Quick Ways to Convert HDR to SDR [Includes Best AI Tool]

HDR quality is pleasing and preferable for users as it displays clear, sharp, and high-quality images, which are lacking in SDR due to fewer details and colors. However, these details can cost you your storage space and may not run smoothly on old or some new devices. In such a case, you may decrease the video's resolution or convert HDR to SDR without compromising on the quality.

In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on the five best HDR to SDR converters to help you seamlessly convert your video files. We will also assist you with their advantages and drawbacks to help you decide which one to choose. Let's find them out one by one, but first, understand what HDR and SDR are and their differences

What is HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is the newest technology to enhance video images and quality. It provides a better video-viewing experience with clarity and sharpness for detailed photos. HDR is preferred for videos that have high contrast, shadows, and mixed light. They offer a picture quality and color gamut that is as good as visible to the naked eye. There are many types of HDR; the common ones include Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HDR 10+. You must know that HDR files require HDR-compatible devices to run smoothly. It includes modern media players, monitors, and smart TVs.

What is SDR

SDR, or Standard Dynamic Range, is a video standard in non-4K HDTVs or theatres. Some SDR displayers can display excellent image quality; however, they can't match the contrast of HDR. Many users prefer SDR over HDR as it consumes low disk space and is compatible with general devices.

Differences Between HDR Vs. SDR

HDR users can see higher details of images with greater clarity and sharpness. On the contrary, SDR users also have decent photos, but they are not as great as HDR, especially in terms of colors and details. However, there's more to HDR and SDR than image clarity and quality. Let's take a look at the differences between them. For more details, you can refer to this post: HDR vs SDR.

Many tools and software are available to convert HDR to SDR, but traditional ways compromise video quality. Hence, you can opt for AI software to convert your HDR videos to SDR lossless, preserving the original quality. Let's find out how.

Method 1: Best AI Way to Decode Video from HDR to SDR Using UniFab Video Converter Pro

UniFab Video Converter Pro

UniFab Video Converter Pro is a great HDR to SDR converter, allowing you to convert your video files to 1000+ formats. It has a 3-in-1 video editing tool with video conversion, editing, and production functions. 

Features:

• Converts video to any video format without losing quality
• Compress videos to format while preserving the original quality
• Offers flexible customization parameters of the videos
• GPU acceleration helps attain 50x faster conversion speed
• Video editing ability, such as croping, adding effect and watermark
• Assist with professional video creation tools
• Helps to stabilize your video files
• Assist with professional video creation tools

Reasons to Avoid

• It does not offer extensive video editing features
• Two separate clients for video creating and editing

How to Use UniFab Video Converter Pro 

 

Method 2: Convert HDR to SDR with Handbrake

Handbrake is another great recommendation to convert HDR to SDR. It is an excellent free and open-source tool that converts your videos into MP4 or MKV format. It has many readymade profiles for standard and HD quality. However, its UI can be complex to understand for amateurs.

Reasons to Use

• Converts videos to WebM, MKV, or MP4 formats
• Easily removes comb artifacts because of interlacing and telecine

Reasons to Avoid

• Cannot mix numerous video files into one video
• Creates Blu-ray or DVD discs

Step by Step Guide for HDR to SDR Conversion Using Handbrake

Step 1: Open Handbrake and import your 4K HDR video into Handbrake. Wait until it scans your file and displays the detailed file information in the Source section.

Step 2: Select an output profile from the right section. Choose Production Standard from Production. Or, under the Legacy column, choose the general profile.

Step 3: Choose an MP4 or MKV format and confirm your chosen resolution. Choose the video quality and a preferred video codec like MPEG-2, MPEG-4, HEVC, or H264.

Step 4: Touch the Browse tab to pick your destination folder.

Step 5: Click the Start Encode button to initiate the HDR to SDR conversion.

Method 3: Convert HDR to SDR with Convertio

When you are looking for HDR to SDR conversion or SDR to HDR upscale, Convertio is a great free software to help you with both. However, you must note that Convertio is available only to change the color gamut and range of images between HDR and SDR.

Reasons to Use

• Does not need to register or install the software
• Offers a wide range of formats

Reasons to Avoid

• The conversion speed is quite slow
• Limits the video file size

Step by Step Guide for HDR to SDR Conversion Using Convertio

Step 1: Move to the Convertio HDR Converter page.

Step 2: Click the Choose File tab to add the HDR image.

Step 3: Choose the SDR color gamut.

Step 4: Tap the Convert button to change HDR to SDR.

Method 4: Transcode HDR to SDR with FFmpeg

FFmpeg is another HDR to SDR converter that makes a great suggestion as it is freely accessible to all users. FFmpeg is an open-source software offering various programs and libraries to convert audio and video files easily, including converting HDR to SDR. Its cross-platform availability makes it easy to use on all devices.

Reasons to Use

• Allows to preview audio/video files while conversion
• Supports multiple input and output devices

Reasons to Avoid

• A steep learning curve is challenging to learn and master for beginners
• Occasionally experience bugs and issues that cause crashes or instability

Step by Step Guide for HDR to SDR Conversion Using FFmpeg

Step 1: Visit the FFmpeg official site to download the software.

Step 2: Extract the FFmpeg to a folder. Then, extract the zip file contents to a new folder.

Step 3: Once your batch file is created, paste the below-mentioned code.

F:\Torrents2\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe -i F:\Torrents2\ffmpeg\bin\video-input.mp4 -vf zscale=t=linear:npl=100,format=gbrpf32le,

zscale=p=bt709,tonemap=tonemap=hable:desat=0,zscale=t=bt709:m=bt709:r=tv,format=yuv420p -c:v libx264 -crf 25 -r:v 30

-c:a copy -preset ultrafast -tune fastdecode -max_muxing_queue_size 1024 F:\Torrents2\ffmpeg\bin\video-output.mp4

Save this as your batch file by adding .bat at the end of your file's name and put it in the bin folder.

Step 4: Load your HDR video into F:\Torrents2\ffmpeg\bin\ and rename it to "video-input.mp4".

Step 5: Open the Run box by pressing the Windows key and R key together.

Step 6: Run the Command Prompt by typing cmd and clicking OK.

Step 7: Now, type the convert.bat file to begin the conversion. Your 4K HEVC 10bit HDR video will convert to an SDR video named video-output-mp4.

Method 5: Use Final Cut Pro to Convert HDR to SDR

If you are looking for a non-linear video editor, Final Cut Pro can be your best pick. This HDR to SDR converter is great for Mac users. Whether your MXF or MOV files are encoded with (HLG) Hybrid Log Gamma or PQ (Perceptual Quantizer), Final Cut Pro supports converting all the HDR files.

Reasons to Use

• Supports 360-degree footage and vast color spaces
• Fast performance

Reasons to Avoid

• Uncomfortable timeline when dealing with multiple audio and video files
• It Consumes a lot of space

Step by Step Guide for HDR to SDR Conversion Using Final Cut Pro

Step 1: Launch Final Cut Pro on your macOS.

Step 2: Import the HDR video to be converted into the program.

Step 3: Open the Effects browser and choose the Color category.

Step 4: Tap the HDR Tools twice and add the effect to your selected video.

Step 5: Tap the Inspector button at the right section of the toolbar.

Step 6: Tap the Video tab at the top of the inspector.

Step 7: Open the Mode pop-up menu in the inspector's HDR Tools section and choose HDR to Rec. 709 SDR to Rec. 709 standard-dynamic-range (SDR) luminance levels.

Step 8: To set a clip's maximum luminance on display to a specific level, drag the Peak Brightness (nits) slider, say, 1000 nits.

Step 9: Drag the Mix slider to optionally set the amount of the original image that is to be blended with the adjusted image.

Comparison of all the HDR to SDR Converters

Let's compare all the HDR to SDR converters to see how the AI video editor differs from other traditional software on the basis of its ease of use, speed, and, of course, price.

The Bottom Line

HDR offers superior video quality and color space than SDR. However, many users prefer SDR as they can run efficiently on all devices. Knowing HDR to SDR conversion helps you work with your videos in different situations. We have deeply discussed HDR, SDR, and their differences for profound clarity on the subject. We have also offered you the best methods to convert HDR to SDR in simple steps. However, if you are seeking a reliable AI tool that helps with lossless conversion, UniFab Video Converter Pro can be the best fit.