HDR10+ Advanced joins Dolby Vision 2 in trying to make you like motion smoothing

Motion smoothing has long been a contentious topic among film enthusiasts, home theater aficionados, and content creators. Also referred to as motion or video interpolation, this technology is a standard feature in nearly all modern televisions. Its primary goal is to eliminate judder in films and TV shows filmed at 24p (24 frames per second) or 25p when displayed on 60Hz or 120Hz screens. However, the results of motion smoothing often lead to the infamous 'soap opera effect' and various unwanted visual artifacts, tarnishing its reputation. In a bid to reshape perceptions, two emerging HDR standards—HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Vision 2—are attempting to redefine motion smoothing and align it more closely with the artistic intentions of creators. Yet, the effectiveness of these new standards remains uncertain. Recently, Samsung unveiled the details of the HDR10+ Advanced format, which introduces six innovative features. One of the standout functionalities is HDR10+ Intelligent FRC (frame rate conversion), aimed at enhancing motion smoothing. This technology works by analyzing each video frame and predicting what additional frames would look like if the content were played back at a frame rate that corresponds with the TV’s refresh rate. For instance, a 60Hz TV utilizing motion smoothing attempts to eliminate judder from a 24p film by generating and inserting additional frames, allowing the video to play as if it were shot at a smoother 60p. While some viewers appreciate the enhanced fluidity—particularly during camera pans and zooms—others express concerns that this approach makes films and shows resemble soap operas or look as though they were recorded with high-speed cameras instead of traditional film cameras. Critics, including notable figures in Hollywood, contend that motion smoothing produces an unnatural viewing experience, straying far from the vision intended by the creators. As HDR10+ Advanced and Dolby Vision 2 make their mark, the debate over the merits of motion smoothing continues to unfold.