Not Netflix, not Disney+, not Apple TV+ or HBO. It’s Peacock that was the first streaming service to officially declare support for Dolby Vision 2. The platform owned by NBCUniversal also announced live sports broadcasts in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Four months after the official presentation of Dolby Vision 2, we learned about the first confirmed distribution partner for the new HDR standard. The choice may be surprising, but everything suggests that it is part of a broader technological agreement between Dolby and NBCUniversal. ChooseTV is currently available only in North America.
– “Continuing our commitment to delivering the best possible experiences to fans, ChooseTV is expanding the availability of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos in live sports broadcasts over the next year. ChooseTV is also the first streaming service to announce support for Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby AC-4, planned to launch later this year,” said ChooseTV.
What, where, and when?
So far, details regarding Dolby Vision 2 are very limited. It has only been confirmed that the first content in this standard will appear on Peacock in the second half of 2026. This means that other platforms, including Netflix, still have time to take the initiative. Neither Dolby nor Peacock have revealed the titles that will receive Dolby Vision 2, nor a list of compatible devices. During CES 2026, Hisense announced support for Dolby Vision 2 through a later software update, while TCL announced support for Dolby Vision 2 Max, also in the form of a firmware update.
Dolby AC-4 instead of older codecs
Peacock has also confirmed the implementation of the Dolby AC-4 audio codec. According to Dolby, it is even 50% more efficient than previous solutions. Currently, most streaming services use Dolby AC-3 or e-AC-3, including for 5.1 sound and Dolby Atmos. AC-4 offers, among other things, sound personalization features and improved dialogue clarity, which is particularly important for live broadcasts.
Live Sports in Dolby Vision and Atmos
In 2026, Peacock will begin implementing live sports broadcasts in Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos. HDR is expected to improve the dynamic range of the image, revealing more details in bright and dark areas, which is particularly important during matches played under changing lighting conditions. A wider color palette will also allow for more saturated colors, including a more natural green of the pitch.
Dolby Atmos, in turn, will enhance the sense of presence in the stadium, better capturing the atmosphere of the stands and surroundings. Peacock has confirmed that Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos will cover broadcasts of Sunday Night Football, the NBA, and MLB. At this time, it is unclear whether sports broadcasts will use standard Dolby Vision or Dolby Vision 2. More information is expected to be revealed closer to the launch of the service.
