The world of high-definition visuals is about to get a major upgrade, but will it be a hit or miss? The new HDR10+ Advanced standard aims to tackle the notorious 'soap opera effect' caused by motion smoothing. But here's the catch: it's a controversial feature that divides opinions.
The Problem with Motion Smoothing:
Motion smoothing, a common feature in modern TVs, is designed to enhance the viewing experience by removing judder from 24p or 25p films displayed on 60Hz or 120Hz screens. However, it often backfires, resulting in the soap opera effect, where movies and shows appear overly smooth, resembling soap operas or low-budget productions. This effect has been criticized by many cinephiles, home theater enthusiasts, and even Hollywood bigwigs like Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise, who urged fans to turn off motion smoothing for a more authentic viewing experience.
The Promise of HDR10+ Advanced:
Enter HDR10+ Advanced, the latest evolution of the HDR10 format, which introduces six new features, including HDR10+ Intelligent FRC (Frame Rate Conversion). This technology promises to revolutionize motion smoothing by allowing content creators to control the level of smoothing applied to each scene. By adjusting the strength of motion interpolation based on ambient lighting, it aims to provide a more nuanced and natural viewing experience.
Dolby Vision 2's Take on Motion Smoothing:
But HDR10+ Advanced isn't alone in this quest. Dolby Vision 2, another upcoming HDR standard, boasts a similar feature called Authentic Motion. Dolby claims it's the world's first creative-driven motion control tool, allowing creators to fine-tune motion on a shot-by-shot basis, ensuring a more cinematic feel without unwanted judder. Authentic Motion will be available on high-end TVs adopting Dolby Vision 2 Max, the most advanced tier of the standard.
The Controversy:
Here's where it gets controversial. While both HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 aim to improve motion smoothing, they face skepticism. Critics argue that giving creators control doesn't guarantee a natural look, especially when applied to specific shots at different scales. Moreover, neither standard addresses the issue of visual artifacts, like halos, which can occur when TVs struggle to interpolate frames. These artifacts can be distracting and take away from the intended visual experience.
The Proof is in the Pudding:
Both HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 have a lot to prove. While simulations and demos have been shown, real-time performance on supported TVs is yet to be experienced. Additionally, the adoption and availability of these standards by TV manufacturers and content creators remain uncertain. HDR10+ Advanced is set to debut on Samsung's 2026 TVs with Prime Video support, while Dolby Vision 2's release date is still unknown.
As motion smoothing continues to be a default setting on many TVs, these new standards have a tall order to fill. Will they succeed in making motion smoothing more palatable to viewers and industry giants alike? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the battle to conquer the soap opera effect is about to get more intense, and the stakes are higher than ever. Stay tuned to see who comes out on top in this quest for the ultimate viewing experience!
