If you don't like the GUI, here is the FFmpeg command that HandBrake uses internally for Hable tone mapping:
HandBrakeCLI -i input_hdr.mkv -o output_sdr.mp4 \
--preset="Fast 1080p30" \
--colorspace="hable:peak=100" \
--encoder=x264 --quality=20 --vfr
The following settings are recommended for a high-quality HDR-to-SDR conversion in HandBrake (GUI version).
HDR content offers a wider range of colors, contrast, and brightness levels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. However, not all devices or platforms support HDR, which can limit the playback of HDR content. Converting HDR to SDR can make your videos more universally compatible, although it might come with a slight compromise in video quality. convert hdr to sdr handbrake
In newer versions of HandBrake (1.4.0 and later), the HDR-to-SDR conversion is handled via specific filters located in the Filters tab.
Legacy Note (For HandBrake versions prior to 1.4.0): Users had to manually select "Tone Mapping" filters. It is highly recommended to update to the latest version of HandBrake for the best quality color handling. If you don't like the GUI, here is
Solution: You are likely using "Lossless" or "Very Slow" presets. Use "Fast 1080p30" and set RF to 22. You do not need a 50GB SDR file; 8GB is plenty for SDR 1080p.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Output still washed out | Check color space = BT.709, not "same as source" | | Too dark | Use a brighter tone mapping (Hable) | | Banding artifacts | Increase quality RF (lower number) or use 10-bit encode | | Slow encoding | Use hardware encoder (NVENC/AMF) – but tone mapping may be software only | The following settings are recommended for a high-quality
Click Start Encode at the top. Expectation: This will be slow. Converting HDR to SDR is computationally heavy. A 2-hour movie on a modern 6-core CPU takes 2-4 hours.
This feature should be integrated into HandBrake's Preset system.
If you don't like the GUI, here is the FFmpeg command that HandBrake uses internally for Hable tone mapping:
HandBrakeCLI -i input_hdr.mkv -o output_sdr.mp4 \
--preset="Fast 1080p30" \
--colorspace="hable:peak=100" \
--encoder=x264 --quality=20 --vfr
The following settings are recommended for a high-quality HDR-to-SDR conversion in HandBrake (GUI version).
HDR content offers a wider range of colors, contrast, and brightness levels, providing a more immersive viewing experience. However, not all devices or platforms support HDR, which can limit the playback of HDR content. Converting HDR to SDR can make your videos more universally compatible, although it might come with a slight compromise in video quality.
In newer versions of HandBrake (1.4.0 and later), the HDR-to-SDR conversion is handled via specific filters located in the Filters tab.
Legacy Note (For HandBrake versions prior to 1.4.0): Users had to manually select "Tone Mapping" filters. It is highly recommended to update to the latest version of HandBrake for the best quality color handling.
Solution: You are likely using "Lossless" or "Very Slow" presets. Use "Fast 1080p30" and set RF to 22. You do not need a 50GB SDR file; 8GB is plenty for SDR 1080p.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Output still washed out | Check color space = BT.709, not "same as source" | | Too dark | Use a brighter tone mapping (Hable) | | Banding artifacts | Increase quality RF (lower number) or use 10-bit encode | | Slow encoding | Use hardware encoder (NVENC/AMF) – but tone mapping may be software only |
Click Start Encode at the top. Expectation: This will be slow. Converting HDR to SDR is computationally heavy. A 2-hour movie on a modern 6-core CPU takes 2-4 hours.
This feature should be integrated into HandBrake's Preset system.