Does ClonerAlliance UHD Halo support HDR?

No, ClonerAlliance UHD Halo does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range) recording. All recordings are captured in SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) format. If you connect an HDR source, the device will automatically convert the HDR signal to SDR for recording.

HDR Support Summary

Feature

Support Status

HDR Recording

❌ Not supported

HDR Passthrough

❌ Not supported (converts to SDR)

SDR Recording

✅ Full support (all resolutions)

HDR to SDR Conversion

✅ Automatic

Dolby Vision

❌ Not supported

HDR10/HDR10+

❌ Not supported

What Happens with HDR Sources?

When you connect an HDR-capable device (like PS5, Xbox Series X, or 4K Blu-ray player) to UHD Halo:

https://s1.occld.com/image/ca/kb/ca-989uh_hdr-to-sdr.jpg
  1. HDR Input: Device outputs HDR10/HDR10+ signal via HDMI

  2. Automatic Conversion: UHD Halo converts HDR to SDR in real-time

  3. SDR Recording: Recorded file is in standard dynamic range (Rec. 709)

  4. SDR Passthrough: Connected monitor/TV also receives SDR signal

Recording Specifications

All recordings use standard dynamic range specifications:

Parameter

Specification

Color Space

YUV 4:2:0

Color Standard

Rec. 709 (SDR)

Bit Depth

8-bit

Dynamic Range

Standard Dynamic Range (SDR)

Chroma Subsampling

4:2:0

Why UHD Halo Focuses on High Frame Rates Over HDR

UHD Halo is specifically designed to excel at high frame rate capture, which is often more important than HDR for many use cases:

https://s1.occld.com/image/ca/kb/ca-989uh_fps-vs-hdr.jpg

Priority: Motion Smoothness

  • True 4K@60fps: Smooth, fluid motion for fast-paced content

  • 1080p@120fps: Ultra-smooth recordings for competitive gaming

  • No Frame Drops: Consistent performance at advertised frame rates

Why Frame Rate Matters More:

Gaming Content: 60fps makes gameplay much smoother than HDR adds visual quality

Sports Recording: High frame rates reduce motion blur in fast action

Live Streaming: Most streaming platforms prioritize frame rate over HDR

Editing Flexibility: 60fps footage allows smooth slow-motion effects at 50% speed

Platform Support: YouTube, Twitch support high frame rates; HDR support is limited

Comparison: HDR vs High Frame Rate

Feature

HDR (Not on UHD Halo)

High Frame Rate (UHD Halo)

Gaming

Better colors, contrast

Smoother motion, less blur

Sports

Richer visuals

Fluid action, no judder

Streaming

Limited platform support

Universal platform support

Editing

Complex color grading

Easy slow-motion at 2x

File Size

Larger files

Larger than 30fps, manageable

Playback

Needs HDR display

Works on any display

Real-World Impact

SDR Recording Quality Is Excellent

Modern SDR recording at 4K@60fps provides:

  • Outstanding clarity: 4K resolution captures fine details

  • Smooth motion: 60fps eliminates choppy playback

  • Great colors: SDR Rec. 709 offers vibrant, accurate colors

  • Professional quality: Suitable for content creation, archiving, streaming

HDR Isn’t Essential for Most Content

  • YouTube: Most viewers don’t have HDR displays; SDR reaches wider audience

  • Twitch/Streaming: Real-time platforms prioritize smooth frame rates

  • Editing: SDR is easier to edit and grade in most video editors

  • Archival: SDR ensures long-term compatibility

When HDR Recording Matters

HDR recording IS important if:

  • Cinematic Productions: Creating professional cinematic content

  • Color Grading: Need maximum flexibility in post-production color work

  • HDR Distribution: Target audience has HDR displays and content platform supports it

  • Documentary Work: Capturing wide dynamic range scenes (bright skies + dark shadows)

For these specialized needs, consider dedicated cinema cameras or professional video recorders that support HDR workflow.

Alternative Options

If you need HDR recording:

Option 1: Dedicated HDR Capture Cards

  • AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (GC573)

  • Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2

  • Trade-off: Usually PCIe internal cards, more expensive, PC-dependent

Option 2: Camera Recording

  • Use HDMI output to HDR-capable camera/recorder

  • Trade-off: More expensive, complex setup

Option 3: Console/PC Direct Recording

  • Use built-in capture features (PS5, Xbox, OBS)

  • Trade-off: Performance impact, limited flexibility

Note

UHD Halo’s strength is standalone 4K@60fps recording without PC, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and general video capture where smooth motion matters most.

What IS Supported

While HDR isn’t supported, UHD Halo excels at:

4K@60fps Recording: True 4K resolution at smooth 60fps

1080p@120fps Recording: Ultra-smooth for competitive gaming

Zero Latency Passthrough: Real-time preview with no delay

USB Type-C DP Recording: Record from phones, tablets, laptops

Multiple Bitrate Options: 40-60 Mbps for quality/storage balance

AAC Audio: High-quality stereo audio recording

Standalone Operation: No PC required