By: CE Critic - Buy Better Tech
The trend of auto-calibration in consumer electronics continues to expand. The latest development sees Amazon Prime Video partnering with Sony to deliver the "first auto-calibrated mode" on select Sony TVs. This novel feature, dubbed Prime Video Calibrated Mode, promises to automatically optimize picture settings based on the type of content being streamed. However, while this offers a degree of convenience, it's important to remember that such automated systems likely won't match the quality achieved through professional TV calibration.
Apple's Foray into Auto-Calibration
Amazon's move follows a similar trend established by companies like Apple. On compatible iPhones and iPads, features like True Tone automatically adjust the display's color temperature and intensity to match the ambient light in your environment. This aims to provide a more natural and comfortable viewing experience that reduces eye strain.
Apple has even taken this concept further with some recent MacBook Pro models. These laptops boast built-in ambient light sensors and leverage advanced algorithms to match the display's white point and brightness to the surrounding environment for a seamless and consistent viewing experience.
Apple TV offers a color balancing feature that utilizes the front-facing camera of a compatible iPhone. This allows your TV and Apple TV to analyze and collaboratively fine-tune color output for enhanced accuracy.
Prime Video Calibrated Mode: Convenient, But Limited
Sony's partnership with Amazon Prime Video aims to bring a comparable level of automatic picture optimization to its TVs. Prime Video's BA Winston proclaims the feature as the "first auto-calibrated mode". It claims to adapt seamlessly to a variety of content, such as movies, TV series, and even live sports.
The system works by analyzing video metadata included by Prime Video. This metadata tells the compatible TV which type of content is playing, allowing it to switch between predefined picture presets. These presets are tailored for both LCD and OLED display technologies.
For example, with movies and TV series, Prime Video Calibrated Mode likely prioritizes cinematic picture accuracy. In contrast, it might boost brightness, alter color temperature, and introduce motion smoothing when detecting live sports. This aims to cater to the specific needs of those content types.
Compatibility and Sensor Integration
Notably, Prime Video Calibrated Mode is designed to work across the platform's entire library, including original content, licensed titles, and live sports broadcasts. Additionally, compatible Sony TVs will make use of built-in light sensors to adjust picture brightness according to your room's lighting conditions.
However, while Prime Video Calibrated Mode works with SDR and HDR10 content, it remains active but inactive with Dolby Vision content. This is because Sony TVs already engage Dolby's proprietary processing for Dolby Vision sources.
Limitations of Automated Systems
While Prime Video Calibrated Mode brings a new level of 'set it and forget it' convenience, it's crucial to note that automated systems have their limitations compared to a professional TV calibration. Professional calibrators possess the expertise and tools to precisely measure and fine-tune numerous picture parameters. They consider not only the content but also your unique viewing environment. Factors like screen size, display technology, personal preferences, and room lighting all play into a meticulously tailored calibration.
Auto-calibration systems provide a simplified solution focused on limited sources, in this case, specifically the Prime Video App.
Coming Soon - But Only on Select Sony TVs
Prime Video Calibrated Mode is exclusive to recent Sony TVs, including their 2024 models and the A95L. Sony plans to roll out the feature via a firmware update sometime this summer.
