YouTube has added High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback for Microsoft’s Xbox consoles, rolling out support for the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
What this change means for Xbox users
The update enables richer colors and improved image quality for HDR-capable videos played through the YouTube app on supported Xbox models. Actual image improvements depend on the user’s display and overall setup.
How to ensure HDR is working
First, confirm that your TV or monitor supports HDR. If the display is HDR-capable, the YouTube app will automatically configure videos for HDR playback.
Also verify the console’s maximum output resolution, since that can affect playback. To confirm that a YouTube video is playing in HDR on an Xbox, open the “Stats for nerds” panel and check for the format label “HDR PQ Rec.2020.”
Background and platform context
Microsoft’s Xbox One family has supported HDR for other streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Until now, however, YouTube HDR videos were not compatible with Xbox consoles despite the feature having been promised as far back as 2017.
YouTube HDR content has already been available on Sony’s PlayStation 4, and support is expected to arrive for the PlayStation 5 at a later time.
