- Dolby Vision 2 introduces AI-powered Content Intelligence, including Precision Black and Light Sense for smarter HDR.
- Dolby Vision 2 Max adds Authentic Motion, letting filmmakers control how motion looks scene by scene.
- Hisense is the first TV brand to support the format using the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip.
- Content partners like Canal+ are on board, but broad adoption will take time.
Dolby has officially unveiled Dolby Vision 2, the next generation of its industry-leading HDR format. Designed to enhance both picture quality and motion handling, this new standard is set to replace the current Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision IQ.
Alongside it, Dolby is also introducing Dolby Vision 2 Max, a premium version engineered specifically for the most advanced televisions on the market, including cutting-edge OLED and RGB mini-LED models.
While Dolby Vision has long been recognized for its ability to adapt images to the capabilities of individual displays, Dolby Vision 2 takes that concept several steps further. With an upgraded image engine, AI-powered features called Content Intelligence, and a revolutionary motion system, Dolby says this update redefines how HDR can look and feel in the home.
Content Intelligence Brings Smarter Adaptation
At the core of Dolby Vision 2 is something Dolby calls Content Intelligence. This suite of new tools aims to make images not only brighter and clearer but also more faithful to the creative intent of filmmakers.
One key feature, Precision Black, addresses a long-standing frustration among TV owners: dark scenes that appear too murky to follow. Precision Black intelligently brightens shadow detail without ruining the cinematic look directors intended. For fans who still recall the near-unwatchable dark battle episodes in shows like Game of Thrones, this could be the answer they have been waiting for.
Another highlight is Light Sense, an evolution of the adaptive brightness system found in Dolby Vision IQ. Unlike its predecessor, Light Sense does more than just react to room lighting. It combines real-time ambient light data with the reference lighting values embedded in the content itself. The result is a more accurate image that looks good both in a dim home theater and in a bright living room.
Sports broadcasts will also see targeted improvements. Dolby has added optimizations for white point adjustments and motion control designed to keep fast-paced action looking crisp without blurring or washing out colors.
A New Image Engine for Next-Gen TVs
Underpinning Dolby Vision 2 is a redesigned image engine. Dolby has not gone into extensive detail yet, but the company says this upgraded processing system unlocks new levels of performance for both creators and viewers. For filmmakers, it offers expanded creative options when mastering content.
For viewers, it means HDR that is not only brighter but also more refined, with smoother transitions and greater fidelity on compatible TVs.
Dolby claims that content mastered in Dolby Vision 2 will look “even more astonishing” when played back on a Dolby Vision 2-capable display. While this may sound like a broad marketing pitch, the combination of AI-driven adjustments and a next-gen processing engine suggests that the improvements will be more noticeable than incremental.
Authentic Motion: Giving Filmmakers Control of Movement
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is reserved for Dolby Vision 2 Max, the high-end variant. Dolby is introducing a feature called Authentic Motion, which it describes as the world’s first creative-driven motion control tool.
Instead of relying solely on a TV’s internal motion settings, Authentic Motion lets filmmakers fine-tune motion handling on a scene-by-scene or even shot-by-shot basis during production.
This could finally resolve a long-running tension in home theater: how to preserve the cinematic feel of 24 frames per second without introducing distracting judder, or worse, the soap-opera effect caused by aggressive motion smoothing.
With Authentic Motion, creators can encode their preferred motion look directly into the content, and TVs can render it exactly as intended. That means smoother panning shots, less judder, and more consistent cinematic quality without viewers needing to adjust TV settings.
While Dolby is positioning this as a premium feature for flagship displays, it could also benefit mid-range TVs where motion processing is less advanced. Even high-end models often ship with imperfect motion handling out of the box, so Authentic Motion may prove valuable across the board.
Dolby Vision 2 vs Dolby Vision 2 Max
The new format comes in two flavors.
- Dolby Vision 2 is the standard upgrade. It includes Content Intelligence, the improved image engine, and overall enhancements to HDR. It is designed for mainstream televisions and will gradually replace the current Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision IQ.
- Dolby Vision 2 Max is tailored to the most advanced displays. Beyond everything in the standard version, it introduces Authentic Motion and advanced tone mapping designed to squeeze every ounce of performance out of OLED and RGB mini-LED panels. This version is aimed squarely at enthusiasts who want the best possible cinematic experience.
Who is Supporting Dolby Vision 2?
Hisense is the first television brand to confirm support, specifically on models powered by the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip. This includes some of the company’s latest high-end mini-LED sets, including a massive 116-inch model that has already impressed reviewers with its brightness and color accuracy.
Other TV manufacturers are keeping their plans quiet for now. Dolby says it is in discussions with all the major players, though Samsung is expected to continue favoring its HDR10+ format rather than Dolby Vision. For content production, Canal+ has already committed to supporting Dolby Vision 2, with more studios and broadcasters likely to follow once the ecosystem matures.
The Road Ahead for Dolby Vision 2
Availability is still an open question. Dolby has announced the standard but has not confirmed a rollout schedule. That means even if new TVs support the format, content must also be produced or remastered with Dolby Vision 2 features to take advantage of its full potential.
For consumers, this could create a transitional period where Dolby Vision 2-capable TVs mostly play existing Dolby Vision content without the advanced improvements. Over time, as more movies, shows, and sports broadcasts adopt the new mastering process, viewers will start to see the difference.
Final Take
Dolby Vision 2 represents more than just another HDR upgrade. With its smarter Content Intelligence, advanced image engine, and especially the groundbreaking Authentic Motion system, it is poised to reshape the way we experience movies, shows, and sports at home.
If the adoption from TV makers and content producers is broad enough, Dolby Vision 2 could become the new baseline for premium viewing. For now, Hisense is leading the charge, but the industry will be watching closely to see which brands and studios step up next.
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