Earlier this week, the BBC made its breathtaking Blue Planet II (BP2) series available to watch in UHD (ultra high-definition) resolution and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR format through the iPlayer app on compatible devices. We tested out the streamed episodes on 2017 4K televisions from major TV brands in the UK, and LG Electronics has emerged as the clear winner in showcasing the potential of this fledging broadcast HDR format.
Most of LG’s 2016 and 2017 OLEDs including the B6, E6, B7, C7 and E7 could play all seven episodes of Blue Planet 2 in UHD HDR using the TVs’ internal BBC iPlayer app, with the 2017 models displaying a notification on the top right of the screen once the display kicks into HLG HDR mode. The on-screen dynamic range was visibly expanded, presenting more specular highlight detail without clipping, which in turn enhanced the sense of depth derived from the picture.
At this time of publication, Samsung’s 2017 televisions including the MU series as well as QLED range haven’t received the necessary iPlayer update to play Blue Planet II in 4K HLG HDR, and it’s unclear whether said update will arrive in time for owners to enjoy the nature documentary before it expires on iPlayer on 16 January 2018 (thirty days after broadcast).
A similar fate has befallen owners of Sony Android TVs such as the Bravia XE90, XE93, XE94, A1 OLED and ZD9, who are also impatiently waiting for the promised Dolby Vision firmware upgrade. These televisions can only playback Blue Planet II in high-definition via their onboard iPlayer app.
Compatible Panasonic 4K TVs such as the EX750 LED LCD plus the EZ952 and EZ1002 OLEDs could play BP2 in HLG HDR using the internal BBC iPlayer app, but the picture was forced to an overly cool colour temperature and frame interpolation applied (probably Dynamic mode), which remained the same despite user menu settings adjustments.
The one Hisense TV we had in for testing (NU8700) played BP2 from iPlayer in UHD but not HDR. Unfortunately we didn’t have Philips or Loewe televisions in our test room to check. Hopefully manufacturers besides LG can work closely with the Beeb to bring the Blue Planet II HLG HDR experience to their customers before the series is pulled from iPlayer – it’s a visual spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
Will this update be rilled out to the 2015 models too? I thought HLG was supposed to be backwards compatible.
I purchased a Samsung UE49KS8000 in April 2017 and when requesting information about Samsung’s future roadmap for this product with respect to the iPlayer UHD project I received the following reply in December 2017.
“In reference to your concern, as for the information that we have received from our product specialist, I’m afraid that our legacy TV’s such as the KU or KS series are not included on this programming.”
So incredibly disappointing that a top manufacturer can regard a high-end UHD TV product that is still widely on sale as ‘legacy”.
This is total rubbish, after streaming this in store, the clear winner was Panasonic giving natural Colour without being saturated and the motion was better too. There is clipping on the LG model on the very first episode where Attenborough is on a ship, watch carefully.
Just to say I didn’t see the blown highlights as shown in your video when watching Blue Planet from BBC iPlayer in standard HD SDR on a Samsung QLED TV (waiting on Samsung to update the firmware for UHD HDR on iPlayer, not holding my breath).
I think its utterly disgraceful that Samsung are not updating a flagship TV that is only a year old. I bought a ks8000 in December 2016 because the reviews said that Samsung were committed to HLG. I don’t think its unreasonable to expect that a tv that is capable of playing this content should be updated by Samsung so that it can. I may never buy Samsung again.
This is working really well on the 2016 LG C6 OLED. I found it a bit hard to make sure I had iPlayer picking up the UHD HLG version but searching for Blue Planet 2 UHD does the trick and the HLG indicator then flashes up at the top right. Breathtaking PQ.
And unlike the 2017 tellies the C6 does 3d, so I won’t be downgrading by buying a new model any time soon.