Consumers still watching SDR and preferring enhanced picture modes: Insights from TP Vision 2025
Despite the growing availability of HDR content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and Disney+, most consumers are still watching SDR sources. This was revealed in a slide from TP Vision’s 2025 TV lineup introduction, which analyzed real-world TV usage data (referring to Big Data as the source). On top of that, the findings highlight another point – at least for Philips TV owners – a was majority is using picture presets which are not color-accurate to filmmaker’s intention and feature oversaturated colors, boosted contrast and increased sharpness.
SDR still dominates viewing habits
The data presented by TP Vision indicates that most TV usage is dedicated to SDR content. This aligns with previous industry reports showing that many households still rely on broadcast television, cable, and legacy content rather than exclusively consuming HDR-enabled material. In addition, the sales of Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which is the only physical media on which HDR video is usually present is significantly lower of DVDs and standard Blu-ray discs. More about it in this article on FlatPanelsHD.
While HDR offers superior dynamic range and color accuracy, adoption remains slower than anticipated, likely due to a mix of factors including availability, personal habits, and the continued prevalence of SDR content across various media platforms.
Consumers prefer enhanced picture modes over accuracy
Another key takeaway from the data is the preference for exaggerated picture styles over the most accurate modes. While picture settings such as Filmmaker Mode and Home Cinema are designed to reproduce content as intended by creators, barely anyone is using them. It is clear that many people never even open the Picture settings menu and see which options are available there, but still, the statistics from Philips are really surprising.
The top-used picture modes from the dataset include:
- Crystal Clear (36.1%)
- Personal (34.5%)
- Home Cinema (13.2%)
- Game (4.5%)
- Filmmaker mode (3.9%)
Other modes such as HDR Filmmaker, HDR Home Cinema, and various Dolby Vision settings show near-zero adoption. This suggests that consumers favor image processing that boosts contrast, color saturation, and sharpness, rather than a purist approach.
The role of AI and picture processing
One major takeaway from this data is the importance of AI-driven picture processing. Since many viewers opt for modes like Crystal Clear and Personal, which enhance the image beyond its original intent, manufacturers may continue focusing on AI-based upscaling, color enhancement, and motion smoothing.
This trend reinforces the demand for TVs that cater to consumer preferences rather than strict cinematic accuracy. While enthusiasts and professionals advocate for modes like Filmmaker Mode, most average users prefer a visually striking image over a reference-grade one.
Conclusion
The data from TP Vision’s presentation underscores a clear reality: the majority of consumers still watch SDR content and prefer enhanced picture styles over accuracy. This has significant implications for TV manufacturers, streaming services, and content creators, who may need to balance technical fidelity with user expectations.
As AI-driven picture processing continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether future TV models shift towards automatic optimization based on user preferences or if industry efforts to promote accurate picture modes will gain more traction.
Till then, we encourage you to pursue accurate image on your TV and follow tips which we publish on TV Calibration with Darko YouTube channel.
Source of the screenshot from Philips presentation: HDTVtest video: https://youtu.be/T_n1bomSkkk?si=p1jjq2FvTivvMyw_
