Revolutionizing HDR Imaging: Xiaomi Leads the Charge with Industry Giants

In an era where smartphone cameras are surpassing traditional cameras in popularity, Xiaomi is making waves by not just producing smartphones with state-of-the-art camera hardware available on the market but also aiming to extend its influence beyond hardware into the realm of image processing technology. The company is at the forefront of developing a new standard for High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging.

The World Ultra-HD Video Industry Alliance (UWA Alliance) has recently endorsed a project titled "Extended Dynamic Range (HDR) Still Images, Part 2: Single-Layer Format". This initiative is focused on creating a single-layer format for HDR still images, marking a significant step forward in HDR image processing. Xiaomi is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with the China Electronic Technology Standardization Institute, Huawei, Tencent, OPPO, and Honor. The project, aiming for completion by the end of 2024, seeks to establish a standardized framework for HDR image processing.

The UWA Alliance's certificate of approval reveals that the project sets standards for two types of HDR still image formats: single-layer and dual-layer. The dual-layer format combines HDR with Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), offering versatility in imaging, whereas the single-layer format exclusively caters to HDR.

The development of the dual-layer HDR distribution format is nearing completion and can be quickly finalized and released. However, the single-layer format requires more time and effort, and Xiaomi is dedicating its resources to this endeavor. The UWA Alliance highlights several advantages of single-layer HDR images, including:

• The ability to capture and create HDR images without the need for generating additional SDR content.
• More efficient editing of HDR images, eliminating the need to adjust the SDR part.
• Higher compression efficiency, which saves storage space and transmission bandwidth.
• The capability to separately erase personal information during HDR image distribution.

Upon completion, the new standard will define the distribution format for single-layer HDR images, encompassing image formatting, metadata, HDR to SDR conversion, as well as guidelines for creating, editing, transmitting, and viewing single-layer HDR images.

This collaborative effort not only underscores Xiaomi's leadership in innovation but also represents a significant leap forward for the imaging industry. By establishing a new standard for HDR imaging, Xiaomi and its partners are setting the stage for enhanced visual experiences, offering both professional photographers and everyday users the ability to capture and share more dynamic and vibrant images.