If you have ever compared SDR vs. HDR video quality, you already know that these two formats differ greatly. SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) is limited in brightness, contrast, and color depth, while HDR (High Dynamic Range) offers cinematic visuals, deeper shadows, and richer tones.
However, things become difficult when you already have SDR content and want to enjoy that HDR brilliance without shooting everything again. In such cases, SDR to HDR conversion tools come in handy. Whether you are a creator wanting better visuals or just someone who wants to upscale old footage, check out the 9 powerful tools from this Uniconverter guide and effortlessly transfer SDR videos into stunning GDR content.
In this article
Part 1. HDR & SDR: Definition & Comparison
Before discussing different methods to convert SDR into HDR media files, it is essential to understand what these two signals mean and why filmmakers prefer HDR for modern displays and content creation.
Standard Dynamic Range: SDR refers to the traditional format used for decades in TVs, monitors, and content. It supports limited brightness and color range, which is typically capped at 100 nits brightness and 8-bit color.
High Dynamic Range: HDR is designed for modern liquid retina displays where users demand deeper contrast, brighter highlights, darker shadows, and a wider color gamut.
Here’s a quick comparison between these signals, depicting which is better for you:





















