What is ‘MPEG Noise Reduction’ on my TV 📺

Welcome my friend! The purpose of this article is explain “what is ‘MPEG noise reduction’".

What is 'Noise Reduction'

Wikipedia has defined “noise reduction” the following way:

Noise reduction is the process of removing noise from a signal. Noise reduction techniques exist for audio and images. Noise reduction algorithms may distort the signal to some degree.

'Noise Reduction' in a TV

And what does MPEG NR mean on a TV? Let's start with the official definition:

'MPEG Noise Reduction' is a technology that cleans up 'block noise around outlines' and 'mosquito noise' on the background.

It basically says ‘MPEG Noise Reduction’ is a feature that may improve the quality of pictures by reducing the noise (for example mosquitos) without compromising the picture resolution (In theory).

I say in theory because there is always a trade-off. NR algorithms cannot not yet distinguish (in all cases) what is noise and what is part of the image.

You can see the difference in the picture below (Sony Bravia example):

https://helpguide.sony.net/gbmig/ADLC1001/egb/2b-1/impegnr.html

MPEG noise reduction on or off, which is best?

The problem with noise reduction is that it comes at the expense of detail and fine texture.

Most modern and high definition TVs do NOT need noise reduction (NR).

If you are on cable you should probably disable this feature as it may distort the signal (Reduce image quality).

Don't take my word for it, just test it for yourself:

1. Pick a movie.
2. Scroll it to a scene that has more action.
3. Compare it with (and without) noise reduction.

How to deactivate noise reduction

Turn off the 'MPEG NR TV setting' and you'll generally have a more natural-looking image.

Unfortunately this setting is different in every TV.

It usually is in the settings (or tools) menu option. Sometimes it is hidden inside a 'Picture menu'.

Here is an example:

When should you I leave NR on?

The noise is more likely to appear you watch lower resolution content:

• DVDs.
• Digital satellite programs.
• Over-the-air' TV

Also, if your TV has an 'AUTO' mode for noise reduction, then you should not bother with it. Just leave it on as it is.

Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose “automatic translation” in the settings button, if you are not familiar to the english language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.

Besides 'AUTO', most TVs will give you three options:

• Low
• Medium
• High

This is an example of the Sony Bravia TV:

Press HOME - select  - Display - Picture - MPEG Noise Reduction.

https://helpguide.sony.net/gbmig/ADLC1001/egb/2b-1/impegnr.html

This is a list of frequently asked question on the topic:

What is MPEG?

MPEG is the acronym for Moving Picture Experts Group.

This format was defined by ISO with the purpose of standardizing compression and transmission of audio and video.

An MPEG file containing digital audio and video codified according to the standards indicated by the ISO committee.

The MPEG group also defined MPEG-1 audio layer 3, better known as MP3.

The MPEG format is the most popular medium for streaming high-quality video over the Internet, primarily because it is a cross-platform standard and non-commercial, and is supported by all popular browsers.

'MPEG artifact reduction', on or off?

'Artifacts' are lines or blocks of pixels that pollute the display.

MPEG artifact reduction smoothens the transitions on digital content.

In other words, it minimizes picture shadows in fast moving pictures.

Looking for a new TV?

Choosing a TV can be very difficult if you know nothing about technology.

Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.

So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:

How to choose a TV that best suits you…