Dolby Vision gaming on Xbox Series X/S has arrived – here’s everything you need to know
Enjoy improved picture quality thanks to Dolby Vision
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Dolby Vision gaming, a newHDRformat promising more color, contrast, and highlights for video games, is now available forXbox Series XandXbox Series S,Microsoftannounced today.
More than 100 next-genHDR-capable titles will support Dolby Vision soon, including games available today and in the future such asHalo Infinite, which was tipped to includeDolby Vision supporta few months ago.
Dolby Vision will also improve thousands of classic HDR10 andAuto HDRgames, as Microsoft has ensured that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will automatically enhance your existing games to deliver a richer HDR experience. Auto HDR is Microsoft’s clever tech that injects HDR into titles that previously never supported high dynamic range.
Developers can opt to add Dolby Vision for gaming support via the tools provided by Microsoft or by implementing the technology directly into a game’s engine.
But how does Dolby Vision for gaming compare to something like HDR10? Well, Microsoft and Dolby say that games will automatically map to any display that supports Dolby Vision, which will deliver the best possible picture available to players. It means that your games should benefit from better brightness, color, contrast, and detail, and Dolby Vision’s automatic tone mapping means players won’t have to manually calibrate every game to get the best possible HDR experience.
Dolby Vision is also compatible with 120Hz displays, allowing games to be played at120fps. However, not every TV supports this feature yet, but Microsoft and Dolby have stated that it is working closely with TV manufacturers to update firmware support for Dolby Vision capabilities.
How to optimize Dolby Vision gaming for your TV
If you’d like to experience Dolby Vision gaming for yourself, you’ll need to have Dolby Vision-capable TV. You can check to see if your display supports Dolby Vision by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide, clicking on Settings > General > TV & display options >4KTV details.
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To enable Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, head to Settings > General’ > TV & display options > Video Modes > Dolby Vision for Gaming. Microsoft also recommends turning on automatic low-latency mode (ALLM), if your TV supports it, as you may experience latency issues during gameplay without it. You can checkDolby’s websiteto see a list of compatible TVs.
It’s worth noting that Dolby Vision for gaming takes advantage of all the next-gen gaming settings you’re probably used to on Xbox Series X/S, such as ALLM as mentioned above – as well as variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing and smooths out minor framerate dips.
Analysis: Microsoft and Dolby’s partnership continues
🎮 Time to step up your game 🎮 Dolby Vision gaming is now available on the @Xbox Series X|S. Gamers will be able to enjoy full-spectrum visuals with the rollout of #DolbyVision gaming across these consoles.Learn more: https://t.co/BnRl7pwvHq@GearsofWar pic.twitter.com/joc4Gaxk3zSeptember 28, 2021
Microsoft has a long-standing relationship with Dolby, which began during the days ofXbox One. Dolby released its spatial audio tech,Dolby Atmos, on Xbox consoles in 2017, and Dolby Vision support for streaming services such as Netflix arrived in 2018. Dolby Vision for gaming is the latest addition and will be welcome by anyone who has a capable display.
The partnership means that Xbox Series X/S is the only console where you can experience Dolby’s suite of audio and visual tech, as the PS5 doesn’t include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Vision for gaming support.Sonyhas opted for its own proprietary audio technology in the form of3D audioand only supports HDR10.
Dolby Atmos for headphones does require the user to pay a license fee, though, while Sony’s 3D audio is free as standard on PS5. However, your license also carries over to PC and other devices, and you don’t need a license to use Dolby Atmos on a soundbar or home theater system. Dolby also lets users create their own EQ settings as well as pick between a wide selection of presets. Dolby Vision, meanwhile, won’t require a fee to use – just a compatible display.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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