HDMI 2.0 increased the maximum bandwidth to 18 Gbit/s (which our HDMI 2.0b series max out) to allow for 4K video at 60 Hz with HDR enabled among a plethora of other features such as more audio channels, higher audio sample frequencies, 4:2:0 chroma subsampling and support for a 21:9 aspect ratio. But what does HDMI 2.0b bring?
HDMI 2.0b adds increased support for the high dynamic (HDR) range standard, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG). The purpose of HLG is to deliver a more convenient HDR solution for the broadcast world than the HDR10 system since broadcasters have very limited bandwidth. HLG can combine HDR (High Dynamic Range) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) in the same TV signal, thus saving broadband for more channels. This paves the way for brighter and more vivid content from broadcasters.
If your TV supports HLG, you’ll be able to enjoy HDR in streamed videos from video services such as YouTube, BBC’s iPlayer, Freeview Play, DirecTV and even the 2020 Summer Olympics. Check if your TV supports HLG. Most large TV manufacturers have released HLG-compatible TVs in 2018 and 2019 while some older TVs are getting firmware updates to get HLG support.