors and laptops, supporting most HDR10 content sources.
• Limited color depth: Generally capped at 8-bit, reproducing about 16.7 million colors, less than HDR10's 10-bit palette.
• Contrast limitations: Dynamic range depends heavily on panel tech; may lack deep shadow detail compared to higher HDR standards.

Part 3. HDR10 vs HDR400: What's The Difference?

When evaluating HDR 400 vs HDR 10, key factors such as brightness, color depth, contrast, metadata handling, and device support come into play. This section dives into seven core areas where HDR10 vs HDR400 diverge, helping you decide if an entry-level HDR400 monitor meets your needs or if you should invest in a true HDR10-qualified display.

1. Brightness Standard

HDR10: Supports over 1,000 nits peak brightness for vibrant highlights in challenging lighting.

HDR400: Entry-level HDR standard requiring a minimum of 400 nits, suitable for casual viewing.

2. Color Depth

HDR10: Utilizes 10-bit color depth, displaying over one billion colors for smooth gradients.

HDR400: Typically 8-bit support, rendering approximately 16.7 million colors.

3. Contrast Ratio

HDR10: Designed for higher contrast ratios, revealing fine detail in shadows and highlights.

HDR400: Dynamic contrast is limited and often hinges on panel technology and local dimming.

4. Types of Metadata

HDR10: Uses static metadata, no scene-by-scene brightness or color optimization.

HDR400: No metadata concept; focuses solely on display brightness and color gamut.

5. Authentication

HDR10: Widely adopted HDR standard supported by TVs, monitors, and streaming platforms.

HDR400: Certified under VESA DisplayHDR 400 with lower performance requirements.

6. Supported Devices

HDR10: Broad support across high-end TVs, gaming monitors, and professional displays.

HDR400: Common in entry-level monitors and laptops requiring basic HDR compatibility.

7. Intended Use

HDR10: Ideal for cinematic experiences, advanced gaming, and professional video production.

HDR400: Best for light gaming, web browsing, or casual media viewing.

Comparison Table of Differences Between HDR10 and HDR400

Part 4. How to Convert Normal Videos to HDR Video with AI?

Ready to elevate your standard dynamic range footage to dazzling HDR quality? HitPaw VikPea AI-powered color enhancement toolkit can intelligently convert your SDR videos into HDR-like masterpieces. Whether you're working with low-light clips, legacy recordings, or standard video, VikPea's SDR to HDR model boosts contrast, expands luminance range, and enriches color depth. With support for upscaling to 4K or 8K, you'll achieve a cinematic sheen that rivals professional color grading, all without leaving your desktop.

• Instantly transforms SDR footage into vibrant HDR-style visuals.
• Enhances shadow detail in underexposed scenes for clearer images.
• Expands color gamut for richer and more natural hues.
• Supports up to 8K export for ultra-sharp playback.
• Convert multiple videos simultaneously with fast AI acceleration.
• Fine-tune brightness post-conversion for perfect balance.
• Compare before and after in real time to ensure quality.
• Choose resolution, format, and codec in a single interface.

• Step 1.Download and install HitPaw VikPea on your computer. Launch the app, select AI Color, then click on SDR to HDR Model. Import your video file.

  

• Step 2.Adjust exposure using the Exposure Adjustment slider to fine-tune brightness after dynamic range enhancement.

  

• Step 3.Under Export Settings, select your desired resolution (up to 4K or 8K). Preview the result in the side-by-side window, then click Export to save your HDR-enhanced video.

  

Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions on HDR10 and HDR400

Conclusion

Choosing between HDR10 vs HDR400 comes down to your budget and usage. If you need deep blacks, vibrant color, and professional-grade performance, HDR10 is the clear winner. For everyday gaming, web browsing, and media in well-lit rooms, HDR400 delivers a noticeable improvement over SDR at a lower cost. And if you want to turn your SDR content into HDR-quality video, HitPaw VikPea's AI toolkit makes the process simple and effective. Now that you understand the differences, pick the HDR standard that best aligns with your viewing habits and unlock the full potential of your display.