Dolby Vision 2: Existing 4K Blu-ray Players May Get Update

Core News & Key Facts

Dolby Vision 2, the company’s next-generation high dynamic range technology, could work with existing 4K Blu-ray players, but there is an important catch: individual manufacturers must release firmware updates to enable support.

The development emerged from an interview conducted by TechRadar with Dolby Laboratories executives. Dolby confirmed that the technology can be enabled on existing disc players because the player primarily needs to pass the encoded Dolby Vision 2 data to the television, where much of the image processing takes place.

However, compatibility is not automatic. Each manufacturer must work with Dolby and release appropriate firmware for its supported players.

Sony has already confirmed that it will not provide such an update for its current Blu-ray player lineup. The company told TechRadar: “We do not plan to provide a software/firmware update to support Dolby Vision 2 on the current Blu-ray player lineup.”

Context & Official Statements

Dolby Vision 2 has begun appearing on select newer televisions, but the technology requires specific processing capabilities that are found mainly in recent TV models.

For 4K Blu-ray players, the situation is different. Since the player can largely pass the encoded data to a compatible television, Dolby says many existing players could technically support the format through firmware.

The decision ultimately rests with manufacturers. Sony’s refusal to update its current lineup therefore means owners of those players will not receive Dolby Vision 2 support through an official firmware upgrade.

Panasonic and Magnetar had not responded to TechRadar’s questions at the time of the report, leaving their plans unclear.

There is another limitation: Dolby Vision 2 information must be encoded onto the 4K Blu-ray disc itself. As a result, existing discs will not suddenly gain the complete Dolby Vision 2 experience after a player receives an update. Support would primarily matter for new releases carrying the technology.

Impact & What to Expect Next

For consumers, the arrival of Dolby Vision 2 on physical media will depend on three factors: a compatible television, a supported 4K Blu-ray player or firmware update, and new discs containing Dolby Vision 2 data.

Dolby Vision 2 introduces several image-related improvements, including a new image engine, a content recognition system designed to produce pictures closer to the creator’s intent, and an intensity slider intended to compensate for contrast loss caused by viewing angles and reflections.

Dolby also says some improvements may be visible on compatible TVs even when a Blu-ray player has not received a dedicated firmware update, although full support will depend on the hardware and playback chain.

The development could therefore extend the usefulness of some existing 4K Blu-ray players, but only where manufacturers choose to cooperate. Sony’s decision not to update its current lineup highlights the uncertainty facing owners of existing hardware.