Today, many 4K TVs are released with Dolby Vision or another HDR format. But what exactly does it mean that your TV has it and why does it matter?
Understanding the different HDR formats is confusing, especially when manufacturers aren’t fully explaining what something like Dolby Vision means. For this reason, we want to clarify everything you need to know about Dolby Vision technology below.
We also have a similar guide to HDMI and how to get the most out of your HDMI cables.
You might also want to know which are the best smart TVs available in 2021.
What is Dolby Vision?
To put it in its most basic form, Dolby Vision is a type of HDR developed by Dolby Labs. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and is a form of technology used by filmmakers to produce picture quality with the brightest and most accurate colors. and contrasted.
Dolby Vision is a dynamic HDR format, which means you can change the picture quality depending on what you are watching for the best results. In general, dynamic HDR formats produce a higher quality picture than static formats.
Dolby Vision’s two biggest rivals are HDR10 + and Advanced HDR, the latter being nascent. There is also the HLG (hybrid log gamma) that the BBC uses. It does not use the same technique as Dolby, but it is widely supported.
Dolby Vision is one of the most advanced image formats, supporting a high level of brightness and a wide range of color options for color accuracy. Not only can professional cameras record in Dolby Vision, but the latest iPhone line, including the 12 Pro Max, incorporates this format into the video.
In fact, the quality of Dolby Vision is so extensive that many TVs cannot cover all of the colors and options it offers. We don’t have the technology for it yet, but it’s a future-proof HDR format and perfect for movies projected on the big screen.
What devices have Dolby Vision?
Dolby Vision is compatible with a wide range of devices. You’ll need a TV that supports the format, and if you’re streaming content from a box or stick, you’ll need to make sure that this device supports Dolby Vision as well.
Manufacturers of televisions that generally support Dolby Vision are LG, Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Hisense, and TCL.
However, spending a lot on a TV doesn’t guarantee that it will have Dolby Vision or other HDR standards, even from big brands like Samsung including the new flagship QN95A. You should always check the details of the product before purchasing it.
Regarding the compatibility with the devices of Diffusion multimedia, allows you to get Dolby Vision and Apple TV 4K, Google Chromecast Ultra, Google Chromecast with Google TV, Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube.
These are the best TV Boxes available in 2021.
Most TVs that support Dolby Vision come with the approved logo or mention it in the official description. If you’re not sure, check the manufacturer’s website or Dolby has an official list of supported products (and TV shows and movies) here.
What is Dolby Vision IQ?
Dolby Vision IQ is an updated version of the standard Dolby Vision. This version optimizes the colors of your television to adapt them to the brightness of the room in which the panel is located.
TVs with Dolby Vision IQ have built-in light sensors, just like smartphones, and can send metadata back to the TV to produce the correct colors. LG and Panasonic currently have models in the 2020 and 2021 lineup, such as the LG Nano90 and Panasonic HZ1500, and TCL will be releasing one soon.
What services Diffusion are they compatible with Dolby Vision?
Many of the best programs today are only available in the services of Diffusion. So if you’re going to invest in a Dolby Vision TV, you’ll want your streaming service to produce the same output.
Here are the streaming services that we know support Dolby Vision at the moment:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney +
- Apple TV +
- HBO Max
- Paramount +
Keep in mind that some streaming platforms offer different price points and some block 4K content with Dolby Vision. For Netflix, you’ll want the Premium plan, and for HBO Max, you’ll want the ad-free tier.
However, not all movies or shows will be available in 4K Dolby Vision. Consult the help pages of Diffusion for more information on how to find the highest resolution content and deliver it successfully.
You can also find more information in our table of the best TV streaming services.
Which is better, Dolby Vision or HDR10 +?
So, is Dolby Vision better than other HDR formats like HDR10 +?
On the one hand, HDR10 + is more available than Dolby Vision, as it is under an open license to manufacturers. This means there are more TVs with HDR10 + than with Dolby Vision – Samsung is a great host of the HDR10 + standard.
That said, Dolby Vision offers better specs on paper. The maximum brightness of Dolby Vision is 10,000 nits, while HDR10 + only supports up to 4,000.
Dolby Vision also has 12-bit color depth compared to 10-bit HDR10 +, which means Dolby Vision can produce over 60 billion different colors, a big step up from the HDR10 + figure of around 1. 000 million.
These numbers have an effect. Based on our internal testing, it’s clear that while HDR10 + is a step up from static HDR formats, it falls short of the cinematic standards offered by Dolby.
Of course, you still can’t get the full effect of what Dolby Vision can actually do. There are still no panels that support over 60 billion colors, not even 8K TVs. And even high-end TVs peak at 1,000 to 1,500 nits.
Additionally, not all streaming services support HDR10 + yet, with Netflix being one of the biggest omissions. However, the platform supports slightly less powerful HDR10.
So if you are having trouble deciding between a TV with Dolby Vision and one with HDR10 +, we recommend going with the former for better picture quality and a wider quality range, but keep in mind. mind that there are fewer options.
Original article published in English on our sister site TechAdvisor UK.
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