Samsung Cracks Down on Soap Opera Effect with HDR10 Advanced

Samsung provided details about the next version of the HDR10 format, which introduces six new features, including HDR10 Intelligent FRC, a feature aimed at improving motion smoothing. The new standard, HDR10 Advanced, is designed to address the "soap opera effect" and unwanted visual artifacts that often result from motion smoothing, a technology available in virtually every modern TV today. According to Samsung, HDR10 Advanced is intended to more closely align motion interpolation with a creator's vision. HDR10 Advanced's Intelligent FRC analyzes each video frame and adjusts the frame rate to create a smoother motion experience. This feature is part of a broader effort by the industry to refine motion smoothing and eliminate the soap opera effect, which has become a contentious issue among cinephiles, home theater enthusiasts, and content creators. "We're excited to introduce HDR10 Advanced, which takes a major step forward in addressing the challenges of motion smoothing," said a Samsung spokesperson. "Our goal is to provide a more cinematic viewing experience that accurately represents the creator's intent." The soap opera effect has been a long-standing issue in the industry, with many arguing that it detracts from the overall viewing experience. Motion smoothing, also known as motion or video interpolation, is designed to remove judder from films and TV shows shot at 24p or 25p and displayed on 60Hz or 120Hz TVs. However, the technology often results in an unnatural, overly smooth motion that can be distracting and unpleasant to watch. HDR10 Advanced is not the only new standard aimed at addressing the soap opera effect. Dolby Vision 2, another upcoming HDR standard, is also looking to refine motion smoothing and provide a more accurate representation of the creator's vision. While the effectiveness of these new standards remains to be seen, industry insiders believe that they represent a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of motion smoothing. The development of HDR10 Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 reflects a growing recognition within the industry of the importance of providing a more cinematic viewing experience. As home theater technology continues to evolve, consumers are increasingly demanding a more immersive and engaging experience. By refining motion smoothing and eliminating the soap opera effect, HDR10 Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 aim to provide a more accurate representation of the creator's vision and a more enjoyable viewing experience for audiences. The current status of HDR10 Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 is that they are both in development, with Samsung and Dolby Vision expected to release more information about their respective standards in the coming months. While it remains to be seen how effective these new standards will be, industry insiders believe that they represent a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of motion smoothing and providing a more cinematic viewing experience.