Overview
IEC TR 63274:2021 - Power consumption of high dynamic range television sets is a Technical Report from the IEC that surveys the impact of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video on television power measurement. The report introduces HDR video technologies, describes existing TV power measurement methods, analyses market and technical challenges for HDR TVs, and outlines a path forward for developing HDR‑aware TV power measurement standards.
Keywords: IEC TR 63274:2021, HDR TV power consumption, high dynamic range, TV power measurement, HDR test clips
Key topics and technical scope
The report focuses on practical and technical aspects influencing HDR TV power consumption measurement, including:
- HDR video fundamentals - explanations of HDR formats and workflows (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision referenced in analysis workflows).
- Power measurement challenges - content analysis, HDR metadata, increased display technology complexity, and how these affect power draw.
- Dominant measurement aspects - average picture level (APL), luminance, mastering display brightness, colour gamut, colour depth and chroma subsampling, resolution, frame rate and aspect ratio.
- Test media and clip deliverables - criteria and requirements for a Final HDR Test Clip, scene ordering, optimisation to match power statistics, and recommended formats for delivery.
- Measurement procedures and analysis - content signal level analysis methods, workflows used in experimental studies, and guidance for converting between transfer functions (annex includes conversion steps from SMPTE ST 2084 to HLG).
- Broader considerations - ratings for SD vs HDR power consumption, standby and smart TV features (quick start, networked standby, applications), motion-based features, visual overlays and audio impacts.
Practical applications and intended users
IEC TR 63274 is aimed at stakeholders involved in measuring, regulating or minimising TV energy use in the era of HDR content:
- Test laboratories and conformity bodies - for developing reproducible HDR power test methods and HDR test clip assets.
- TV manufacturers and designers - to understand how HDR formats and display technologies influence device power consumption and to optimise hardware/firmware.
- Standards developers and policymakers - to inform future mandatory or voluntary energy measurement standards for HDR televisions.
- Energy efficiency programmes and regulators - to update rating procedures and energy labels that account for HDR content impacts.
Related standards and resources
- The report references consumer HDR formats and conversion methodologies (e.g., SMPTE ST 2084 to HLG conversion steps appear in Annex C).
- It complements existing TV power measurement standards and provides a technical basis for next‑generation standard development addressing HDR-specific measurement needs.
This Technical Report is a practical resource for anyone creating HDR test media, defining TV energy test methods, or comparing SD and HDR power consumption in modern display systems.