With the launch of Dolby Vision 2, Dolby Laboratories offers a major update to its HDR technology. More than just an improvement, this new version completely rethinks the way content is displayed on modern TVs. What concrete new features does Dolby Vision 2 bring, and what benefits can we expect to see on tomorrow’s televisions?
A redesigned Dolby Image Engine
At the heart of this evolution is a new, more powerful Dolby Image Engine, capable of fully unlocking the performance of the latest TVs. This engine works with a wide ecosystem of content already available in Dolby Vision: films, series, live sports broadcasts and video games. The aim is to guarantee a seamless experience, whatever the viewing conditions.
Content creators also benefit from redesigned tools, enabling them to better adapt their works to the capabilities of Dolby Vision 2-compatible screens. As John Couling, Senior Vice President at Dolby, points out, “Dolby Vision 2 redefines how we think of Dolby Vision to unleash the full capabilities of modern TVs while giving artists unprecedented opportunities to push their creative boundaries further than ever before.”
Content Intelligence: images that adapt
Dolby Vision 2 introduces a smart approach called Content Intelligence. This technology dynamically adjusts the image according to the content being broadcast and the viewing environment. Adaptation is based on three tools:
- Precision Black, which improves the clarity of dark scenes without compromising artistic intent.
- Light Sense, which uses the TV’s ambient light sensors to automatically optimize the display.
- Sports and Gaming Optimization, designed to fine-tune image settings for sports and gaming content, with specific white point and motion control adjustments.
These tools enable a more precise display, with enhanced contrast and better-controlled colors, whatever the scene.
Optimized tone mapping
Dolby Vision 2 introduces bi-directional tone mapping. This system enables TVs to better interpret the information they receive and adapt it to their own capabilities. In practice, this results in brighter images, more vivid colors, and greater respect for the original creative vision.
Modern televisions, particularly those incorporating technologies such as RGB-MiniLED, will take full advantage of this evolution. Dolby Vision 2 makes it possible to take advantage of this without manual adjustment, while maintaining consistent quality for all content.
Dolby Vision 2, for a smoother picture
With Authentic Motion, Dolby goes beyond conventional HDR capabilities. This feature allows you to control the movement fluidity scene by scene, without generating undesirable effects. The result is a more cinematographic aesthetic, faithful to the director’s vision. This new approach applies to both very high-end TVs and more affordable models, thanks to a two-tier segmentation:
- Dolby Vision 2 Max, for high-performance screens.
- Dolby Vision 2, which offers some of the key features on consumer TVs
Gradual integration into the ecosystem
Hisense is the first brand to announce the integration of Dolby Vision 2 in its top-of-the-range TVs, equipped with the MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip and MiraVision Pro image engine. This partnership combines Dolby technology with an RGB-MiniLED display for a brighter, more colorful picture.
As for content, CANAL+ will be the first media group to commit to this technology. Dolby Vision 2 will be used for films, series and live sporting events. “With the launch of Dolby Vision 2 – across movies, series, and live sports- that experience reaches breathtaking new heights. Dolby has been a valued partner for many years, and we are proud to be the first media and entertainment group to announce the integration of this new experience for our audience,” says Stéphane Baumier, CANAL+ Chief Technology Officer.
Dolby Vision 2: summary
Dolby Vision 2 marks a significant advance in image processing in televisions. By combining a redesigned image engine, dynamic adjustments driven by artificial intelligence, and tools designed for creators, this evolution enables finer adaptation to all content and every screen. The first industry partnerships with Hisense and CANAL+ herald the gradual adoption of this technology, which promises to enhance viewers’ visual experience beyond current HDR standards.
