Title: Xiaomi Takes the Lead in Developing a New Standard for High Dynamic Range (HDR) Still Images
Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese tech company, is not only known for manufacturing and selling smartphones with advanced camera hardware but is also making strides in the imaging industry by taking the lead in developing a new High Dynamic Range (HDR) image standard. This initiative comes in collaboration with the China Electronics Technology Standardization Institute, Huawei, Tencent, OPPO, and Honor through a project approved by the World Ultra-HD Video Industry Alliance (UWA Alliance).
The project titled “High Dynamic Range (HDR) Still Images Part 2: Single-Layer Format” aims to create a standardized framework for handling HDR still images, focusing on the development of a single-layer format for these images. The initiative has a completion date set for late 2024.
The UWA Alliance approval certificate indicates that this project sets standards for two types of HDR still image formats – single-layer and double-layer. The double-layer format combines HDR with Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), while the single-layer format exclusively features HDR.
The development of the dual-layer HDR distribution format is near completion, and the alliance suggests that it can be quickly agreed upon and released. However, Xiaomi has directed its efforts towards the single-layer distribution format due to its potential advantages:
1. HDR photos can be taken and created without requiring additional SDR content, making the editing process more efficient.
2. Editing HDR images eliminates the need to adjust the SDR part.
3. Higher compression efficiency saves storage space and transmission bandwidth.
4. Private information can be individually erased during distribution.
Single-layer HDR images offer several advantages over their double-layer counterparts. Once completed, the new standard will define how the distribution format of single-layer HDR images is handled. This includes image formatting, metadata, guidelines for producing, editing, transmitting, and viewing single-layer HDR images, and HDR to SDR conversion techniques.
In summary, Xiaomi is taking a significant role in pushing the boundaries of HDR technology by developing a new standard for single-layer HDR still images in collaboration with leading industry players. This initiative aims to make HDR image handling more efficient, save storage space and bandwidth, and provide better privacy control for users. The new standard is expected to define various aspects of single-layer HDR image handling, from formatting to distribution techniques.