CES 2026 confirms the first brands, with some models set to get Dolby Vision 2 through software updates

Dolby Vision 2 will arrive in stages. Some 2026 TVs will ship with it, while others add it later via firmware updates. If you’re buying early, check your exact model and update timing.

Published7 Jan 2026, 07:22 PM IST
Dolby Vision 2 is coming first to Hisense, TCL and Philips TVs.
Dolby Vision 2 is coming first to Hisense, TCL and Philips TVs.(Dolby Newsroom)

By Kanika Budhiraja

As an experienced tech writer with five years of experience, I specialise in simplifying complex subjects into compelling stories. My portfolio is packed with whitepapers, shopping guides, explainers, and analyses aimed at informing and engaging readers. My writing principle is simple: ‘your shopping problem is my shopping problem’.

Dolby Vision 2 now has a real 2026 rollout, with brands and model lines attached, not just “coming soon” talk. At CES 2026, Dolby confirmed the first TV brands that will support Dolby Vision 2. They are Hisense, TCL and TP Vision’s Philips. This matters because Dolby Vision has been the HDR badge people actually notice in day to day viewing. Compared to standard HDR10, Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata, so the TV can adjust the picture scene by scene instead of applying one set of rules to an entire film. Dolby Vision 2 is being positioned as a proper upgrade, not a minor revision.

The first Dolby Vision 2 TVs and the models confirmed so far

Hisense was first linked with Dolby Vision 2 at IFA 2025, but without a clear model list. Dolby has now verified that Hisense’s 2026 RGB mini LED TVs, including the UX, UR9 and UR8, will support Dolby Vision 2. Hisense’s cheaper mini LED TVs are expected to get Dolby Vision 2 later via a software update, which means buyers will need to check the exact series before assuming support.

TCL’s approach is also update led. Dolby says TCL’s 2026 X QD mini LED TV series and C series TVs will receive Dolby Vision 2 support via a future software update. Philips is the third confirmed name. TP Vision’s Philips 2026 OLED TVs will support Dolby Vision 2 on the OLED811, OLED911 and OLED951 models. Bottom line. Dolby Vision 2 support is model specific, and for some ranges it depends on firmware arriving later.

What Dolby Vision 2 is meant to improve

Dolby is targeting familiar problems, especially with streaming. Precision Black is meant to improve how dark scenes are handled so blacks look more natural, without turning shadow detail into a grey haze. It is also Dolby’s answer to the “too dark” frustration people keep bringing up with streaming shows. Light Sense is designed to adapt the picture to the lighting in the room, so the image does not fall apart when you watch during the day or with lights on.

Dolby also talks about live sports optimisation, with processing aimed at motion and picture handling for sports content, where TVs can still look either juddery or overly processed depending on the settings.

Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max

Dolby is offering two tiers: Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Vision 2 Max. Max adds a more optimised image engine and Authentic Motion, a tool designed to reduce judder while keeping motion looking natural, with more creative control rather than relying purely on the TV’s motion settings.

What is not clear yet is which of the confirmed TV models will support Dolby Vision 2, and which will support Dolby Vision 2 Max. That detail will matter once brands start putting Dolby Vision 2 on spec sheets.

Streaming support starts with Peacock

Format support only matters if it shows up in real content. At CES 2026, Peacock was announced as the first streaming service to support Dolby Vision 2, alongside next gen Dolby Atmos audio encoding. It is a useful first step, but wider platform support will decide how quickly Dolby Vision 2 becomes something people actually watch in day to day use.

What to do with this if you’re buying a TV in 2026

Dolby Vision 2 is moving from demos to real products, but the rollout will be uneven across lineups. Some TVs will ship with it, others will add it later through updates, and there are two tiers that could change what “support” really means.

If you are shopping early in 2026, the best advice is practical. Look up your exact model number, confirm whether Dolby Vision 2 support is built in or coming via firmware, and keep an eye on whether that model supports Dolby Vision 2 Max or the standard version.

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