HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision FAQ
Do Streambox products support HDR and Dynamic HDR Metadata?
All products currently for sale support the ACT-L5 codec, which supports HDR color by virtue of supporting 4:2:2 chroma subsampling and 10-bit color. Additionally, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 12-bit color are available together as an optional add-on.
For Dynamic HDR Metadata support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, we have the optional add-on called Dolby Vision which is supported for Chroma rackmount hardware.
What Streambox products can be used for Dolby Vision/HRD10+ workflow?:
Hardware: Chroma 4K, UHD, Chroma HD, Chroma X, Chroma+ (Chroma Plus), Halo
Currently we provide native Dolby Vision tunneling/metadata transmission on Chroma+ only.
We have plans to update regular Chroma Rackmounts for this, but it requires a kernel image update, and is not ready for release. The fastest way for you to utilize existing Chroma with either HDMI out via or SDI->HDMI convertor and Vizio TV.
What are the requirements for Dolby Vision/HDR10+?
This feature requires Chroma Encoder (including Chroma 4K, UHD, HD, and X models) with the 4:4:4 12-bit software add-on option. The Encoder must be in in ACT-L5 mode, with Encoder version 5.102.* or greater.
Rackmount models require 12-bit cards option (default for Chroma 4K).
Streambox Dolby Vision license is required for Metadata capture, transmission and tunneling.
What is the Difference between Dolby Vision in 12-bit RGB, Dolby Vision Metadata and Dolby Vision Tunneling?
Using Dolby Vision in 12-bit RGB:
Streambox hardware units with the added 4:4:4/12-bit license can be used for the direct Dolby Vision workflow in 12-bit RGB. The Streambox Encoder accepts the video using SDI output of Color grading software with internal CMU or Dolby Vision CMU, so it's already tone-mapped. The Streambox Decoder will output to reference monitor in 12-bit SDI.
This mode does not require Dolby Vision license on Streambox.
Using Dolby Vision Metadata:
To capture, transmit and decode Dolby Vision Metadata, both 12-bit SDI and Dolby Vision licenses are required (purchased from Streambox). To check license, open System tab, select Features, and find the Dolby Vision checkbox.
Your color grading software should be configured to work with external CMU.
- Enable Dolby Vision Metadata in Metadata tab of the Encoder to capture Dolby Vision Metadata over SDI.
- On Decoder side, you can select CMU or Dolby Vision Tunneling mode (over HDMI -- see below)
- When CMU is selected Streambox will output Metadata over SDI that can be connected to Dolby Vision external CMU.
Using Dolby Vision tunneling mode:
Using Dolby Vision tunneling mode, Chroma+ will output Dolby Vision Metadata over HDMI. Chroma+ is the only mode that supports this mode, and it should be used with TVs that support Dolby Vision.
Can Streambox pass Dolby Vision Metadata?
Yes, with Streambox's Dolby Vision License activated on the supported hardware in use, both at the sending and receiving end.
How may I receive and play back Dolby Vision Signal with Streambox?
Chroma+ can receive a stream with the embedded Dolby Vision signal (video/audio plus metadata) from Chroma Encoder (all versions) and play back via HDMI to Dolby Vision compatible TV. Streambox plans to add support for DV tunneling to additional platforms besides Chroma+.
Does Streambox Chroma perform tone mapping?
No. Streambox can pass 12-bit signal and Metadata to Dolby Vision TV or CMU for tone mapping. Streambox can pass 12-bit tone mapped signal from color grading software's iCMU or an eCMU at the input end, via a Streambox Stream, to reference monitor.
Does Streambox support 4K Dolby Vision workflow?
Yes, Streambox supports 4K, UHD, 2K and HD in Dolby Vision.
What TVs were tested with Streambox Chroma+ HDMI tunneling?
LG C8, Vizio TV with Dolby Vision, TLC with Dolby Vision
Does Streambox Media Player or Streambox Iris support Dolby Vision workflow?
Not at this time.
Dolby Vision is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.