PixelTools launches SDR-to-HDR plugin suite for DaVinci Resolve workflows

The immediate implication is a lower barrier to entry for independent post-production houses facing rising client demand for HDR deliverables. As streaming giants like Disney+ and Netflix increasingly require HDR-native material, tools that bridge the gap between archival SDR masters and modern standards are essential for catalog monetization. Bypassing complex manual node trees for automated, nit-accurate analysis allows boutique shops to scale their finishing capacity. Expect to watch for the adoption of similar automated DCTL scripts among DPs and finishing artists as the industry transitions toward an HDR-first production strategy throughout 2026.

The launch of PixelTools' HDR Toolkit coincides with a broader industry push toward automated color management and the emergence of advanced HDR standards. Per Blackmagic Design, April 2026, the release of DaVinci Resolve 21 introduced MultiMaster trim passes and specialized AI search tools, signaling a shift toward managing complex deliveries within a single timeline. This software evolution follows findings reported by Prasad Corp that over 85% of all streaming content is expected to be HDR-compatible by late 2026, driven by the fact that HDR TVs now account for 80% of new display sales.

Simultaneously, the competitive landscape for SDR-to-HDR conversion is shifting toward AI-driven reconstruction. In July 2026, Beeble announced SwitchHDR, a frontier model that uses scene-linear reconstruction to rebuild highlight data rather than simply stretching existing SDR signals. This follows the June 2026 update to Topaz Video AI, which utilizes the Hyperion model for inverse tone mapping. While these AI tools offer aggressive visual enhancement, PixelTools' DCTL-based approach caters to colorists who prioritize maintaining the original creative grade while technical metadata requirements grow more complex.

The ecosystem is further complicated by the arrival of next-generation formats like Dolby Vision 2 and HDR10+ Advanced. Per HDR10+ Technologies, December 2025, licensing for HDR10+ Advanced has begun, offering dynamic metadata that supports up to 10,000 nits and intelligent motion smoothing. As major distributors like Amazon Prime Video commit to these higher-spec formats, post-production tools must provide granular control over diffuse white and peak nit limiting to ensure deliverables pass increasingly stringent Quality Control (QC) reports.