Smart TVs are now capable of achieving some truly fantastic results that can enhance the viewing experience. With 4K TV and 8K TV displays now popular all across the world, televisions can now actively upscale and improve footage as we watch it. However, opinions surrounding these upscaling technologies are very often sorely divided.
One of the most hotly debated upscaling technologies that many smart TVs boast is motion interpolation, capable of smoothing out on-screen motion to reduce blur and improve the sense of realistic movement. But why is the technology so divisive? And why do so many TV enthusiasts recommend deactivating it altogether? It all relates back to the dreaded “Soap Opera Effect”.
But what exactly is the soap opera effect? And why do so many TV owners hate it? Often find yourself getting lost in technical jargon? Then you’ll want to join the Reliant tech experts below as we take you through everything there is to know about motion interpolation and the soap opera effect!
What Is Motion Interpolation?
In order to truly understand the soap opera effect, and why it’s so reviled, it’s useful to highlight the role that motion interpolation plays in creating it. Motion interpolation, in simple terms, is an intelligent function that allows a smart TV to smooth out on-screen motion. It does this by taking each of the individual frames of footage and generating new frames to go between each frame.
Motion interpolation technology allows a TV to insert newly generated frames between existing frames of footage. By increasing the number of frames in your content, it creates a smoother sense of motion. However, results often vary depending on the content!
The technology is designed to create a smoother sense of motion that, in theory, appears more realistic to the eye. Motion interpolation can, for example, take a film that plays at around 24 frames per second and generate new frames to bump it up to a rate of 60 frames per second. However, many film enthusiasts are firmly against applying motion interpolation technology to film. The fear is that the technology will interfere with the director’s original vision; thus resulting in a less authentic viewing experience.
In theory, motion interpolation is a fantastic technology that can eliminate motion blur and create a smoother sense of motion. Unfortunately, the technology is far from perfect, and it can create some rather uncanny results. Perhaps worst of all, motion interpolation technology can lead to the dreaded soap opera effect.
What Is The Soap Opera Effect?
The soap opera effect is caused entirely by motion interpolation technology and refers to a situation in which interpolated motion takes on an uncanny quality. When motion interpolation is used on fast-moving footage, such as live sports, it can look very natural. However, when motion interpolation is applied to content that is intentionally designed to play at lower frame rates, such as film, it can have a very detrimental effect.
The name “Soap Opera Effect” refers back to soap opera television shows. These shows are designed to be cheap to produce and are often filmed at much higher frame rates using slightly cheaper cameras. Thus, soap operas appear very smooth and have a slightly realistic look to them.
Motion interpolation can create unsatisfying results when applied to film, which is designed to play at around 24 frames per second. This results in the dreaded “Soap Opera Effect” which many film enthusiasts would argue cheapens the viewing experience.
Hollywood films, on the other hand, are filmed with more expensive cameras, and most often are designed to play at around 24 frames per second on average. When motion interpolation is applied to film it does improve the sense of smooth motion, but it also makes it appear cheaper!
The soap opera effect creates a very uncanny look, especially when applied to film. Some people find the effect to be incredibly uncomfortable, and very unnatural looking. Many film enthusiasts would also recommend that you turn off motion interpolation technology altogether!
Should You Turn Off Motion Interpolation?
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Motion interpolation can be very effective with certain content, such as live sports. However, when applied to content like film, it can sometimes result in the soap opera effect.
Thus, it’s worth considering the type of content you’re planning to watch, and toggling motion interpolation on and off depending on your needs! Many smart TVs allow you to quickly turn motion interpolation off whenever you want. However, the name for the technology can differ slightly depending on which TV model you’re using. For example, some refer to it as “Motion Smoothing”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Soap Opera Effect?
The soap opera effect occurs as a result of motion interpolation. Motion interpolation technology analyses the frames in a piece of content and generates new frames to insert between them. It’s designed to make on-screen motion appear smoother. However, when applied to certain content, like film, it creates a soap opera effect that makes the motion appear unnatural and very artificial. For film lovers, motion interpolation is a detriment to the viewing experience!
Should I Turn Off Motion Smoothing On My TV?
Ultimately, it’s up to you. In some cases, motion smoothing can actually be beneficial. For instance, content that is designed to display at high frame rates, such as live sports, benefit from the smoother sense of motion. It creates a more realistic and satisfying viewing experience. However, if you’re planning to watch blockbuster films, it’s worth deactivating motion smoothing. When applied to film, motion smoothing can create a very unnatural look.
