Dolby Vision 2 Raises Questions About OLED Support,New ‘Max’ Tier & Adaptive Brightness
LAS VEGAS,NV – Dolby Laboratories has unveiled Dolby Vision 2,a new iteration of its high dynamic range (HDR) video format,alongside a premium tier called Dolby Vision max. However, details surrounding the update remain scarce, leaving key questions unanswered regarding OLED support, the functionality of its new ”Light Sense” feature, and the distinctions between Dolby Vision 2 and Max. The ambiguity arrives as competing technologies like HDR10+ Adaptive also aim to optimize picture quality based on ambient lighting.
The update impacts television manufacturers and consumers alike,possibly influencing future TV purchases and the overall HDR viewing experience. While Dolby promises improvements, the lack of clarity around implementation and specific benefits creates uncertainty. What Hi-Fi? reached out to dolby for clarification and is awaiting a response. Here are four key areas where more information is needed:
1. What is the status of OLED support in Dolby Vision 2?
Dolby has not explicitly stated whether Dolby Vision 2 requires specific hardware capabilities, or if existing OLED TVs will be compatible via firmware updates.The original Dolby Vision format is widely supported by OLED televisions from LG, Sony, and others, and consumers will want to know if this continues with the new version.
2. How does Dolby’s “Light Sense” feature work?
Dolby Vision 2 introduces “Light Sense,” designed to optimize TV performance based on room lighting conditions. This functionality mirrors Dolby Vision IQ, which achieves a similar goal. The specifics of how Light Sense operates – including the sensors used and the algorithms employed – have not been disclosed.
3. What differentiates Dolby Vision 2 from Dolby Vision Max?
Dolby has introduced two new tiers: Dolby vision 2 and Dolby Vision max. Currently, the only information available is that Max “delivers the best picture on the highest performing TVs” and will include “additional premium features.” The exact nature of these features, and the criteria for a TV to qualify for Max, remain unknown.
4. Will Dolby Vision 2 be backwards compatible?
It is indeed unclear whether content mastered in Dolby Vision 2 will be compatible with TVs supporting only the original Dolby Vision format. Maintaining backwards compatibility is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the value of existing Dolby Vision-enabled hardware.
