✳ HDR PROBLEMS
HDR footage looks washed out or has clipped highlights - causes and fixes
HDR footage is rendered correctly only on HDR-capable screens and players. When uploaded to a non-HDR destination or rendered on a non-HDR screen, highlights clip and colors look washed out. Convert HDR to SDR (BT.709) in your editor before uploading to non-HDR destinations.
Check these first
- Confirm the source is HDR (BT.2020 / PQ / HLG).
- Check whether the destination supports HDR.
- View on an HDR-capable screen to confirm the source looks correct there.
Likely causes
- Destination or player does not tone-map HDR
Without tone-mapping, HDR plays as washed-out SDR.
- Export pipeline added HDR metadata by mistake
Some NLEs tag SDR exports as HDR; this can confuse the player.
Fix it
- Re-export as SDR (BT.709) for non-HDR destinations
Use an SDR tone-mapping preset in your editor; re-export and re-upload.
Re-export as SDR (BT.709) for non-HDR destinations
Prepare a copy in Koldflux, review its output and check the current destination requirements before publishing.
Automate this in Koldflux