IEC TR 62935:2016 PDF

Overview

IEC TR 62935:2016 - Measurement methods – High dynamic range video - is a Technical Report from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that introduces the concept of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, surveys related standards and marketplace activity, and proposes areas of HDR measurement that could be standardized. As a TR (informative, non‑normative), it sets the groundwork for future measurement methods and test‑signal definitions for HDR video systems, rather than specifying mandatory test procedures.

Key topics

• HDR fundamentals: definition of HDR vs SDR, scene vs display ranges, required higher bit depth and transfer functions to preserve extended dark-to‑bright spans.
• Historical context: evolution from film and analogue video through HD and Ultra‑HD to HDR-capable systems.
• Measurement focus areas (proposed for standardization):
  • Peak luminance / peak white measurement on HDR displays
  • Full‑screen black and low‑level noise floor assessment
  • Contrast ratio measurement across extended ranges
  • Colour gamut verification (WCG) and colour volume considerations
  • White point specification and measurement
  • Other display and signal related parameters that affect HDR presentation
• Related standards & activities: summary of industry work relevant to HDR (SMPTE study groups and ST 2084/ST 2086/ST 2036‑1, CEA‑861.3, HDMI 2.0a, ITU‑R BT.2020, ICDM, etc.).
• Market considerations: HDR content sources (cinema, Ultra HD Blu‑ray, streaming, broadcast) and ecosystem implications for measurement.

Practical applications & who uses it

IEC TR 62935 is useful to organizations preparing for or participating in HDR measurement standardization and testing:

• Display manufacturers - for defining test plans and validating HDR performance (peak luminance, black level, contrast, gamut).
• Test labs and certification bodies - to develop HDR measurement protocols and compare devices.
• Content creators & mastering facilities - to understand HDR display targets and measurement metrics for mastering and QC.
• Broadcasters and streaming services - to specify delivery requirements and verify playback devices.
• Standards developers and systems integrators - to coordinate measurement definitions across multiple standards.

Related standards

IEC TR 62935 references and summarizes relevant industry work including:

• SMPTE (ST 2084, ST 2086, ST 2036‑1 and HDR ecosystem activities)
• CEA‑861.3, HDMI 2.0a
• ITU‑R (including BT.2020)
• ICDM and other ecosystem contributors

IEC TR 62935:2016 is primarily a roadmap describing measurement needs and standardization opportunities for HDR video - a practical starting point for anyone involved in HDR testing, specification or product development.