The new HDR10+ Advanced standard aims to revolutionize motion smoothing, a feature often criticized for its 'soap opera effect'. This effect occurs when motion smoothing, a technique used to smooth out jerky movements in films and TV shows, results in an unnatural, overly processed look, deviating from the creator's original vision. The upcoming HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 standards are designed to give creators more control over motion smoothing, potentially reducing the soap opera effect and enhancing the viewing experience. However, the effectiveness of these standards remains uncertain. Samsung's HDR10+ Advanced introduces Intelligent FRC, a feature that allows creators to dictate the level of motion smoothing per scene, adjusting for ambient lighting. This approach is similar to Dolby Vision 2's Authentic Motion, which offers 10 levels of motion smoothing, ensuring a more authentic cinematic feel. Despite these advancements, the technology's real-world performance is still a question mark. The challenge lies in balancing the need for smooth motion with the risk of introducing visual artifacts, such as halos, which can detract from the viewing experience. The widespread adoption of motion smoothing in modern TVs, often enabled by default, further complicates the issue. The success of these new standards will depend on their ability to address these concerns and win over the support of content creators and major streaming services, which is crucial for their widespread implementation and acceptance.
