Dolby Vision 2 brings Next-Gen HDR With AI-Powered Content Intelligence, Authentic Motion, and Smarter TV Optimization
Dolby has officially launched Dolby Vision 2, the next generation of its world-leading HDR format, more than a decade after the debut of the original Dolby Vision. Unlike traditional HDR that only optimizes tone mapping and brightness, Dolby Vision 2 brings AI-driven Content Intelligence, advanced motion smoothing, and smarter ambient light optimization to deliver a truly cinematic home entertainment experience.
Dolby Vision 2 introduces Content Intelligence tools that use artificial intelligence to adapt picture settings based on what you’re watching, your device, and your viewing environment. This builds on Dolby Vision IQ and ensures the best HDR experience across TVs, projectors, and streaming platforms.
Key features include:
- Precision Black – Improves clarity in dark scenes while preserving the filmmaker’s intent.
- Light Sense – Adjusts brightness and color dynamically using ambient light detection combined with reference lighting data.
- Bi-Directional Tone Mapping – Enables creators and premium TVs to deliver higher brightness, sharper contrast, and richer colors.
- Authentic Motion: Solving the Soap Opera Effect
Motion smoothing has long been controversial, often criticized for creating the dreaded “soap opera effect.” With Dolby Vision 2’s new Authentic Motion feature, creators can now control motion smoothing on a shot-by-shot basis, reducing judder while preserving an authentically cinematic look. Dolby claims this is the first creative-driven motion control tool for HDR displays.
Hisense will be the first TV brand to launch Dolby Vision 2-powered displays, using the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip. Other major brands like LG, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and Roku—already supporting Dolby Vision—are expected to announce updates soon.
Dolby Vision 2 is backward-compatible, meaning existing Dolby Vision content will still play normally, but only Dolby Vision 2-certified TVs can process the additional metadata for enhanced visuals.
To make things simpler for buyers, Dolby has introduced two certification tiers:
- Dolby Vision 2 Max – Reserved for high-end, premium TVs with maximum performance features.
- Dolby Vision 2 – For mainstream TVs that still deliver improved HDR picture quality.
With AI-driven optimization, advanced HDR tone mapping, and authentic cinematic motion control, Dolby Vision 2 goes far beyond standard HDR formats. For consumers, this means more immersive movies, sharper streaming, and lifelike sports experiences on the best 4K and 8K TVs.
