The invention relates to an adaptive format conversion method based on high dynamic range video, comprising: acquiring parameters or user-defined parameters of a terminal display device through EDID (extended display identification data); setting a converter at the terminal display device to perform signal type conversion or video image processing on program signals, or setting an encoder at a server to re-encode the program signals so that the signals adapt to the terminal display device; receiving, by the terminal display device, a video file, or decoding, by the terminal display device, video bit streaming or the video file. The compatibility problem between HDR (high dynamic range) video and/or SDR (standard dynamic range) video program sources of different formats and different display devices is well solved, processing may be performed according to user-defined parameters, the program sources of different formats may also be adaptively displayed on different display devices in optimal state, steps for the display devices to set different parameters according to the different program sources are omitted, and operation is more facilitated for a user.