Reference-Based Color Volume Remapping

Since wider color space formats combined with higher dynamic range (HDR) will be offered to consumers soon, compatibility with legacy devices must be considered. High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) video compression standard includes a new Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message that makes it possible to remap the colors of reconstructed pictures to other video formats. Dynamic reference-based metadata are included in the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc specification as an optional feature for converting an HDR signal into standard dynamic range images, in a manner that respects the artistic intent of the content creator. In this paper, a new workflow is described — and a robust algorithm is presented — for automatically deriving dynamic reference-based metadata. Performance of this technology is evaluated on a reference set of test sequences. The results of these subjective experiments have demonstrated good-to-excellent outcomes in terms of the quality of color remapping fidelity.