Roku TV owners complain that motion smoothing is stuck “on” after an update
What are the potential benefits of using the motion smoothing feature on TVs, particularly for certain types of content?
Motion smoothing, also known as the "soap opera effect," is a feature found in most TVs that injects new frames between the frames in a video signal to make the image motion look less jerky2. This can be particularly beneficial for certain types of content, such as live sports.
For sports, motion smoothing can make the action appear clearer and more enjoyable by smoothing out the motion and making fast-paced movements easier to follow3. This is because sports often involve a ball that gets passed, kicked, thrown, or shot, and the camera movement can wreak havoc on the picture. Motion smoothing helps to address this issue without adding more problems to the viewing experience.
Another instance where motion smoothing can be useful is for live TV broadcasts, such as the news, and reality TV shows. These types of content are usually filmed at 30 frames per second (fps), which is the same rate that motion enhancements are suitable for.
However, it's important to note that while motion smoothing can enhance the viewing experience for certain types of content, it can also have adverse effects on others, particularly films and cinematic TV shows. These are usually recorded at 24 fps, and motion smoothing can make the content look unnatural, often referred to as the "soap opera effect." Therefore, it's generally recommended to turn off motion smoothing when watching movies or cinematic TV shows.
In conclusion, the potential benefits of using the motion smoothing feature on TVs largely depend on the type of content being viewed. It can enhance the viewing experience for live sports, news, and reality TV, but it can also distort the intended look of films and cinematic TV shows.
What specific models of Roku TVs are reported to have the motion smoothing issue after the recent OS update?
The specific models of Roku TVs reported to have the motion smoothing issue after the recent OS update are TCL TVs running on Roku OS 13. However, it is important to note that this issue may not be limited to only these models, as other users with different models have also reported similar problems in the past.
What is the new feature introduced in Roku OS 13 that might be causing the motion smoothing issue?
The new feature introduced in Roku OS 13 that might be causing the motion smoothing issue is "Roku Smart Picture." This feature is designed to automatically adjust the backlight, uniformity, and color settings based on the type of TV and the content being watched. However, some users have reported that this feature has enabled motion smoothing on their TVs without the option to turn it off. It is possible that there may be a bug related to the Roku Smart Picture feature.