Dolby says Dolby Vision 2 HDR should come to cheaper TVs than the original — and the basic version is less expensive to license than Dolby Vision 2 Max to achieve that

Dolby Vision 2 is a next-generation HDR standard that comes in two versions: Dolby Vision 2 Max for premium TVs and Dolby Vision 2 for budget TVs. Dolby Vision 2 Max, designed for high-end TVs, offers more features due to their advanced hardware, while Dolby Vision 2 is simpler and more affordable to license, aiming to bring Dolby Vision 2 to budget TVs that previously couldn't afford it.

Chris Turkstra, vice-president of home devices at Dolby Laboratories, explained that the choice to create an affordable version of Dolby Vision 2 was made with budget TV manufacturers in mind, as they often struggle with thin profit margins. Turkstra noted that Dolby Vision 2 can significantly enhance picture quality on cheap TVs, making it a cost-effective alternative to panel upgrades or new backlighting technologies.

More chips supporting Dolby Vision 2, such as the MediaTek Pentonic 800, are expected to become available, enabling the technology to reach more budget-friendly TVs. Philips, Hisense, and TCL are among the brands that will support Dolby Vision 2 this year, with more models likely to follow next year.