Dolby has announced Dolby Vision 2, the next-generation upgrade to its widely adopted HDR format, promising smarter picture adjustments and new filmmaker-driven motion controls.

Smarter HDR With AI

The standout feature is what Dolby calls Content Intelligence, which integrates AI-driven capabilities into the Dolby Vision spec. Supporting TVs will use ambient light sensors to dynamically adjust brightness and clarity, addressing one of HDR’s biggest complaints—dark, hard-to-see scenes on non-ideal setups.

Dolby claims this technology will make images “crystal clear” in any environment, without compromising creative intent. The move directly targets notorious viewing issues such as overly dark scenes in Game of Thrones’ “Battle of Winterfell” or Apple TV+’s Silo, which frustrated many viewers outside of dark, high-end home theater conditions.

Tackling Motion Smoothing

Even more controversial is a feature called Authentic Motion, billed as “the world’s first creative-driven motion control tool.”

For years, TV makers have shipped sets with motion smoothing (a.k.a. the soap opera effect) enabled by default, creating a higher-frame-rate look that many viewers enjoy—but that filmmakers and cinephiles often despise. Dolby says Authentic Motion will let creators apply or withhold motion adjustments on a scene-by-scene basis, aiming to reduce unwanted judder while preserving a cinematic feel.

It remains to be seen how different this will look compared to existing motion smoothing, or whether it will resolve common artifact issues. Cinephiles may be skeptical, but Dolby is pitching it as a balance between filmmaker intent and smoother playback.

Rollout Plans

Dolby Vision 2 will be offered in two tiers:

• Dolby Vision 2 – for low- and mid-range TVs.
• Dolby Vision 2 Max – for high-end sets, with expanded capabilities.

So far, Hisense has confirmed plans to support Dolby Vision 2 in upcoming TVs, while CANAL+ will back it on the content creation side. Dolby is expected to reveal more details, including potential launch dates, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2026.