Dolby Vision 2 brings AI-powered enhancements and ‘authentic motion’ to next-gen TVs

Dolby

More than a decade after Dolby Vision redefined HDR, its successor has arrived. Dolby Vision 2 goes beyond optimising tone and brightness by introducing new AI-driven features that adapt picture quality based on content, environment, and device.

At the core is Dolby’s new “Content Intelligence” system, which expands on Dolby Vision IQ. It uses AI to fine-tune playback in real time, ensuring scenes look closer to the creator’s intent while adapting to a viewer’s setup. Features include Precision Black for improved detail in dark scenes, and an upgraded Light Sense that adjusts brightness using ambient light detection combined with source lighting data. Dolby has also added bi-directional tone mapping, allowing high-end TVs to achieve higher brightness, sharper contrast, and richer colour while giving creators more control over display capabilities.

One of the most debated TV features, motion smoothing, also gets a rethink. Dolby Vision 2 introduces “Authentic Motion,” described as the first creative-driven motion control tool. This lets filmmakers apply motion smoothing on a shot-by-shot basis to minimise judder without creating the “soap opera” effect that many viewers dislike. Whether it truly delivers a more cinematic look remains to be seen.

Hisense will be the first to launch TVs with Dolby Vision 2, powered by MediaTek’s Pentonic 800 chip. Other manufacturers such as LG, TCL, Sony, Vizio, and Roku, who already support Dolby Vision, are expected to follow.

Dolby confirmed that existing Dolby Vision content will remain compatible with older displays, but only TVs with Dolby Vision 2 will use the enhanced metadata. The company is also introducing two tiers: Dolby Vision 2 Max, reserved for the highest-performing TVs with premium features, and Dolby Vision 2 for mainstream models with overall improvements in picture quality.