Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories that enhances existing surround sound systems by adding height channels. Unlike traditional channel-based audio, Dolby Atmos uses "audio objects," which are individual sounds that can be precisely placed and moved in a three-dimensional space. This creates a more immersive and realistic sound experience, with sounds coming from all directions, including overhead.
Dolby Atmos was initially created for commercial cinemas in 2012, but has since been adapted for home theaters, headphones, and mobile devices. It is implemented in various consumer technologies, including soundbars, TVs, smartphones, and automobiles. Dolby Atmos-enabled devices decode metadata embedded in the audio content and map the audio objects to the appropriate speakers, adapting the sound to the specific environment and device. Dolby Atmos content is available on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as on Blu-ray discs and in some video games.
The price of Dolby Atmos-enabled devices varies widely. Soundbars with Dolby Atmos can range from under $500 to over $1,500. For example, the Sonos Arc Ultra is around £999, while the Samsung HW-Q990D is around £1,699. Availability is widespread, with many electronics retailers and online stores offering a range of Dolby Atmos-enabled products. To experience Dolby Atmos, you need compatible devices, including a TV or AV media player, and an AV receiver or soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos object audio rendering.
