Dolby Vision 2: Enhanced Dynamic HDR Format Unveiled

Dolby Laboratories has introduced an upgraded version of its dynamic HDR format, known as Dolby Vision 2, just ahead of the IFA tech expo. This new iteration is designed to harness the capabilities of a revamped and more powerful image processing engine, promising to enhance visual quality on compatible televisions.

Hisense has become the first television manufacturer to announce the incorporation of Dolby Vision 2 into its premium TV lineup, including models featuring RGB MiniLED technology. These televisions will utilize the MediaTek Pentonic 800 processor equipped with the MiraVision(TM) Pro PQ Engine, marking it as the first video processor to support Dolby Vision 2. Specific details regarding release dates and availability are expected to be announced later.

While Dolby emphasizes that content in the original Dolby Vision format will still look stunning on Dolby Vision 2 displays--highlighting its backward compatibility--there are questions regarding the specifics of implementation. The French media and entertainment company CANAL+ has expressed its support for Dolby Vision 2, which suggests the creation of exclusive content tailored for this new format. However, it is likely that existing Dolby Vision-capable TVs will still be able to display Dolby Vision 2 content, albeit with additional metadata to enhance performance.

At the core of Dolby Vision 2 is a feature termed 'Content Intelligence,' which aims to deliver optimal visuals based on the specific content being viewed. This technology adapts intelligently, utilizing artificial intelligence capabilities to fine-tune the presentation for individual devices and viewing environments. Content Intelligence encompasses three main components: 'Precision Black' aims to alleviate issues with excessively dark images by ensuring clarity while maintaining artistic intent. Meanwhile, 'Light Sense' enhances picture quality through advanced ambient light detection, improving performance based on reference lighting data from the source material. This represents an evolution of the previous Dolby Vision IQ technology.

Furthermore, Dolby Vision 2 promises enhancements for sports and gaming, with new features such as white point adjustments and motion control designed to meet the distinct demands of these applications. The updated tone mapping mechanism will leverage the advancements in modern high-performance TVs. As contemporary televisions become brighter and more colorful, Dolby Vision 2 introduces bidirectional tone mapping that grants creators new ways to maximize the capabilities of improved displays. This allows high-performance televisions to achieve greater brightness, sharper contrast, and richly saturated colors while preserving the original artistic vision.

In addition to expanding the functionalities of HDR, Dolby Vision 2 will introduce features such as 'Authentic Motion,' which is touted as the world's first creative tool for motion control that aims to enhance the authenticity and cinematic quality of scenes while minimizing unwanted motion artifacts.