Amazon Rolls Out Limited HDR-Quality Streams

Amazon is taking video quality up a notch on its Prime Instant Video service.

The Web giant on Wednesday released the debut season its original series, Mozart in the Jungle, along with the pilot episode of Red Oaks in high dynamic range (HDR). Though its selection of HDR content is limited at the moment, Amazon is the first video service to offer the premium visual quality.

What does this mean, exactly? Expect greater contrast on the screen, more detailed shadows, and distinct highlights for colors that appear richer, brighter, and more lifelike, Amazon said.

"HDR is a technical innovation that provides a truly stunning viewing experience and we're thrilled to be the first to offer this unmatched picture quality," Michael Paull, vice president of digital video at Amazon, said in a statement. "We can't wait for our Prime members to watch and re-watch Mozart in the Jungle in HDR."

The new HDR-quality streams are available at no additional cost beyond your Prime membership, but you'll need to watch on a Samsung SUHD TV or via the Amazon Video app to notice a difference.

Amazon first announced plans for HDR content in April, but the rollout begins now. The move comes after Amazon in December first started offering certain movies and TV shows on Prime Instant Video in 4K, or Ultra HD, which offers four times the number of pixels as standard full HD for ridiculously clear images. HDR takes things to the next level. Amazon said it's working with Hollywood studios and electronics companies to add more titles and devices that support HDR this year.

Meanwhile, Amazon's new show Mozart in the Jungle is a half-hour comedic drama from Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppolam and Paul Weitz. Amazon has already ordered a second season of the show, which will premiere early next year.

"It's been a great year for Mozart in the Jungle," Coppola said in a statement. "Now, having the first season available for fans in an upgraded visual experience is exciting — the enhanced quality makes every scene look even better and we hope it's something that our viewers really enjoy."