Why? Because right now Netflix uses an incredibly standard encoder that’s only capable of outputting 8-bit color depth (the same as DVDs) which can also be downscaled for streaming on lower-end devices. This brings us to the next logical question – why aren’t they just using Atmos in 4K? Well, even though there’s great progress being made with frame rates and higher dynamic range, the truth is that no one would notice any difference between a 4K video stream encoded with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 vs the same stream encoded with Dolby Atmos. Netflix has been taking steps towards updating their catalog with more HD content in 4K and HDR – but even if they did, there simply isn’t enough room on a standard 50GB Blu-ray disc to include all of these new tracks and keep the bitrate high enough for our needs (especially given how cheap storage space has become). What about Atmos then? Well, while Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 is great (and really improving on a daily basis), this format cannot be upgraded to add Atmos support without re-encoding the entire soundtrack (which would add significant file size). This means that when you playback your favorite TV show or movie, you will enjoy high definition surround sound, and it’s also exactly the same technology that we use for 3D Blu-ray content. Right now, Netflix offers some movies and shows with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround in both 4K and HD (480p/720p/1080p). What is Atmos?ĭolby Atmos is an advanced sound technology that was announced in 2012 and has quickly become the gold standard for surround sound in cinemas all over the world.Īll of the major Hollywood studios are now releasing their films on digital formats with Dolby Atmos surround, and more importantly, they’re also increasing the bitrate on these tracks so you get a higher-quality listening experience.
Netflix dolby atmos 1080p#
The Netflix library contains thousands of options in 1080p and, as of April 2016, more than 500 titles in 4K UHD, with a growing number being offered in HDR. Netflix is a streaming service that allows users to watch movies and TV shows from a computer or internet-connected device. “This is because we recognize that most consumers will use these devices to playback content with another app that supports Atmos.”
Netflix dolby atmos android#
“We don’t plan on adding native support for our own apps like Playstation, Amazon FireTV, Xbox One, and Android TV,” continued the spokesperson. The company does not support any of its own apps that provide an Atmos listening experience directly through the device (e.g., NVIDIA SHIELD) nor is there any expectation that they will add such support in the future. This statement was made by a Netflix representative.
Netflix dolby atmos movie#
If a movie or TV show is available in both formats, Netflix will automatically pick up the best audio format available. Netflix supports Dolby Atmos passthrough from external audio output devices to TVs and other supported audio systems.