What is Dolby Atmos and how does it improve sound?

What is Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is a patented sound technology launched in 2012. In the beginning, this novelty was exclusive to movie theaters. However, as it became more popular and a little more affordable, it made its way into the home environment.

Dolby Atmos is the sound equivalent of 4K resolution in images.

Basically, Dolby Atmos-compatible content and devices allow you to enjoy a three-dimensional, immersive and realistic sound experience. In other words, this technology is the evolution of conventional surround sound.

While it is true that many devices integrate it (many of the best smart speakers, headphones, sound bars, among others), currently Dolby Atmos is still a feature specific to high-end devices. Here is more information about this old, but current sound format that is still a great alternative for home theater lovers.

How does Dolby Atmos improve sound?

To achieve the three-dimensional and realistic sound we were talking about at the beginning, Dolby Atmos uses a 9.1 type channel, which consists of music and background sounds. In addition, Atmos uses 128 tracks and 118 simultaneous sound objects that allow it to generate an immersive soundstage.

All of the above features, in addition to audio data recognition technology optimized for Dolby Atmos, enable this format to offer a much more complete experience.

It is worth stressing that the big difference between Atmos and conventional surround sound is the use of channels. While Dolby Atmos works with a 9.1 channel, surround sound works with 5.1 and 7.1 channels. So, when watching a movie with basic surround sound, you will be able to perceive the movement of the sound from left to right and vice versa.

Dolby Atmos does this too, but it adds a third dimension: height. So if you hear a helicopter flying overhead in the video or audio track you are enjoying, you will not only perceive it to the sides, but also as if it were above your head.

How to count on Dolby Atmos technology

Previously, having Dolby Atmos at home meant making a considerable investment in order to create a speaker system that would allow you to access the immersive 360-degree sound experience. However, today there is a wide variety of devices that play in this format without the need to purchase extra hardware.

Currently, users have different alternatives to listen to movies, series, TV shows, video games and music in Atmos format. In general, mid-high-end sound bars, smart TVs, speakers, headphones and other sound-focused devices integrate Dolby Atmos technology.

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