Hisense 2026 TVs to debut Dolby Vision 2
New HDR format will first appear on select Hisense models
1Dolby Vision 2 launch
Dolby Vision 2 will debut on Hisense UX, UR9, UR8 and U7 models by late September 2026. TCL and Philips will also support the technology in select TVs later that year. The new format offers a more powerful image engine and expanded metadata compared to the decade-old original Dolby Vision. It will come in two tiers: Dolby Vision 2 Max for premium models and a standard version for mid-range TVs.
2Max vs standard differences
Dolby Vision 2 Max includes motion smoothing (Authentic Motion), ambient light sensor adjustment and professional tone mapping settings. The standard version is designed for more affordable TVs with basic features like local tone mapping and intensity slider. Both tiers require special hardware; currently only MediaTek Pentonic 800 processor supports Dolby Vision 2. Older Dolby Vision TVs can't use the new format but can display the content.
3Brightness revolution
Dolby Vision 2 can proportionally increase content brightness to utilize a TV's full brightness range. This is possible because some modern TVs exceed the 1,000-4,000 nits range of movie masters. For dark films like Blade Runner 2049 (average 200-250 nits), how will they appear on 3,000+ nit TVs? Will the director's vision be preserved? This remains a critical question for the premium TV market.
4Creative control mechanism
Dolby Vision 2 offers an 'intensity control' letting users adjust HDR highlight punch based on viewing conditions or preferences. This feature resembles HDR settings in JVC/Epson projectors or Windows gaming HDR. The Authentic Motion feature allows creators to selectively enable motion smoothing for specific scenes, maintaining creative control over the viewing experience.
5Metadata dependency
Some Dolby Vision 2 features like Authentic Motion only work with newly produced content, as these settings must be added to metadata during post-production. Dolby's Product Director Jonas Klittmark emphasized creative approval importance, stating "We don't want to make anything up regarding motion experience." Users can choose to use TV's standard motion settings or disable smoothing entirely.
6Hardware limitations
Dolby Vision 2 requires specialized system-on-chips (SoC) like MediaTek Pentonic 800. Existing Dolby Vision TVs can't support the new format due to hardware limitations, though they can display the content while ignoring extra metadata. This may disappoint owners of pre-2026 premium TVs, as full adoption will likely require purchasing new television sets.
7Industry implications
Dolby Vision 2's launch could trigger a new technology race among TV manufacturers. Hisense's pioneering move will pressure competitors like TCL and Philips to offer similar features. Content producers may also need to update production processes to utilize the format's creative controls. This could establish new technical standards in film and series production.
8What it means for consumers
Dolby Vision 2 promises to elevate the premium TV experience. However, fully benefiting requires both new TVs and newly produced content. For cinephiles, preserving directorial vision remains crucial. Starting with Hisense models in fall 2026, this technological journey will redefine home cinema experiences. The countdown to answers has begun.
Original article: The Verge — Hisense 2026 TV'lerinde Dolby Vision 2 öne çıkacak