Motion smoothing, often called the “soap opera effect,” is a feature on many modern TVs, including Roku TVs. It makes motion appear smoother by adding extra frames to video content. While this can be useful for fast-paced content like sports, it often makes movies and TV shows look unnatural. Many viewers prefer to turn it off for a more cinematic experience. This guide explains how to disable motion smoothing, known as Action Smoothing on Roku TVs, and addresses recent issues where the feature may be stuck on after an update.
What is Motion Smoothing?
Motion smoothing is a technology that increases a video’s frame rate by inserting interpolated frames between original ones. On Roku TVs, this feature is called Action Smoothing. It aims to reduce motion blur, making fast-moving scenes clearer. However, it can create a hyper-realistic look that feels unnatural for films, often referred to as the “soap opera effect.” This happens because movies are typically shot at 24 frames per second, and motion smoothing alters their intended appearance.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off Motion Smoothing
Many viewers dislike the soap opera effect because it changes how movies and TV shows look. Filmmakers often intend for their work to have a specific visual style, which motion smoothing can disrupt. Turning off Action Smoothing restores the original cinematic feel, making your viewing experience more authentic. This is especially important for movies and scripted TV shows, though some may prefer motion smoothing for sports or live events.
How to Disable Action Smoothing on Your Roku TV
Follow these steps to turn off Action Smoothing on your Roku TV. You need to be watching a video or have an input selected (like HDMI) for these settings to appear.
1. Ensure a Video is Playing
Start playing a movie or show in a streaming app (e.g., Netflix, Hulu) or select an input like HDMI. The settings menu won’t appear on the Roku home screen or app home pages.
2. Press the Star (*) Button
Use your Roku remote and press the Star (*) button, located below the directional pad. This opens the Options menu.
3. Select Advanced Picture Settings
In the Options menu, scroll to and select “Advanced Picture Settings.”
4. Set Action Smoothing to Off
Find the “Action Smoothing” option in the Advanced Picture Settings menu. Use the remote’s directional pad to set it to “Off.” Options may include High, Medium, Low, or Off—select “Off” to disable motion smoothing completely.
Important Notes:
- Settings are specific to each input (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2) and content type (e.g., 1080p, 4K, HDR). You may need to repeat these steps for different inputs or content types.
- If you don’t see the Action Smoothing option, your Roku TV model may not support this feature. Check your TV’s manual or contact Roku Support for clarification.
Troubleshooting: Motion Smoothing Stuck On After Update
Some Roku TV users, particularly those with TCL models running Roku OS 13, have reported that Action Smoothing is enabled and cannot be turned off after a 2024 software update. This issue, noted in sources like Tom’s Guide and The Verge, may be linked to the new “Roku Smart Picture” feature, which automatically adjusts picture settings.
If you’re affected, try these workarounds:
- Press and Hold the Star Button: Some users report that pressing and holding the Star (*) button, rather than a single press, opens the Advanced Picture Settings menu, allowing you to disable Action Smoothing.
- Switch to Filmmaker Mode: If your TV supports Filmmaker Mode, select it from the picture settings. This mode is designed to preserve the original cinematic look and typically disables motion smoothing.
- Check for Software Updates: Roku is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Go to Settings > System > System Update to check for the latest software. As of July 2024, no permanent fix was confirmed, so ensure your TV is updated to the latest version.
- Contact Roku Support: If the above steps don’t work, reach out to Roku Support for assistance.
Table: Troubleshooting Motion Smoothing Issues on Roku OS 13
| Issue | Possible Cause | Workaround | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Smoothing stuck on | Roku OS 13 update, possibly due to Roku Smart Picture | Press and hold Star button, switch to Filmmaker Mode, check for updates | Roku is investigating; no confirmed fix as of July 2024 |
| No Action Smoothing option | TV model doesn’t support the feature | Check TV manual or contact Roku Support | Not applicable |
| Settings not saving | Input-specific settings | Adjust for each input/content type | Normal behavior |
Additional Tips
- Identify Motion Smoothing: If movies or shows look overly smooth, like live TV or soap operas, Action Smoothing is likely enabled. Compare with a known cinematic source to confirm.
- Reset Picture Settings: If settings are inconsistent, reset them to default. Go to Settings > Picture Settings > Reset Picture Settings. This can help if adjustments aren’t saving correctly.
- Content-Specific Adjustments: Motion smoothing can benefit fast-paced content like sports. Consider enabling it for such content and disabling it for movies. Adjust settings for each input or content type as needed.
- Understand Judder vs. Motion Smoothing: Some users confuse judder reduction with motion smoothing. Judder reduction adjusts frame timing to reduce stuttering, while Action Smoothing adds interpolated frames. If you notice stuttering without the soap opera effect, it may be judder, not motion smoothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Action Smoothing on Roku TV?
Action Smoothing is Roku’s term for motion smoothing, a feature that adds frames to make motion appear smoother. It can create a soap opera effect, which many find distracting for movies.
How do I access Advanced Picture Settings on Roku TV?
While playing a video, press the Star (*) button on your Roku remote and select “Advanced Picture Settings” from the Options menu.
Why can’t I find the Action Smoothing option?
If Action Smoothing isn’t listed, your Roku TV model may not support it. Check your TV’s manual or contact Roku Support for details.
Can I turn off motion smoothing for all inputs at once?
No, settings are specific to each input and content type (e.g., 4K, HDR). You must adjust them individually for each scenario.
What’s the difference between Action Smoothing and judder reduction?
Action Smoothing adds interpolated frames to smooth motion, often causing the soap opera effect. Judder reduction adjusts frame timing to reduce stuttering without adding new frames, preserving the original look.
Conclusion
Disabling Action Smoothing on your Roku TV can significantly improve your viewing experience, especially for movies and scripted shows. By following the steps in this guide, you can turn off this feature and enjoy content as intended. If you’re dealing with the Roku OS 13 issue where Action Smoothing is stuck on, try the suggested workarounds and keep your TV’s software updated. For persistent problems, Roku Support can provide further assistance. Check out other Teckwiki guides for more tips on optimizing your Roku TV experience.
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