Motion smoothing, also called motion interpolation, is a technology designed to reduce motion blur in fast-moving visuals. TV manufacturers often label it differently, using terms like Motion Enhancement, True Motion, or Smoothing Effect. While intended to enhance clarity, many filmmakers argue it alters the cinematic feel of movies, making them appear unnaturally smooth.
Notably, actor Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have criticized this feature for causing the “soap opera effect.” In 2018, they released a public service announcement encouraging viewers to disable it for a more authentic movie experience.
Turning Off Motion Smoothing on Roku TV
For a true cinematic feel, follow these steps to disable motion smoothing on your Roku TV:
1. Play a movie or TV show on your Roku TV.
2. Press the star (*) button on your Roku remote or access the settings menu.
3. Navigate to Picture Settings > Advanced Picture Settings.
4. Locate Action Smoothing and turn it off.
Once disabled, replay a scene to notice the difference. Some high-end smart TVs also feature Filmmaker Mode, which fine-tunes colors and contrast for a more cinematic presentation.
Does the Roku Streaming Stick Include Motion Smoothing?
No, the Roku Streaming Stick does not have a motion smoothing feature. Motion smoothing is a built-in function of TVs, not external streaming devices. If your TV has a refresh rate above 60Hz, it likely includes motion smoothing.
Recently, Roku enabled motion smoothing by default on certain TVs, drawing criticism from home theater enthusiasts. Fortunately, this setting can be turned off using the method outlined above.
Optimizing Picture Settings for Roku TV
For an enhanced viewing experience, activate Filmmaker Mode if your TV supports it. This mode ensures accurate colors, contrast, and motion handling, particularly on OLED displays. However, picture settings vary across TV models, so you may need to adjust brightness, contrast, and other parameters based on your room’s lighting.
Keep in mind that motion smoothing settings can only be adjusted while content is playing. The Advanced Picture Settings menu does not appear when navigating the TV’s home screen. If your TV lacks an Action Smoothing option, you may need to wait for Roku to release an update.
By fine-tuning these settings, you can achieve the best picture quality and enjoy a truly immersive cinematic experience at home.
You may also like to check out: