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This article details how Instagram for iOS now supports Dolby Vision and ambient viewing environment (amve) metadata to improve HDR video playback. It outlines the technical challenges faced during implementation and the steps taken to ensure a better viewing experience across different devices.
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Meta has enhanced the Instagram iOS app by integrating Dolby Vision and ambient viewing environment (amve) support, significantly improving the HDR video experience. Previously, Instagram lacked support for these features, causing issues with video representation, especially on low-brightness screens. Now, HDR videos created on iPhones include metadata for Dolby Vision and amve, allowing for better color, brightness, and contrast adjustments based on the viewer's environment.
The process involves three key stages: client processing, server processing, and consumption. During client processing, iPhones encode HDR videos with HEVC and add necessary metadata. However, in server processing, the metadata was previously discarded due to limitations with FFmpeg, affecting video quality. After gathering user feedback, Meta preserved this metadata throughout the workflow, improving playback quality across devices.
Implementing Dolby Vision was more complex than adding amve. The existing metadata specification for Dolby Vision required adjustments for compatibility with Metaβs encoding tools. Collaboration with FFmpeg developers led to the successful implementation of Dolby Vision Profiles 8 and 10, enabling the use of AV1 codec for delivery. Testing confirmed that videos with Dolby Vision metadata displayed brightness levels closely aligned with screen settings, validating the improvements before wider rollout.
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