Dolby Vision 2's Potential Expansion Sparks Curiosity

At the IFA 2025 tech event, I had the exciting opportunity to chat with Dolby about their latest innovations: Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max. As a home theater aficionado, I couldn't help but wonder—what about support for devices beyond just TVs?

Dolby’s response was a bit cryptic, showcasing their commitment to future developments without revealing too much. When asked about compatibility with various devices such as the hottest 4K Blu-ray players, projectors, and even iPhones, Aaron Dew, Dolby’s Senior Product Manager for Home Entertainment, noted, "There's more to discuss in the future. Right now, we’re focusing on TVs, but you can expect exciting news ahead!"

What About Projectors?

I’m feeling optimistic about projectors—they’ve evolved to become more TV-like, increasingly adopting the same processing chips. This means that with the right upgrades, they could access Dolby Vision 2, thanks to MediaTek’s new chipset. Although the adoption may be gradual compared to TVs, the spectacular visual outcomes of Dolby Vision 2 will likely encourage this shift, especially for setups that offer limited brightness, akin to a projector’s capabilities.

The 4K Blu-ray Conundrum

The situation with 4K Blu-ray players is trickier. New models are barely trickling into the market. This year has seen just three new releases, including an updated Sony model, which is hardly groundbreaking, and a couple of luxury options from Magnetar tailored for audiophiles. Meanwhile, our top-rated player, the Panasonic DP-UB820, is now a whopping seven years old! Even if Dolby Vision 2 makes its way to discs, will these aging players truly harness its features?

While I'm not overly optimistic about manufacturers updating existing players, there’s a flicker of hope. Dolby Vision 2 Max comes with intriguing features for videophiles, such as Authentic Motion to eliminate judder and advanced tone-mapping to ensure pixel-perfect clarity on high-end TVs. If there’s enough enthusiasm from videophiles, we could potentially see a revolution in Blu-ray technology.

What’s Next for Dolby Vision?

However, don’t hold your breath for any big announcements this year. If I had to wager, CES 2026 will likely be our next best chance to hear about the future of Dolby Vision 2, including updates on compatible TVs and perhaps even a change of heart from LG regarding its stance.

Stay tuned, home theater fans—Dolby’s big plans could reshape your viewing experience in ways we can only imagine!