Dolby Atmos - What to Purchase?

archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 18:01
Last edited 28/08/2022 - 18:34

AV stuff I have

  • a TV with ARC, no eARC or advertised Dolby Atmos support.
  • a soundbar that does Dolby Atmos
  • a Chromecast Ultra

What I need Atmos for
Streaming Apps only, I don't game nor do I have blu-ray. Friends bring a Nintendo Switch over but I doubt that has 4K or Atmos.
Apps I use (on-off) in order of most used:

  • Netflix
  • Prime Video
  • Youtube
  • Disney+
  • Stan
  • Binge
  • Paramount+
  • Others

Need help to understand what device can I use to get Atmos on my soundbar.
Options I can think of are:

  • (1) HDMI splitter from Chromecast to Soundbar & Soundbar to TV to send one signal directly to soundbar and other to TV Assuming Chromecast Ultra supports Atmos, I am not sure on that as somewhere I read it can't do it for Disney+ and what not. If it does, it means I need to stop using the Apps on the Smart TV and just use the Apps from my mobile to Chromecast. It makes it a little tedious as I won't have a remote and will have to stream via my mobile.
  • (2) HDMI splitter with (new) Nvidia Shield Pro. Pros - Everything will be via it, the TV will just be a screen. Cons - I either will have to juggle the remote if I want to watch Live-FreeToAir-TV or buy a (new) USB TV Tuner to make this seamless. Also, I lose the App shortcuts on my TV remote (my TV numkeys have shortcuts to each app).
  • (3) Buy a "new" TV :) - I am happy to get a used or a cheap old model as long as it supports Atmos and is 4K. Pros - May get Dolby Vision too & no hassle. Cons - Most expensive, pretty happy with my current TV as such. Considering this option only because I don't know how expensive an HDMI splitter would be in the 1st 2 options. I don't want it to be the weakest link in my setup causing poor signal split or AV lag. I saw some discussion on OzB about HDFury Arcana. Is that an ideal HDMI splitter? If I buy that and an Nvidia shield (and a USB TV Tuner), I'd rather spend 25% more and get a "new" TV.
  • (4) Please suggest any alternative.

Update: OMG, just found out that I can plug my Chromecast into a non-eARC HDMI port of my soundbar and it will pass TV signal to TV by making the eARC as HDMI Out mid-blown. I am just trying to see if Chromecast Ultra supports Atmos. Streaming Joker but it says "5.1" on the movie details, so does every other movie (like Extraction).

Thanks for your time.

Electrical & Electronics Dolby Atmos

Comments

  • emblurr on 28/08/2022 - 18:38
    +1

    Those streaming apps only do Atmos over Dolby Digital plus, which ARC is enough for. Sounds like your TV is older than 2017 which those streaming apps don't do atmos on.

    https://www.whattowatch.com/how-to/what-streaming-services-p…

    • archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 18:49

      Thanks for replying. Reading the link you shared.

      My TV is this one - https://www.lg.com/au/tvs/lg-55UK7550PTA
      Bought this in early 2020 on clearance. Not sure actual manufacturing year.

    • archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 18:52

      I noticed one thing. If I open a Marvel movie on the TV Dinsey+ App - it does show me Atmos Icon on the Movie details page.
      Does that mean My TV is able to play Atmos using Arc? Doesn't the Decoder in TV need to have Atmos decode (or does it pass it through to the Soundbar which does it on Arc)?

  • Silvo on 28/08/2022 - 19:39

    Nearly any ny old PC with a $300 AMD RX6400 video card will output 4k at 120Hz HDR, Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos and when you update your TV to 4K and OED, it will be ready.
    Spending all that cash on subscriptions… OMG.
    Potential for Bit Torrent?

    • archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 20:00

      Sorry a bit confused, you mean I assemble a PC and connect that to soundbar?
      Looking at the previous comment by emblurr, seems i am entirely mistaken and i don't need to do anything. Apps just do Lite Atomos and it is supported by my TV.
      Just don't know how to know i am getting best sound possible.

      PS: i change apps i subscribe to monthly basis. I have prime video always due to amazon, rest o keep 1 or 2 max a month

  • SBOB on 28/08/2022 - 20:12
    +1

    As someone with a Sonos arc surround setup, don't expect to get much 'wow' going from non atmos content to atmos content.

    • archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 20:28

      No, not looking to convert non Atmos to Atmos.
      Just looking to play Atmos content on streaming apps on my Atmos sound bar when TV has ARC (no eARC) & isn't advertised to play Atmos.

      • SBOB on 28/08/2022 - 20:34
        +1

        I was more pointing out not to expect a huge noticeable difference in quality.
        I wouldn't be spending any significant $ just to get an atmos tick box compared to regular dolby digital + 5.1 from your media sources.

        Not talking about any conversion or upscaling.

        • archieduh on 28/08/2022 - 21:37

          OK got it thanks

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