How to Play Movies with Atmos in 2023?

Tightmike on 29/08/2023 - 21:29

I have recently acquired an Atmos Soundbar to replace a full surround 7.1 cinema system for ease of use, space saving and aesthetics.

I’ve been quite happy running 5.1, or even 5.0 but really wanted to save space and make our viewing space more child friendly and have opted for a soundbar. I am dubious as to this system delivering a real Atmos experience, but reviews seem to say the effect is actually rather stunning.

What are the best sources for Atmos soundtracks? I have Apple TV (not currently in use) XBOX One, Chromecast 4K with Google TV, a Synology DS available for source material at the moment.

I’d prefer not to buy a 4K bluray player. What are my options for best sound experience.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Mechz on 29/08/2023 - 21:41
    +3

    Soundbars are just going to give you simulated Atmos by bouncing sound off the walls and ceiling.

    Depending on what streaming services you have you can probably just search for titles with Atmos soundtracks.

    • Tightmike on 29/08/2023 - 22:23

      That was always my view, but I’ve been convinced by reviews and marketing.

  • onewayhollywood on 29/08/2023 - 21:46
    +3

    The one thing that most streaming services does not do well is sound.

    They compress the sound to save bandwidth.

    It's either 4k Bluray or the high sea.

  • spackbace on 29/08/2023 - 21:51
    +1

    To start with, just try the chromecast and browse atmos demos on youtube

    Also fun to try on a phone as some new phones do really nice atmos

    https://youtu.be/3VZFpwlXKpg

    I like using the first half of this one to demo

    Nvidia shield could be a worthy device, partnered with plex on the synology

  • wots on 30/08/2023 - 08:11

    Everything on Apple TV+ has Dolby Atmos. You can watch first episodes of TV series without a subscription

  • nedski on 30/08/2023 - 09:11

    Has anyone found Atmos to be worth it? Like is the difference noticeable and more immersive? Like you can notice the difference between stereo and surround, but is it the same for 5.1 to Atmos?

    • apple2016 on 30/08/2023 - 10:48

      Depends. Atmos on just a soundbar is not noticeable , but with rear speakers added, sometimes it can make a difference.

    • lachhelix on 30/08/2023 - 10:57

      You definitely can in a discrete Atmos setup - I've found the "Atmos" in my Samsung 930B soundbar to be rubbish in comparison though so YMMV

    • boomramada on 31/08/2023 - 20:22

      I had 5.1 system and add this to get pretty good Atoms sounds https://store.sony.com.au/archived-speaker/SSCSE.html with my ATOMS supported amp.

      • spackbace on 31/08/2023 - 21:27

        Yeah I've got those but haven't really noticed much of a difference tbh. Mine are on top of the front speakers

        • boomramada on 01/09/2023 - 14:05

          You need to configure your amp for Atmos and set the speakers and their position.

          • spackbace on 01/09/2023 - 14:05

            @boomramada: Yeah it's all configured

            Best way for them I guess would be mounted to the wall behind and aiming directly, but too hard basket

            • boomramada on 01/09/2023 - 14:54

              @spackbace: Mine is just above the main speakers and usually effective when media already encoded for ATOMS.

  • apple2016 on 30/08/2023 - 10:46
    +1

    What are the best sources for Atmos soundtracks?

    Most source would support atmos. IT depends on how you have set up your sound bar and how your source is connecting to the sound bar.
    I am running Apple TV -> hdmi -> tv -> hdmi -> soundbar. For this the tv also need to be able to passthru/ support atmos.

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