What did we learn about Dolby Vision 2 in today’s episode of You Asked? Quite a lot. Enough to dedicate an entire episode to it, actually. We talk about the availability of TV models, including the models you may already have, the assumptions we were completely wrong about before, and some comparisons between the original Dolby Vision and the new format. You will be impressed. Also, apologize in advance for how many times you hear me say the words “Dolby Vision.”
Dolby at CES 2026
The experience with Dolby at CES 2026 was great. It was the first time I had experienced Dolby Atmos in a vehicle, very high end vehicles I should say, and it was spectacular. Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Pink Floyd’s “Money” were perfect examples of what immersive audio can do.
However, what really intrigued me and many others who had the opportunity to meet Dolby’s engineers and the brilliant minds behind the technology was Dolby Vision 2 and what else we might learn as it prepares for launch in 2026.
When it was announced we learned a little, but of course we wanted to know more, especially about how it would work and how it would be better than an already very good HDR format.
How much better is Dolby Vision 2?
In a word: significant. When we met with Dolby, we saw this happen at various TV quality levels. We weren’t told the exact models, but the first was a 100-inch premium TV with around 5,000 dimming zones and, I believe, 5,000 nits of brightness. It was a real looker, so it was no surprise that Dolby Vision 2 looked great.
We were then shown two identical models that cost around $700, putting them in the mid- to high-end price range of TVs. The display on the left was showing Dolby Vision, while the display on the right was showing the same content in Dolby Vision 2. The difference was easy to see on site. The color had more strength and depth. I don’t like to use the term saturation because I think of it as over-processing, and it wasn’t. It just seemed more lifelike and real, especially when watching sports. Green and skin tones are particularly noteworthy.
Even gaming looked significantly better.
The surprise of inexpensive televisions
What really impressed me was the difference between Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision 2 on budget TVs. These were two- or three-hundred-dollar TVs that lacked full-array local dimming and were often overlooked because they couldn’t compete on paper or in performance with mini-LED TVs.
If I didn’t tell you that these are budget TVs with Dolby Vision 2, I don’t think you would be able to tell. Compared to a TV playing standard Dolby Vision content, the difference was noticeable.
A lower-end TV that can play Dolby Vision 2 content suddenly becomes a much more viable option for anyone who wants great picture quality at a budget price. You’ll still need access to Dolby Vision 2, which may mean paying for certain streaming services or premium tiers, but the result is that great-looking HDR content is more attainable. This is a big win for consumers.
What content intelligence actually means
The next question is content intelligence. What does this really mean and is it a form of AI?
Straight up, no. If anything, it’s the opposite of artificial intelligence, and I was completely wrong. As a creator, when I see something that sounds like it could be AI, my radar goes off. I need to relax.
Content intelligence feels more like a partnership with the creator. Dolby calls what they do an ecosystem, not just output formats for audio and video. You work with studios, filmmakers, editors and creatives in the fields of film, television and music.
Dolby Vision 2 enables the use of significantly more metadata with content. I prefer to think of this as a better way for the director, cinematographer and editor to communicate their intentions. The creator knows what the final rating should be, but the viewer can see it on any number of different television models.
Dolby Vision 2 allows creators to share more information, such as: B. Highlights and shadows details to send with the content. On the TV side, this data can be interpreted and translated based on the respective TV device and panel. The creator packages what the movie should look like, and the TV does a better job of unpacking it and maintaining that look.
Movement, judder and creator’s intent
The same idea applies to motion smoothing and judder reduction, which Dolby calls “Authentic Motion.” Scenes are analyzed to see what might cause unwanted judder, and the amount of correction can change in real time. As we were shown, this avoids the soap opera effect and unnecessary smoothing and only makes corrections when necessary.
This of course leads to a question. What control does the viewer have when Dolby Vision 2 and the creator make all of these decisions?
You can still make adjustments, but there is a trade-off. You can adjust brightness, motion sharpness, contrast and other settings, but this disables the benefits of Dolby Vision 2. It’s one or the other.
However, there is an intensity slider that changes how much of the Dolby Vision 2 look you get. The adjustment simultaneously affects brightness, contrast and the overall Dolby Vision presentation. Some people may not like this, but creator intent is a core principle of Dolby, and there are many professionals involved in making content look its best.
TV support and availability
Which TVs support Dolby Vision 2 and can some already released models handle it?
Yes, there are already televisions that support the new format. Dolby explained that some system-on-chip hardware was available before Dolby Vision 2 could be announced, meaning certain models may receive over-the-air updates.
Hisense plans to integrate Dolby Vision 2 on its 2026 RGB mini-LED TVs and bring it to additional mini-LED models via updates. TCL’s 2026 X QD-Mini LED TVs and C-Series should also support this through updates. The Philips 2026 OLED TVs from TP Vision are also planning support.
Dolby Vision 2 and live sports
Another highlight was Dolby’s work with NBC’s Peacock and live sports. With the increased availability of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in live events, sports can now benefit from the same premium presentation as films and television shows.
Dolby AC-4 also adds a feature that allows viewers to adjust the balance between stadium sound and commentators. If you want to feel more like you’re at the game, you can turn off the commentary and pump up the crowd. This will be available in real time during live broadcasts.
Final thoughts
That’s all I have at the moment, although I’m probably forgetting something. I was rightly impressed with Dolby Vision 2, as were many TV and audio veterans. The improvements are real and in some cases truly surprising.
