Hey Everyone. Just thought I'd chime in with some thoughts and experiments I've been running the last few days. As all are more than aware of here HDR on projection is sort of a work in progress right now. I haven't had the chance to play with HDR with the newer Sony offerings since they've revamped with firmware, so most of these comments are based on my time with the JVC X750. Initially most were using JVC's recommended settings and then going from there using a fleeting amount of test patterns that are available to dial in a picture that looks good. The problem there is while it may look good, it is still a best guess approach at this point derived mainly from trial and error with other's settings or successes. The next step was converting the HDR output to a SDR output but retaining the WCG capacity of the video signal. This seems to work best with the Panasonic player at the moment, but even after many weeks of trial and error I still see issues with gamma, mild clipping and more with this solution. Since the WCG portion of the movie is mastered in relation to the HDR EOTF, I imagine we are still seeing an improper conversion down to SDR levels as you would have to take into account the change in color volume from the intended display luminance. Sure it can look good still, but I would almost argue that the same look could be obtained with standard Blu-ray by just using a wider color preset on the projector. Call me a video snob but I prefer accurate to intent images rather than images that just look good. So I decided to try something that no one ever seems to consider or try, telling the player NO for HDR and having it map down to standard gamma and REC709 color. This still preserves the resolution bump offered by UHD and the 10-bit video. But the UHD standard was also delivered with actual specifications on how to do this conversion, unlike converting to SDR with 2020. Using this method I get a proper conversion for both gamma and color to SDR, and can view the movie with a proper calibration. I have to say, so far I'm far more impressed with this as the image never has that "it looks great, but there are a few things that still look off". Like everyone else I am hoping that solutions will come that deliver an ACCURATE fold down to SDR with 2020 color, but it appears we are not there yet. I am also anxious to see what can be achieved with a Radiance Pro that tone maps HDR down to the projector's true output in what appears to be a much more intelligent fashion. Until then, I think I'm going to stick with this (other than continuing experimentation with the other options for testing purposes) for now and just sit back and enjoy.
...So I decided to try something that no one ever seems to consider or try, telling the player NO for HDR and having it map down to standard gamma and REC709 color. This still preserves the resolution bump offered by UHD and the 10-bit video....
I assume that once DV is included in BR, and we get players that can send that information to the projector that we will be facing the same issues, in a DV capable projector, say maybe 2017 sony's??
Ive been happy too with SDR 2020, but have not done side by side. I guess Kris has and I get his point, where we have had the ignorance is bliss man this looks good take, once you compare to what it should be it brings up some good points.The first movie I watched SDR 2020 was TMNT 2, after several unhappy attempts at watching movies with HDR. I was blown away at the detail, and the blacks, I never looked back.
I have done side by side ( more like one, then the other, then back again ) between first 4K BR with HRD vs regular Blu Rays, and then 4K HDR - SDR BT.2020 vs Blu Ray. That's how I know my picture is close, since I have my projector dialed in for regular 1080p content. I may do some more comparisons, which is easy with a Blu Ray player and a 4K Blu Ray player in my rack.
Are you using the Oppo or Panny 900?
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