Dolby Atmos is the most significant development in home theater audio since the introduction of surround sound. But this innovation deserves a moment to analyze its qualities and how we can implement a unique sound system in our homes.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Atmos is a new surround sound technology that expands existing 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound setups with the addition of overhead surround channels. These new channels provide the listener with an even more immersive experience, with a greater sense of height, depth, and positioning compared to standard surround sound setups.
With traditional multi-channel audio, channels correspond to specific speaker locations. However, Dolby Atmos introduces the concept of object-based audio. Object-based audio is captured with panoramic information recorded as X, Y, and Z coordinates (the Z axis being elevation or height). These X, Y, and Z coordinates, along with the object’s size, are recorded along with the audio as Object Audio Metadata (OAMD).
The result is a more realistic three-dimensional listening experience where, instead of feeling like, say, someone is revving an engine somewhere next to you, you get a noticeably enhanced sense that the engine is actually on a ridge right above you.
It’s truly an exciting experience, however, more channels require more speakers. In movie theaters, additional speakers have been added along the walls (at all heights), and even behind the screen. We can find up to 400 speakers in use in major Dolby Atmos theaters. But one of the crucial points of Atmos is that it can place the speakers directly on the ceiling, enveloping the audience in a dome of sound.
What does Dolby Atmos bring to the listening experience?
With this surround sound system, we can hear in three dimensions. Let’s imagine we’re in a room with a relatively normal-height ceiling. If we step out the door and into the garden, for example, we’ll immediately notice the difference in sound between the two spaces. Even if you close your eyes, you’ll know when your surroundings have changed. This is due to the additional sense of space and height, two key concepts for the proper functioning of our auditory system.
Well, space and height are what Dolby Atmos brings to the surround sound experience. It makes the illusion of the audio track work in more than two dimensions. And that’s what makes it such a great system to our eyes, or ears. The listening experience seems much more realistic, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the sound and be even more convinced that what we’re hearing is real.
How can we configure our home to take advantage of Dolby Atmos technology?
The good news is that this fantastic technology can be implemented in our homes. To do this, we can choose between adding functionality to our current home theater system or starting from scratch with a new installation. In both cases, the results can be impressive.
First, we need to determine how many additional speakers we’ll need based on our home’s layout. One of the key options we’ll consider is in-ceiling speakers or add-on modules for existing front and rear speakers, each powered by a suitable AV amplifier or receiver capable of decoding the Dolby Atmos signal.
An attractive alternative for creating a fantastic home theater system in a limited space is to purchase a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar. We’ll discuss the options available in future articles in our digital magazine.
In-ceiling speakers
In-ceiling speakers are one of the most elegant options for building a surround sound system. While two in-ceiling speakers act as additional rear units, the real difference will come from installing a total of four speakers in a quadrant around the listening position.
How to access Dolby Atmos Content
There are currently more than 500 theatrical releases that benefit from Dolby Atmos and numerous ways to access that content from home. You may even be accessing Dolby Atmos content without even realizing it through any of your streaming services. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ all offer Dolby Atmos content, so you’ll likely be able to enjoy an immersive experience without having to access platforms other than the ones you normally use.
But Dolby Atmos isn’t just about cinema, it’s also about music.
Dolby has also developed Dolby Atmos Music, which is essentially a process of remixing songs using Dolby Atmos technology. An increasing number of tracks can be found on platforms like Apple Music or Amazon Music.
The benefits are very similar to those we get with movies. The additional height and 3D sound take us back to the source of the sound, the songs, the concerts, and ultimately, every instrument and chord we can enjoy in our favorite music.
In short, once we have installed a Dolby Atmos system at home, it will become a must-have, worthy of the most demanding viewer who enjoys a quality environment.
