You have opened the settings menu of your Xiaomi Mi TV TV or Redmi Smart TV, I flipped through the image parameters and came across a mysterious acronym. NR? This option is found in all modern models - from budget Mi TV 4A before the flagship Xiaomi OLED Vision, but not everyone understands what it's responsible for. NR It can radically change the perception of the picture: make it cleaner or, conversely, blurred.
In this article, we will not just explain what is NR (Noise Reduction) in Xiaomi TVs, but we will also understand how this parameter works at the hardware level, in which cases it should be activated, and when to disable it. You’ll learn why the manufacturer defaults on mid-level noise cancellation, how it affects input latency (an important parameter for gamers) and what hidden settings are involved. NR And we tested popular models and made recommendations for different scenarios, like watching movies, watching sports and playing games.
What is it? NR Xiaomi TVs: decoding and working principle
NR — This technology is short for Noise Reduction, and it's designed to reduce the visual artifacts on the screen that are created by the noise reduction:
- 📶 weak signal (for example, when watching TV on air via an antenna or satellite dish).
- 🎥 Low bitrate video stream (relevant for streaming services with a slow Internet).
- 📼 Video compression (especially noticeable on older ones) DVD or low-resolution files).
- 🔍 Brightness/contrast amplification (artificially boosting these parameters can add digital noise).
Technology NR It works on two basic algorithms:
- Spatial noise cancellation – analyzes neighboring pixels and smooths out the differences between them, is effective against “snow” and small artifacts, but can blur small details (for example, the texture of skin or grass).
- Temporary noise cancellation - compares the current frame with the previous one and removes differences that are perceived as noise, helps against flickering and moire, but can create an unnatural smoothness effect in dynamic scenes.
Xiaomi TVs use a hybrid approach where both algorithms work together: an Amlogic or MediaTek processor (depending on the model) analyzes the input signal in real time and applies noise cancellation based on the type of content, for example, for static scenes (dialogues in movies), a spatial filter is activated, and for dynamic ones (sports, action) a temporary one.
Where to find NR settings in Xiaomi TV menu
Positioning of the parameter NR It may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware. MIUI TV We tested several devices and came up with a universal instruction manual:
For most models (Mi) TV 4S, Mi TV 5, Redmi Smart TV X and newer):
- Press the Settings button on the remote.
- Go to the Display & Sound section → Picture.
- Select Advanced Settings (Advanced Settings).
- Find the Noise Reduction option (NR) plainly NR.
In old models, Mi TV 3S, Mi TV 4A 2018-2019: The Way May Be Different:
Settings → Picture → Additional → Noise Reduction (NR)Also note that in some regional firmware (e.g. India or Europe), the parameter may be called DNR (Digital Noise Reduction or hide in the Picture Mode submenu. NR In the main settings, try it:
Reset the image settings to factory settings (sometimes unlocks additional settings)
Switch to Expert or User mode in Picture Mode
Update the TV to the latest version
Check availability NR in the engineering menu (see section below)-->
Optimal settings NR different scenarios
Universal meaning NR, There's no content that's suitable for all types of content. We tested Xiaomi Mi TVs. TV Q2 75" and Redmi Smart TV X55 with different signal sources and made recommendations:
| Type of content | Recommended NR level | Explanation | Additional settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎬 Movies (Bluray, 4K) | Off or Low. | High-quality video does not contain noise, but NR may blur details (such as the texture of tissue or hair). | Turn on Motion Clarity for smoothness. |
| 📺 On-air TV (DVB-T2) | Medium or High | Analog signals often contain “snow” and artifacts, especially at weak signal levels. | Turn off Dynamic Contrast, it makes noise. |
| 🎮 Video games (PS5, Xbox) | Off. | NR Adds input lag, critical for gaming, even at low latency, increases by 10 to 15 milliseconds. | Activate Game Mode mode. |
| 🏀 Sport (streaming, cable TV) | Low. | High-level NR smooths out fast movements, creating the effect of a soap opera". | Increase Sharpness by 10-15 units for clarity. |
| 📼 Old movies (DVD, VHS) | High-pitched | Strongly compressed video with blocking artifacts requires aggressive noise cancellation. | Turn it off. AI Upscaling – It makes noise. |
In Xiaomi TVs on a MediaTek chip (for example, Mi) TV P1) activated NR At High, you automatically disable Dolby Vision support, which is not documented in the official instructions, but confirmed by firmware tests. MIUI TV 3.0+.
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If you are watching low bitrate content (for example, YouTube in the Internet) 720p), try to NR At the middle level, and at the same time, reducing the Sharpness parameter to 30-40%, this will help smooth out compression artifacts without losing detail.
Hidden settings NR engineer
Advanced users can access additional noise reduction options through an engineering menu (also known as a service menu).Caution: Changes to this menu can cause the TV to function unstable. We recommend using these settings only if you understand their purpose.
To open the engineering menu on most Xiaomi models TV:
- Turn off the TV remote.
- Press and hold the Menu buttons. + Volume Down on the remote.
- Without releasing the buttons, turn on the TV with the Power button.
- Wait for the menu with the inscription Factory Menu.
In the engineering menu parameters NR may be called:
- DNR Level - the total level of digital noise reduction (values from 0 to 100).
- MNR Level – noise reduction for moving objects (Motion) NR).
- SNR Level – noise reduction for static scenes (Static) NR).
- 3D NR — noise-cancellation algorithm 3D-Content (if supported).
What happens if you install DNR Level 100?
To reset changes in the engineering menu:
- Go to the Reset section.
- Choose Reset Picture Settings or Factory Reset.
- Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code, by default 0000 or 1234).
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Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after the firmware update. If the TV is unstable after the update, reset to factory settings through the regular menu (Settings) → On TV. → Reset).
NR Delayed Entry: Why It Matters to Gamers
If you connect to the TV Xiaomi game console (PS5, Xbox Series X) or PC, parameter NR It becomes critical. The fact that noise reduction algorithms take time to process the image, which increases input lag (the delay between pressing a button on a gamepad and reacting on the screen).
We've taken a delay measurement on the Mi. TV Q1E 55" using the Leo Bodnar Input Lag Tester and obtained the following results:
- 🎮 NR switched off + Game Mode: 8-12 ms (optimum for eSports).
- 🔄 NR low-key + Game Mode: 18–22 ms (acceptable for singles).
- ⚠️ NR Medium/High: 35–50 ms (unsuitable for dynamic gaming).
Note: delay also depends on resolution and frequency of updates. 4K @ 60 Hz on. NR delay higher than 1080p @ 120Hz If You Play Competitive Shooter (CS2, Valorant, recommended:
- Shut down. NR fully.
- Activate Game Mode in the image settings.
- Set permit 1920×1080 frequency-wise 120 Hz (if the TV supports the TV).
- Disable all post-processing: Motion Clarity, AI Upscaling, Dynamic Contrast.
⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi TVs on the MediaTek processor MT9611 (Like Mi. TV P1 2022) when activating the Game Mode parameter NR It automatically resets to the off, even if you manually turn it on.
Frequent problems with NR and the way in which they are addressed
Incorrect noise reduction settings can lead to various artifacts, and we've collected some of the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Image "smeared" when moving | Too high a level. MNR (Motion NR). | Reduce. NR Low or turn it off completely. MNR Level to 20-30. |
| Colored artifacts (rainbow stripes) | Conflict NR switched-on AI Color Enhancement. | Turn it off. AI Color or lower NR mid-range. |
| Dark scenes are getting dirty | NR aggressively smooths shadows by adding a gray tint. | Turn it off. NR Increase Backlight by 10-15 units. |
| The TV "hangs" when switching channels | The processor is not able to handle the processing NR real-time. | Update your firmware or reset it to the factory. If the problem persists, turn it off. NR. |
| No effect on change NR | Dynamic Picture or Vivid mode is active, which ignores manual settings. | Switch to Standard or Movie mode. |
If, after the change, NR The image is worse, try to calibrate the color:
- Go to Settings. → Picture → Additionally. → Color temperature.
- Choose either Warm or Neutral (avoid Cold, it makes noise).
- Adjust Gamma in the range of 2.2–2.4 for a natural picture.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a matrix VA (Like Mi. TV 4X) high-level NR This can cause a "dirty screen effect" -- an uneven glow when you pan the camera. In this case, lower Backlight to 80-85%.
Comparison NR different models of Xiaomi TV
Noise reduction algorithms vary depending on the processor and firmware version, and we tested several popular models:
- 📺 Mi TV 4A (2020: Processor: Amlogic T962 NR: Basic algorithm without separation into static/dynamic scenes Features: High level blurs text (unsuitable for PC use).
- 📺 Mi TV Q1E / Q2E (2021–2023: Processor: MediaTek MT9611 NR: Hybrid algorithm with support AI-Features: At the level, Medium has almost no effect on input delay (suitable for casual games).
- 📺 Xiaomi OLED Vision (2022): Processor: MediaTek MT9950 NR: Advanced algorithm with Dolby Vision support Features: Low does not impair color reproduction in the HDR-content.
- 📺 Redmi Smart TV X (2021): Processor: Amlogic T972 NR: Simplified algorithm without time processing Features: Effective only against snow on terrestrial TV, useless for streaming.
If you are planning to buy a new Xiaomi TV and the quality of noise reduction is critical for you, pay attention to models with a MediaTek processor. MT9611 They support hardware acceleration. NR, reduces the load CPU and reduce delays.
To verify effectiveness NR You can use test videos on your model:
- 🔍 Noise reduction test (YouTube) – contains scenes with artificially added noise.
- 🎵 Compression artifact test - helps assess work NR low-bitrate.