Dolby
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Peacock, NBCUniversal’s rapidly growing streaming platform, is preparing for a comprehensive technological leap forward by integrating the latest suite of Dolby innovations into its ecosystem. Specifically, Peacock will broaden its use of Dolby Vision 2 and Dolby Atmos for live sports broadcasts, meaning events from the NBA and MLB will soon feature even more immersive, cinematic-quality audio and visuals. Complementing this effort, Dolby’s advanced audio codec, Dolby AC-4, is also being introduced with the goal of delivering clearer dialogue and richer sound fidelity while consuming less bandwidth — a crucial upgrade for both performance efficiency and viewer experience.
Peacock’s content is about to become noticeably brighter, sharper, and more dynamic. During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Dolby Laboratories and NBCUniversal revealed that Peacock would be the very first streaming platform to adopt Dolby’s entire, fully integrated collection of premium image and sound technologies. This partnership is not merely a routine update but a significant milestone that positions Peacock at the forefront of the streaming industry’s ongoing race toward higher-quality digital entertainment.
This development translates to an expanded range of content — particularly live sports and large-scale events — being streamed with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos throughout the upcoming year. At the same time, other forms of programming will be upgraded to include Dolby Vision 2, the latest generation of Dolby’s picture-enhancement technology, and supported by the bandwidth-efficient Dolby AC-4 codec. These enhancements collectively aim to redefine the meaning of ‘premium streaming quality’ for the modern viewer.
According to details shared in Dolby’s official press release, the strategic alliance was conceived to directly address some of the most frequently voiced frustrations among digital audiences. These often include displays that appear overly dim, inconsistent contrast levels, and dialogue that can be difficult to distinguish from background effects — issues that frequently lead users to rely on subtitles. By implementing Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos more broadly, Peacock seeks to eliminate those typical compromises and set a new benchmark for clarity and immersion. Notably, Peacock already streams select films and series in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and it distinguished itself earlier as the first platform ever to broadcast Sunday Night Football in Dolby Atmos, marking an early demonstration of its dedication to cutting-edge audio presentation.
The newly extended collaboration goes even further by incorporating professional sports leagues such as the NBA and MLB into the Dolby-powered lineup. These live events will now utilize Dolby Atmos to create a multi-dimensional audio environment, allowing spectators at home to sense the depth, direction, and energy of on-court or on-field action as though they were physically present. In parallel, the rollout of Dolby Vision 2 will enrich every frame with more vivid coloration, higher contrast, refined brightness control, and smoother motion handling. For viewers equipped with compatible televisions, sound systems, and subscription tiers, the difference will be immediately perceptible. Sporting events, in particular, are expected to exude enhanced visual crispness and a sense of realism that more closely resembles an in-person experience.
Peacock’s announcement also underscores the introduction of Dolby AC-4, the latest and most sophisticated iteration of Dolby’s audio codecs. This technology is engineered to deliver an exceptionally detailed and spatial soundscape — an immersive audio experience that draws listeners into the environment of the content — while simultaneously optimizing data efficiency. The reduced bandwidth requirements mean that even users with moderate internet speeds will benefit from increased clarity without trade-offs in performance. Meanwhile, Dolby Vision 2 introduces a comprehensive set of picture quality improvements, extending from refined control of brightness and contrast to enhanced saturation, motion accuracy, and subtle dynamic adjustments for more lifelike presentation.
John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, articulated the significance of this collaboration by emphasizing Peacock’s commitment to setting new standards for digital entertainment. “Peacock is raising the bar for what streaming entertainment can be with Dolby,” Couling remarked, highlighting that the alliance is not simply a technological upgrade but a reflection of a shared vision — one that aims to continually push the boundaries of live sports broadcasting and home entertainment. He added that this partnership positions Peacock as the ultimate destination for audiences who expect their streaming experiences to deliver both technical excellence and emotional impact.
In essence, the integration of Dolby Vision 2, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby AC-4 across Peacock’s upcoming programming signals the beginning of a new era for streaming media. Through this collaboration, viewers will gain access to image and sound quality previously associated only with professional cinema environments, all within the comfort of their living rooms. By blending innovation with accessibility, Peacock and Dolby are jointly redefining what premium entertainment means in the digital age — an unprecedented fusion of clarity, depth, and sensory engagement that sets a new gold standard for streaming platforms everywhere.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/peacock-dolby-atmos-vision-2-support-ces-2026/
