VESA's DisplayHDR specifications update raises the bar for low end monitors

Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced a significant update to its DisplayHDR specification. With DisplayHDR version 1.2, VESA introduces tighter performance requirements across various aspects such as luminance, color gamut, and bit depth, alongside several new test requirements aimed at improving color accuracy, contrast ratio, black levels, and reducing subtitle flicker.

How will DisplayHDR 1.2 will impact low end displays?

Here’s how this goes: With this update, VESA has tightened the noose around performance requirements, ensuring that displays must now achieve higher standards of luminance and color accuracy to bear the DisplayHDR certification. Right now, on some displays that bare the VESA DisplayHDR certification logo display sub par, washed out images. Well, with DisplayHDR 1.2 if a manufacturer wants to sell their display under VESA’s HDR certification, they will have to meet a higher standards bar.

We will go through the most important changes of the new DisplayHDR 1.2 standard, as highlighted by VESA.

Enhanced color accuracy and contrast

One of the standout features of DisplayHDR 1.2 is its focus on enhancing color accuracy. With new comprehensive color accuracy tests, displays will now be evaluated across a broader spectrum of colors at different luminance levels. This means that whether you’re gaming, watching a movie, or working on a photo or video editing, the colors you see will be more accurate and consistent. Moreover, the introduction of new tests for static contrast ratio and black levels is set to improve the depth and detail of the visuals, ensuring that dark scenes in movies or games are more immersive and detailed.

Local dimming and subtitle flicker tests

For those who crave the ultimate HDR experience, particularly in higher-tier displays, DisplayHDR 1.2 requires the incorporation of 2D local dimming technology. This technology allows different sections of the screen to be lit independently, significantly improving contrast and making for a more dynamic viewing experience. Additionally, the new subtitle luminance flicker test addresses a common annoyance many have experienced – the distracting flicker when subtitles appear and disappear in dark movie scenes.

However, the changes will not be implemented right away. VESA has provided manufacturers with a transition period. They can continue certifying products under the previous DisplayHDR 1.1 specs until May 2025 for monitors, and May 2026 for laptops.

In conclusion, the rollout of DisplayHDR 1.2 by VESA will especially impact the low end monitors that will have to comply to these minimum requirements. Will the changes affect the product prices? That remains to be seen. In the meantime, you might be interested in our guide on how to calibrate HDR on Windows 11. You will also learn if your display can handle HDR or not.

What do you think about VESA’s new DisplayHDR 1.2 specifications? Let’s talk about this in the comments below.