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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Dolby has announced Dolby Vision 2, a “groundbreaking” HDR format.
- DV2 will bring several quality upgrades and fix one big complaint.
- Hisense TVs will be among the first to support the new tech.
The next generation of HDR is here.
Dolby unveiled Dolby Vision 2, the successor to Dolby Vision HDR that debuted a little more than a decade ago, the company said Tuesday. Calling it a “groundbreaking evolution of its industry-leading picture quality innovation,” Dolby explained that its latest technology would bring several upgrades over the current Dolby Vision and fix one of the most common complaints.
What’s new with Dolby Vision 2?
Dolby said that it has a “robust” content pipeline that includes movies and TV shows, weekly live sports broadcasts, and games that would take advantage of Dolby Vision 2.
At the core of the new tech is something the company is calling “content intelligence.” This introduces new tools, Dolby said, that optimize your viewing (using AI, of course) based on what and where you’re watching.
Also: Samsung will give you a free 65-inch TV right now – here’s how to qualify for the deal
The company acknowledged that one of the most common complaints about Dolby Vision is that images can often be too dark, making it hard to see details. Content intelligence will include “precision black” that improves clarity in darker scenes. In addition, a “Light Sense” feature will fine-tune picture quality by detecting ambient light and optimizing your picture to adjust, Dolby explained.
Also new:
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Authentic Motion, the “world’s first creative-driven motion control tool” to make scenes feel more cinematic (creators will be able to use this on “a shot-by-shot basis”)
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A redesigned and even more powerful image engine
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Bi-directional tone-mapping that takes advantage of today’s brighter-than-ever TVs for improved brightness, sharper contrast, and deeply saturated colors
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Sports and gaming optimization modes that let you fine-tune things like white point adjustments and motion control
In short, all of these features are designed to ensure that what you see at home is what the creatives behind the content intended for you to see. That’s not to say that existing models, including our top picks, are not worthy of being set in your living room.
Which TVs will get Dolby Vision 2 first?
Like most new technologies, it takes some time to reach wide availability. Hisense (which has produced some of the best sets over the past few years) will be the first TV to support Dolby Vision 2 with its RGB-MiniLED line. It’s almost certain we’ll see more TVs join the lineup at January’s CES.
Dolby explained that its new technology will be available in two tiers: the top-of-the-line Dolby Vision 2 Max on premium TVs that not only delivers the best possible picture, but also adds additional premium features, and Dolby Vision 2, which provides dramatically improved picture quality for mainstream TVs.
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