Immersive Sound Technologies: Dolby Atmos and Beyond

A model of a 3D sound wave is shown to represent Dolby Atmos and immersive sound technologies. Learn more about Dolby Atmos and how you can use it to expand your audio-visual experiences at CenturyAV.com.

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Sound technologies like Dolby Atmos redefine audio experiences, from boardrooms to public spaces. They do this by implementing a new way of defining sound from multiple perspectives. However, to truly understand how it works, we have to immerse ourselves (no pun intended). Don’t worry if you don’t get that; you will in a minute.

In this guide, we will explore insights into how these innovations can elevate enterprise AV setups, ensuring lasting impressions and functionality. But first, let’s dive into what Dolby Atmos is and what it really does to transform how you and your audience interact with sound.

What is Dolby Atmos, And What Are Immersive Sound Technologies?

Dolby Atmos is a cutting-edge surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories that provides a more immersive and dynamic audio experience than traditional surround sound systems.

Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio format that goes beyond traditional surround sound by adding height channels to the audio mix. It creates a three-dimensional sound environment where sounds can be placed and moved precisely in a 3D space, including above the listener.

Unlike conventional audio systems that assign specific sounds to fixed channels (e.g., front left, front right, surround left), Dolby Atmos uses an object-based approach. It means audio elements (e.g., a helicopter, footsteps, or raindrops) are treated as independent objects specifically positioned within the soundscape.

Now, when it comes to immersive sound technologies, after learning about Dolby Atmos, it’s clear that immersive sound technology is any technology that delivers audio in a way that engages the listener, mimicking the real world with directional sounds. In other words, the sounds immerse you into the experience, providing a more intense experience you are likely to remember over one that provides a ‘flat’ audio experience.

The Science Behind Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio format that goes beyond traditional surround sound by adding height channels to the audio mix. The technology creates a three-dimensional sound environment where sounds can be placed and moved precisely in a 3D space, including above the listener.

Unlike conventional audio systems that assign specific sounds to fixed channels (e.g., front left, front right, surround left), Dolby Atmos uses an object-based approach. It means audio elements (e.g., a helicopter, footsteps, or raindrops) are treated as independent objects. As such, they are organized in the encoding to position them where wanted in the soundscape for maximum effect.

How Does Dolby Atmos Work?

Object-Based Audio

Traditional surround sound systems use a set number of channels, like 5.1 or 7.1 (indicating five or seven speakers plus a subwoofer). Dolby Atmos frees sounds from specific channels and treats them as “audio objects” that can move freely.

A Dolby Atmos mix can include up to 128 audio objects.

Height Channels

Dolby Atmos adds a vertical dimension by incorporating overhead speakers or upward-firing speakers. It allows sound to be perceived as coming from above, enhancing immersion.

Dynamic Sound Placement

Dolby Atmos-enabled systems dynamically position and move sound within a 3D environment. For instance, you might hear a plane fly from one side of the room to the other, passing overhead as it does so.

Playback

Compatible devices (AV receivers, soundbars, and other similar equipment) encode and decode Dolby Atmos content. The system adapts the audio playback to match the specific setup, whether it’s a complete home theater system or a simpler soundbar with Atmos support.

What Does Dolby Atmos Do?

Dolby Atmos creates a more lifelike and enveloping sound experience, making movies, music, and games feel more engaging. By using height channels, Atmos can replicate the spatial characteristics of real-world sounds, such as rain falling or birds flying overhead.

Dolby Atmos systems tailor the audio output to the specific speaker setup, ensuring the best possible experience for the room’s configuration.

Support for Multiple Applications

  • At Home:
    • Movies and TV Shows: Blockbusters and streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ offer Atmos content.
    • Music: Platforms like Apple Music and Tidal provide music mixed in Dolby Atmos for a spatial audio experience.
    • Gaming: Certain games support Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound field.
  • Live Venues: Atmos is used in cinemas, theaters, and concert venues for state-of-the-art sound production.
  • Live Experiences: Clever retailers are incorporating Dolby Atmos to provide customers with new and highly immersive shopping experiences.

How is Dolby Atmos Different From Spatial Sound?

Spatial sound is the use of software technology to separate and simulate sounds coming from different directions by the application of sound filters. These filters emulate sounds in different ‘spaces’ around you. According to Bose, spatial sound is the upgraded version of surround sound. (2)

Dolby Atmos is different from spatial sound in that spatial sound is a general term used for virtually engineered sound direction emulation. Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, is a proprietary audio encoding type that implements object-based vertical sound positioning. 

FeatureSpatial SoundDolby Atmos
DefinitionGeneral 3D audio experienceSpecific format by Dolby
TechnologyHead tracking, virtual sound position emulationObject-based audio with height
Hardware NeedsBroad device compatibilityAtmos-enabled devices
ContentWorks with most audio sourcesRequires Atmos-encoded content
Use CasesGeneral music, gaming, callsCinematic, premium gaming, music, immersive experiences

Equipment Requirements

The entire concept behind Dolby Atmos is delivering sound from multiple directions and positions to recreate a natural experience. In other words, when you watch a film with Dolby Atmos where a person is walking in the jungle, you might hear birds up and behind you with leaf clutter coming from the ground, simulating how it might sound if you were right there with the person in the jungle. 

The concept of atmospheric and immersive sound is to provide a memorable and engaging experience. In order to do so, you need to have a few things:

  1. A multi-speaker installation with potential ceiling, floor, and wall speaker locations.
  2. A receiver or amplifier that is Dolby Atmos capable is a device that can appropriately translate Dolby Atmos-coded sound and transmit it to the appropriate speakers.
  3. A Dolby Atmos compatible source of audio.

There are currently all sorts of platforms that support Dolby Atmos, as well as streaming services like Google TV, Apple TV, Amazon, and more. With a healthy ecosystem, there are plenty of sources of this incredibly immersive sound technology.

There are also plenty of manufacturers who make Dolby Atmos-enabled systems for businesses. At the time of writing this guide, the Dolby website had 480 devices with Dolby technology enabled. At Century AV, we can help your business find the best Dolby Atmos-capable equipment for your presentation room, boardroom, or other facility. No matter the project, if you’re looking to have highly memorable audio experiences, contact us today for the right solution.

Applications of Dolby Atmos in Enterprise Settings

Business people applauding international customers in video conference

Now that you are probably thinking about what types of immersive experiences you can have at work to enhance communications, presentations, and other events, let’s look at some of the ways Canadian businesses are using immersive technology to their advantage.

Enhancing Boardrooms and Conference Rooms

Imagine having a boardroom or conference room presentation and providing audio that immerses listeners in a way that makes them take notice. We’re talking about the difference between ‘just another presentation’ and ‘Wow!’. If you really want to stand out and make memorable presentations, utilizing equipment that is Dolby Atmos-ready is a step in the right direction.

Impact on Public Address Systems and Sound Masking

With a Dolby Atmos-ready installation, incorporating sound masking technology into your workspace is easy. Clever speaker placement can produce an ‘atmospheric’ sound that doubles as a sound masking system, taking advantage of intelligent ceiling-mounted speaker positioning. 

Revolutionizing Digital Signage and Displays

For retail use, imagine a space with digital signage or a wall display that incorporates Dolby Atmos-enabled sound for a complete experience. We’re talking about the kind of experience that makes a person take a moment to appreciate its immersive nature. These are the revolutionary experiences that make moments to remember for years to come and can drive your brand lightyears forward.

Benefits of Immersive Sound Technologies for Enterprise Organizations

We mentioned how an immersive experience produces memorable moments. It is absolutely true for any system equipped with Dolby Atmos. For organizations that want to reap the benefits of memorable moments and, ultimately, dramatically higher audience engagement, considering immersive sound technologies is not only a clever idea, it can make a massive difference in marketing your services, products, or campaigns.

According to Geoffrey Morrison of CNET, immersive sound technologies can ‘make audio more enveloping and engaging’ (3). Creating these enveloping soundscape environments is a surefire way to create an immersive and engaging experience for your audience.

The Future is Immersive

As immersive sound technologies like Dolby Atmos continue to redefine how we perceive and interact with sound, the potential for modern enterprises is limitless. Consider crafting memorable presentations in the boardroom or delivering engaging retail experiences. These systems offer a unique way to captivate and engage audiences, creating moments that resonate long after they occur.

Incorporating Dolby Atmos into your AV setup is about setting a new standard for communication, branding, and engagement. Whether it’s an impactful boardroom experience, dynamic sound masking solutions, or revolutionary digital experiences, immersive audio technology has proven its ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments.

Extraordinary environments that captivate and engage audiences to inspire memorable experiences that people will connect with your company. Now that’s making a memorable mark!

At Century AV, we specialize in helping businesses unlock this potential. If you’re ready to explore how immersive sound technologies can elevate your enterprise AV setup, contact us today to create audio experiences that leave lasting impressions. The future of sound is here—let us help you make it yours.

Article Sources

  1. “Dolby Atmos – Official Site.” 2024. Dolby.com. 2024. https://www.dolby.com/technologies/dolby-atmos/.
  2. Bose. 2023. “What Is Spatial Audio and How Does It Work?” Bose.com. Bose Corp. October 12, 2023. https://www.bose.com/stories/what-is-spatial-audio?srsltid=AfmBOoqYERDj6cFuIkmT1PQiJFywRGltVydCPiv00wTU4OZ2y41BwcRm.
  3. “Dolby Atmos: Spatial Audio from the Cinema to Your Headphones.” 2024. CNET. 2024. https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/dolby-atmos-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-spatial-audio-format/.

Note: Century AV is not affiliated with Dolby Laboratories; we like what they are doing with sound.

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