Dolby Vision
A proprietary HDR format from Dolby that uses dynamic metadata and a 12-bit color path to tone-map each scene (or frame) individually. The most demanding HDR target a TV can support.
Dolby Vision encodes brightness, color volume, and tone-mapping hints frame-by-frame, letting the display reproduce the creator's intent regardless of its own peak brightness. HDR10 by contrast uses one static metadata block per title.
Why dynamic metadata matters
A 4,000-nit master mapped to a 700-nit panel with static metadata clips highlights or crushes shadows in any scene that diverges from the average. Dynamic metadata lets the display roll off only where needed.
Streaming support
Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Max distribute their HDR catalog in Dolby Vision where licensed. Most UHD Blu-rays carry both DV and HDR10 layers.
Watch out for
"Dolby Vision compatible" on a 400-nit panel cannot show the format's intent — the metadata helps but cannot conjure brightness. Look for Dolby Vision IQ (which adapts to ambient light) plus 1,000+ nits peak for the full experience.