Dolby has announced Dolby Vision 2, the next major step in its high dynamic range (HDR) video technology. Building on more than a decade of Dolby Vision, the new version aims to redefine television picture quality by combining advanced image processing with artificial intelligence and creative tools for filmmakers. Hisense will be the first TV manufacturer to ship models with Dolby Vision 2, while CANAL+ has committed to supporting the new format across its movies, series, and live sports content.
According to Dolby, Vision 2 is powered by a redesigned image engine that unlocks greater potential from modern displays. This upgrade is not only about brighter highlights and richer colors, but also about ensuring consistency between a creator’s vision and what viewers see at home. The technology introduces new intelligence features that automatically adapt to both the type of content and the viewing environment, creating a more tailored experience.
A central part of Dolby Vision 2 is what the company calls “Content Intelligence.” This includes AI-driven tools such as Precision Black, which improves clarity in dark scenes without compromising artistic intent, and Light Sense, which uses ambient light detection to adjust picture quality more naturally. Sports and gaming optimizations bring additional refinements like motion control and white point adjustments for scenarios where clarity and responsiveness are critical. Combined with new bi-directional tone mapping, creators can take advantage of the full capabilities of today’s brighter and more color-rich displays, ensuring higher brightness, sharper contrast, and deeper saturation while preserving cinematic intent.
Another major addition is “Authentic Motion,” which Dolby describes as the world’s first creative-driven motion control tool. Unlike traditional motion smoothing that often creates the so-called “soap opera effect,” Authentic Motion allows filmmakers to decide on a shot-by-shot basis how motion should be rendered. Dolby claims this delivers smoother playback without unwanted judder while keeping a cinematic look. Early reports suggest this could address one of the most controversial aspects of modern TV processing.
To make it easier for consumers to understand, Dolby Vision 2 will be available in two tiers. The standard Dolby Vision 2 label will bring the new image engine and Content Intelligence to mainstream TVs, while Dolby Vision 2 Max will include additional premium features reserved for the highest-performing models. Hisense’s upcoming RGB-MiniLED TVs with MediaTek’s Pentonic 800 chip will be among the first to showcase the new technology, and more manufacturers are expected to follow.
From Apple’s perspective, the Dolby Vision 2 launch ties directly into its ecosystem. Apple has long supported Dolby Vision across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K, while Apple TV+ content is mastered in the format. The new Content Intelligence features promise even more accurate playback of Apple’s original shows and movies across different lighting environments. Gaming enhancements also align with Apple Arcade and Apple’s push into larger-screen gaming through tvOS and Vision Pro. Meanwhile, Authentic Motion reflects Apple’s emphasis on cinematic quality, an area where Apple has often marketed its platforms as delivering the filmmaker’s intended vision. Apple devices are expected to benefit as Dolby Vision 2 adoption grows among TV manufacturers and broadcasters.
Dolby Vision 2 is designed to be backward-compatible, meaning existing Dolby Vision content will still play on older TVs. However, only Dolby Vision 2-capable displays will be able to take advantage of the new metadata and processing improvements. With adoption already confirmed by both a major TV brand and a leading broadcaster, the rollout of Dolby Vision 2 is expected to accelerate in the coming year, potentially setting a new benchmark for cinematic picture quality in the living room.
