Disney+ has reinstated support for Dolby Vision and 3D features across Europe, following a period of removal related to a German patent dispute. Users have reported that these features are back online in the UK and most of Europe, with the exception of Germany.
Background of the Patent Dispute
In early February, FlatpanelsHD reported that Disney+ had to downgrade its video quality due to a patent issue with American company InterDigital. This led to the temporary removal of Dolby Vision and 3D content from the platform, which also affected availability on devices such as the Apple Vision Pro.
Technical Challenges Addressed
Disney initially categorized the situation as “technical challenges.” However, further communication later clarified that the video format changes were indeed a direct result of the ongoing patent court proceedings in Germany.
Restoration of Features
After resolving the issue, Disney announced that Dolby Vision and 3D functionalities have been successfully reinstated. This restoration applies not only to the core platform but also to devices compatible with these advanced video formats.
Company Statement
In a statement given to FlatpanelsHD, Disney expressed disappointment over the necessary changes. The company noted:
- “We are disappointed that this was necessary and we share our customers’ frustration.”
- “We have worked as quickly as possible to implement solutions that ensure viewers the best possible experience on their devices and subscriptions.”
Viewer Impact
Dolby Vision and 3D features were unavailable for over a month. It is important for subscribers to ensure their Disney+ app is updated to the latest version to regain access. Currently, there has been no compensation offered to affected premium subscribers during this outage.
As a reminder, HDR10+ remains unavailable in Europe as of now. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with the recently restored features in the comments section on El-Balad.
