Amazon Prime Video is set to become the first streaming platform to embrace Samsung’s next-generation HDR10+ Advanced format, a significant leap forward in high dynamic range technology. Starting later this month, subscribers with compatible Samsung televisions from the 2026 lineup will experience a new level of visual fidelity on a global selection of supported titles. This move positions Prime Video at the forefront of HDR innovation, promising viewers brighter, more detailed, and more lifelike images than ever before.
HDR10+ Advanced builds upon the foundation of the existing HDR10+ standard, which has been praised for its dynamic metadata that adjusts brightness and contrast scene-by-scene. The new Advanced iteration introduces a feature called Enhanced Overall Brightness, a sophisticated system that leverages extended statistical metadata to push modern premium TVs to their full potential. According to the official announcement, this technology enables “fuller use of today’s premium TV brightness capabilities, delivering brighter, more precise HDR across the full tonal range.” In practical terms, this means highlights can shine with greater intensity, shadows retain more detail, and the overall image appears more three-dimensional and true-to-life.
Understanding the HDR10+ Advanced Advantage
To appreciate what HDR10+ Advanced brings to the table, it’s helpful to understand how it differs from its predecessor. Traditional HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata to optimize each scene, but it still operates within certain brightness limits defined by the content creator. HDR10+ Advanced removes many of these constraints by incorporating a richer set of statistical data about the content’s luminance distribution. This allows the TV to make smarter, more aggressive adjustments to its backlight and tone mapping, particularly in bright scenes that were previously challenging to render accurately.
Enhanced Overall Brightness Explained
The core of HDR10+ Advanced lies in its Enhanced Overall Brightness feature. This isn’t just about making the screen brighter; it’s about using brightness intelligently. The extended metadata provides the TV with a detailed map of where bright areas are located within each frame, along with their intensity. The TV can then selectively boost these areas without washing out darker regions, resulting in a more balanced and immersive picture. For example, a sunlit landscape with deep shadows will show both the intense glare of the sun and the intricate details in the shaded areas simultaneously, something that standard HDR often struggles with.
This technology is particularly beneficial for modern OLED and Mini-LED TVs, which have seen dramatic increases in peak brightness capabilities over recent years. Many 2026 Samsung models are expected to reach brightness levels that were previously unattainable, and HDR10+ Advanced is designed to harness that power effectively. Without such intelligent metadata, those extra nits of brightness could lead to overexposed images or clipped highlights. HDR10+ Advanced ensures that every bit of brightness is used to enhance the viewing experience, not detract from it.
Prime Video Leads the Way in HDR Adoption
Amazon’s decision to be the first streaming service to support HDR10+ Advanced is a strategic move that reinforces its commitment to picture quality. Prime Video has been a strong advocate for HDR10+ since its inception, offering a wide range of titles in the format. By being the first to adopt this advanced version, Amazon is signaling that it wants to provide the best possible viewing experience for its customers, especially those who invest in high-end television hardware.
This early adoption also gives Prime Video a competitive edge. As more consumers upgrade to 2026 Samsung TVs, they will look for content that can showcase their new television’s capabilities. Prime Video will be the go-to destination for that content, potentially attracting new subscribers and increasing engagement among existing ones. The exclusivity, even if temporary, is a powerful marketing tool.
What Titles Will Be Available?
While the official press release mentions “supported titles globally,” it does not specify the exact list of movies and shows that will initially support HDR10+ Advanced. However, it’s reasonable to expect that Amazon will prioritize its most popular original productions, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, and The Boys, as well as blockbuster movies available for rent or purchase. These high-budget productions are often mastered with the highest quality HDR in mind, making them ideal candidates for the enhanced format.
Amazon is likely to gradually expand the library over time, adding more titles as they are remastered or as new content is produced. For now, early adopters will have a taste of what’s possible, and the selection is expected to grow rapidly as other streaming services and content creators begin to embrace HDR10+ Advanced.
Hardware Requirements: Samsung 2026 TV Lineup
The key requirement to experience HDR10+ Advanced is owning a Samsung TV from the 2026 model year. This is a crucial detail, as the technology relies on the advanced processing capabilities and brightness capabilities of these new displays. Samsung has not yet disclosed which specific models will support the format, but it’s safe to assume that it will be available across their premium QLED and Neo QLED ranges, as well as their top-tier OLED offerings.
If you’re in the market for a new TV and want to future-proof your setup, keeping an eye on Samsung’s 2026 announcements is essential. The company is expected to showcase its new lineup at major trade shows like CES 2026, where more details about HDR10+ Advanced support will likely be revealed. For those who recently purchased a 2025 Samsung TV, unfortunately, the new format will not be available, as it requires the specific hardware enhancements found in the 2026 models.
How to Enable HDR10+ Advanced on Your TV
For those lucky enough to own a compatible 2026 Samsung TV, enabling HDR10+ Advanced should be a straightforward process. Typically, Samsung TVs automatically detect and switch to the best available HDR format based on the content being played. When you start a Prime Video title that supports HDR10+ Advanced, your TV should automatically engage the format, and you may see a notification or indicator in the picture settings menu.
If you don’t see the enhanced picture, you may need to check your TV’s external device manager or picture settings to ensure that HDR10+ is enabled. It’s also important to have a high-speed HDMI cable if you’re using an external streaming device, though Prime Video’s built-in app on the TV will likely be the primary way to access this content. The process is designed to be seamless, ensuring that viewers can focus on the content rather than technical setup.
The Future of HDR Streaming
The introduction of HDR10+ Advanced marks a significant milestone in the evolution of streaming video. It demonstrates that streaming services are no longer just about convenience; they are also about delivering a premium cinematic experience that rivals physical media. As internet speeds continue to increase and compression technologies improve, we can expect even more advanced HDR formats to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a screen.
This development also puts pressure on other streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ to respond. While they have their own HDR strategies, often favoring Dolby Vision, the emergence of HDR10+ Advanced could force them to reconsider their approach. Dolby Vision remains a formidable competitor with its own dynamic metadata system, but HDR10+ has the advantage of being royalty-free, which could make it more appealing to some content creators and hardware manufacturers.
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, the arrival of HDR10+ Advanced is a win. It means that the investment in a premium 2026 Samsung TV will pay off with a noticeably better picture quality, especially for those who watch a lot of Prime Video content. The enhanced brightness and precision will make movies and shows more immersive, bringing you closer to the director’s original vision.
However, it also highlights the fast-paced nature of technology. If you’re not in the market for a new TV this year, you might feel left behind. But it’s worth noting that HDR10+ Advanced is an enhancement, not a complete overhaul. Existing HDR10+ content will still look great on your current TV, and the new format is just the next step in the ongoing journey toward perfect picture quality.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that HDR technology is not slowing down. The combination of brighter displays and smarter metadata is unlocking new levels of realism that were once the stuff of science fiction. With Prime Video leading the charge, we can expect other services to follow suit, and soon, HDR10+ Advanced could become the new standard for high-quality streaming.
For now, if you own a 2026 Samsung TV and a Prime Video subscription, get ready to see your favorite content in a whole new light. The future of home entertainment is brighter than ever, and it’s arriving later this month.
