In the world of modern televisions, there’s a default setting that’s been sparking debates among viewers, filmmakers, and tech enthusiasts alike. It’s called motion smoothing, and while it might seem like a harmless feature, many argue it’s ruining the way we watch movies and TV shows. This article dives into what motion smoothing is, why you should consider turning it off, and how to disable it on your TV for a better viewing experience.
What Is Motion Smoothing?
Motion smoothing, also known as motion interpolation, is a feature found on most modern smart TVs. It works by creating additional frames between existing ones in a video, effectively increasing the frame rate. This process aims to reduce motion blur and make fast-moving scenes appear smoother.
While this might sound like a win, the result is often a hyper-realistic look that filmmakers and cinephiles hate. Known as the “soap opera effect,” this artificial smoothness strips away the cinematic quality of movies and TV shows, making them look like they were shot on a cheap video camera or, as the name suggests, a daytime soap opera.
Why Motion Smoothing Ruins Your Viewing Experience
The soap opera effect is more than just an annoyance; it fundamentally changes the way content is meant to be viewed. Here’s why it’s problematic:
- It Undermines Filmmaker Intent
Directors and cinematographers carefully craft their work to be viewed at specific frame rates, typically 24 frames per second (FPS). Motion smoothing disrupts this vision by altering the frame rate, creating an unnatural look that destroys the intended aesthetic. - It Makes Movies Look Cheap
The cinematic feel of movies is rooted in their frame rate. Motion smoothing eliminates the subtle motion blur that gives films their unique texture, replacing it with an overly polished, hyper-realistic appearance. - It Can Cause Visual Distraction
The additional frames created by motion smoothing can introduce artifacts and odd visual glitches, especially during fast-paced scenes. This can be distracting and detract from your overall enjoyment.
When Motion Smoothing Makes Sense
Despite its drawbacks, motion smoothing does have a place in certain scenarios. For example:
- Live Sports: Fast-moving action, like basketball or soccer, benefits from smoother transitions. Motion smoothing can make the game feel more immersive, as if you’re watching it live in the stadium.
- Gaming: Some gamers prefer motion smoothing for fast-paced games, as it can reduce motion blur and make on-screen action feel more fluid.
However, for most other content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries, it’s best to turn this feature off.
How to Turn Off Motion Smoothing on Your TV
Disabling motion smoothing varies depending on your TV’s brand and model. Below, we’ve outlined step-by-step instructions for some of the most popular TV manufacturers.
Samsung TVs
On Samsung TVs, motion smoothing is called Auto Motion Plus. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Press the gear button on your remote to access Settings.
- Go to All Settings > Picture > More Picture Settings > Picture Clarity Settings > Auto Motion Plus.
- Toggle the feature off.
LG TVs
LG refers to motion smoothing as TruMotion. To disable it:
- Press the gear button to open Settings.
- Select All Settings > Picture Mode Settings > Picture Options > TruMotion.
- Turn off the feature.
Amazon Fire TVs (Amazon, Toshiba)
On Amazon Fire TVs, the feature is labeled Action Smoothing. Follow these steps:
- Press the gear button to access Settings.
- Navigate to Display & Sounds > Advanced Settings > Action Smoothing.
- Disable the feature.
Google TVs (Sony, TCL, Hisense)
Motion smoothing on Google TVs varies by brand:
- Press the gear button to open Settings.
- Go to Display & Sound > Picture > Advanced Settings.
- Look for the following:
- Sony: Motionflow
- TCL: Action Smoothing
- Hisense: Motion Enhancement and Motion Clearness (disable both)
Vizio TVs
On Vizio TVs, the feature is called Clear Action. To turn it off:
- Press the gear button to access Settings.
- Navigate to Picture > Advanced Picture > Clear Action.
- Disable the feature.
Roku TVs (Element, Hisense, RCA, Sharp, TCL)
Roku TVs require a slightly different approach:
- Open an input or app on your TV.
- Press the asterisk (*) button on your Roku remote.
- Select Picture Settings and look for motion smoothing options (e.g., Action Smoothing).
- If you don’t see it, check Advanced or Expert Picture Settings.
The One Reason to Keep Motion Smoothing On
While motion smoothing is generally best left off for most content, there’s one key scenario where it shines: fast-paced action.
Whether you’re watching a basketball game or playing a high-octane video game, motion smoothing can reduce blur and create sharper, clearer images during rapid movements. This is particularly useful for:
- Sports broadcasts
- Gaming (especially shooters and racing games)
If you primarily use your TV for these activities, consider keeping the feature enabled—or at least turning it on when needed.
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Viewing Experience
Motion smoothing is a double-edged sword. While it can enhance certain types of content, it often detracts from the cinematic experience that filmmakers work so hard to achieve. By turning it off, you’ll enjoy movies and TV shows as they were meant to be seen, with all the subtlety and artistry intact.
So, grab your remote, navigate to your TV’s settings, and disable motion smoothing ASAP. Your eyes—and your movie nights—will thank you.
