Movie Terms Wiki Filmmaking

PQ Curve

A perceptual quantizer transfer function standardized for HDR distribution.


PQ Curve

Definition

The Perceptual Quantizer (PQ) curve, formalized as SMPTE ST 2084, is a transfer function designed to encode HDR luminance in a way that aligns with human visual perception. Unlike gamma curves, PQ allocates code values to match the eye’s sensitivity across a 0.0001 to 10,000 cd/m² range.

Standardization and Use

Developed by Dolby and adopted by SMPTE, the PQ curve underpins HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ formats. It defines a PQ EOTF (electro-optical transfer function) for mastering displays and an inverse OETF (opto-electronic) for camera encoding.

Advantages

By matching perceptual steps, PQ minimizes banding and maximizes bit-depth utilization. It supports consistent HDR reproduction across varying display peak luminances, crucial for streaming and broadcast workflows.


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