Dolby Vision 2: Dynamic HDR format in a new version

A few days before IFA, Dolby presented a new version of its dynamic HDR format Dolby Vision. According to the developer, "Dolby Vision 2" is powered by a "redesigned and even more powerful image engine" to get even more out of televisions in terms of picture quality. At the same time, Hisense has announced that it will be the first TV brand to integrate Dolby Vision 2 into its premium televisions, such as the RGB MiniLED models. These TVs will be equipped with MediaTek Pentonic 800 with "MiraVision™ Pro" PQ Engine, the first video processor to integrate Dolby Vision 2. The date and availability will be announced at a later date.

However, there are still questions regarding the actual implementation. On the one hand, Dolby states that "content in Dolby Vision looks even more impressive on a Dolby Vision 2 display", emphasizing backwards compatibility. On the other hand, it is emphasized that the French media and entertainment company CANAL+ has announced its support for Dolby Vision 2. This would mean that there is also special Dolby Vision 2 content. However, it is quite likely that the new format can also be played on standard Dolby Vision-capable televisions, but that it provides special additional data (e.g. in the form of metadata) for DV2-capable TVs.

Content Intelligence

At the heart of Dolby Vision 2 is "Content Intelligence", which is designed to deliver the best picture for the content currently playing. According to Dolby, Dolby Vision 2 also uses AI functions to "intelligently adapt to display content optimally for your device and viewing environment". Content Intelligence comprises three points: "Precision Black" is designed to reduce consumer frustration that the picture is "too dark" by making it "crystal clear and improving clarity in any viewing environment without compromising artistic intent". "Light Sense", in turn, is intended to optimize picture quality through advanced ambient light detection and new reference lighting data from the source of the respective content. This is therefore likely to be a further development of the previous "Dolby Vision IQ" technology.

Finally, Dolby is promising optimization for sports and gaming, which should lead to new improvements such as white point adjustments and motion control that are specifically tailored to the special requirements in these areas.

New tone mapping and less judder

Building on Content Intelligence, Dolby Vision 2 even introduces a new tone mapping that takes advantage of modern improved TVs, according to Dolby. The background to this is that today's televisions are brighter and more colorful than ever. With bidirectional tone mapping, creators would now have new controls to get the best out of these improved displays. This allows high-performance TVs to deliver higher brightness, sharper contrast and deeply saturated colors while preserving the artist's creative vision.

Finally, Dolby Vision 2 extends the capabilities of Dolby Vision beyond HDR. This includes features such as Authentic Motion, the world's "first creative motion control tool that makes scenes look more authentic and cinematic without unwanted image judder", according to the manufacturer.

(nij)