The streaming giant Netflix is rolling out spatial audio support to 700 plus titles in its library. This is part of their new $19.99 premium tier that also offers 4K HDR streaming. Netflix has been experimenting with spatial audio for over a year, making the feature only available for a minimal selection of content. Now, spatial audio for Netflix has gotten bigger, offering an immersive audio experience for popular films like “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” and hit shows like “Wednesday.” It will also be implemented into many future titles as well. Other services like Apple TV also offer spatial audio through Dolby Atmos, but Netflix has opted to work with Sennheiser to use their 2-channel spatial audio technology with AMBEO.
Is Spatial Audio Necessary For Netflix?
Surround sound has been a huge part of film and TV for a long time. Its part of the reason why going to the theater is so special. Soundtracks for all visual media are comprised of so many different sound elements, like dialogue, sound effects, and music. Hearing everything come together around you conveys that realism that immerses you in the story. With spatial audio becoming more prevalent in music and gaming, it feels like the future. Virtualizing that 3D effect from surround sound brings immersive audio to more ears, all without investing in a home theater.
Will My Setup Be Compatible With Netflix Spatial Audio?
No matter how you’re watching Netflix, whether it be on a tablet or TV, spatial audio should be accessible. Sennheiser’s AMBEO technology is designed for any two-channel speaker setup. if you have a laptop or tablet, you should be good and ready to experience spatial audio through Netflix. TV speakers should also be compatible, but Netflix themselves have stated that the effect can vary depending on how far away you are from the TV. Of course, if you really want to get the most out of what spatial audio on Netflix can do, headphones might be the preferred method. Even Netflix has stated as such, as they have said that headphone wearers will get a more immersive experience with their spatial audio support.
What Are The Best Kind Of Headphones To Experience Netflix Spatial Audio?
You can use any kind of headphones to get spatial audio on Netflix, but wired is usually the way to go. Not only do you have a wider selection of headphones to choose from, but the resolution of the sound will be better. A good set of closed-back headphones will give you great isolation and immersion, but open-back headphones will greatly enhance the effect of spatial audio. The open headspace will have the opportunity to already feature some sort of holographic imaging, so this will make the spatial audio stand out even more.
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