Key Facts
- Category
- Images, Audio & Video
- Input Types
- file, select, range
- Output Type
- file
- Sample Coverage
- 4
- API Ready
- Yes
Overview
The HDR to SDR Converter allows you to easily convert High Dynamic Range (HDR) videos into Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) format. By applying advanced tone mapping algorithms and precise color space conversions, it prevents washed-out colors and preserves visual details, making your HDR footage compatible with standard displays and platforms.
When to Use
- •When you need to upload HDR footage captured on modern smartphones or cameras to platforms that only support standard dynamic range.
- •When your HDR videos appear washed-out, grey, or overly dark on older monitors, TVs, or standard media players.
- •When preparing video assets for editing workflows or distribution channels that require strict BT.709 color space compliance.
How It Works
- •Upload your HDR video file in formats like MP4, MOV, or MKV (up to 500MB).
- •Select your preferred tone mapping algorithm, such as BT.2390 or Hable, to map high-brightness levels to standard ranges.
- •Adjust optional settings like brightness boost, output quality (CRF), encoding speed, and target output format.
- •Click convert to process the video and download the color-corrected SDR output file.
Use Cases
Converting iPhone HDR (Dolby Vision) videos to standard MP4 for sharing on social media without color distortion.
Preparing HDR camera footage for legacy video editing software that lacks native HDR color management.
Optimizing high-end cinematic HDR renders for web streaming on standard SDR displays.
Examples
1. Converting iPhone Dolby Vision HDR for Social Media
Content Creator- Background
- A content creator recorded a vlog on an iPhone in Dolby Vision HDR, but when uploaded to a standard social media platform, the video looked washed out and lacked contrast.
- Problem
- The creator needs to convert the HDR video to standard SDR (BT.709) so colors display vibrantly on all mobile devices.
- How to Use
- Upload the HDR MP4 file, select the BT.2390 tone mapping algorithm, set the CRF to 18 for high quality, and choose MP4 as the output format.
- Example Config
-
{ "toneMapping": "bt2390", "crf": 18, "outputFormat": "mp4" } - Outcome
- The video is converted to a standard SDR MP4 with rich colors and balanced contrast, ready for direct upload to social media.
2. Preparing Cinematic HDR Footage for Legacy Editors
Video Editor- Background
- An editor received high-quality HDR footage in MOV format but is working on an older editing suite that does not support HDR color grading.
- Problem
- The editor needs to convert the footage to SDR while preserving as much cinematic detail and shadow depth as possible.
- How to Use
- Upload the MOV video, select the Mobius tone mapping algorithm for a cinematic look, set the encoding speed to "slower" for maximum quality, and export as MOV.
- Example Config
-
{ "toneMapping": "mobius", "preset": "slower", "outputFormat": "mov" } - Outcome
- The editor receives a high-quality SDR MOV file with preserved shadow details, perfectly compatible with their editing timeline.
Try with Samples
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Video Samples
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OpenCV Computer Vision Samples
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FAQ
Why do my HDR videos look washed out on standard screens?
Standard screens cannot display the high brightness and wide color gamut of HDR, resulting in a flat, desaturated look without proper tone mapping.
Which tone mapping algorithm should I choose?
BT.2390 is highly recommended for accurate luminance mapping, while Hable offers a balanced, film-like contrast.
What does the CRF setting do?
CRF (Constant Rate Factor) controls output quality. A lower value like 18 yields excellent quality, while higher values reduce file size.
Can I convert large video files?
Yes, the converter supports video file uploads up to 500MB.
What output formats are supported?
You can export your converted SDR video to MP4, WebM, MKV, AVI, or MOV formats.