Does Netflix Support Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound audio format that features an immersive 3D surround sound effect. Playing content that supports Dolby Atmos technology sounds as if the sound is coming from many directions.

Netflix is an American subscription streaming media service, that distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres in multiple languages. Does Netflix Support Dolby Atmos? Let’s find out!!

Key Takeaways:

• For users with a Premium subscription plan, Netflix supports Dolby Atmos audio on selected TV shows and movies.
• To access Dolby Atmos on Netflix, users need a Premium subscription plan, compatible devices like certain Samsung and Apple devices, and a Dolby Atmos-capable audio system or speakers.
• Dolby Atmos-supported titles on Netflix will display a small speaker icon with the word “Atmos” next to them, indicating the availability of Dolby Atmos audio.

Does Netflix Support Dolby Atmos?

Users can watch Netflix in Dolby Atmos audio on selected TV shows and movies. To be able to watch your favorite Netflix movie or show in Dolby Atmos sound format, one need:

• A Netflix plan that supports streaming in Ultra HD can be the Netflix streaming Premium plan. The $20-a-month Premium tier subscription plan gives this result. With Netflix’s Premium plan, users can access all Dolby Atmos sound in available titles and a huge library of Netflix UHD movies and shows on up to four screens at once.
• Some compatible devices that can play Dolby Atmos on Netflix are Samsung devices such as Galaxy S22, S9, S10, S20, S21, Note9, Note10, Note20, Fold, and Flip all have Dolby Atmos, which gives them cinema-quality surround sound. The settings for Dolby Atmos and other audio can be adjusted on your phone. Apple devices, Redmi, and some smart TVs are also compatible with Dolby Atmos on Netflix.
• A Dolby Atmos-capable audio system or speakers.
• One needs to set the Sound system to High or Auto.

How to Access Dolby Atmos on Netflix

To access Dolby Atmos on Netflix, you need the Dolby Atmos speakers and ensure that all components, from your AV receiver, sound bar, and TV are properly equipped to handle and output Dolby Atmos. If you are accessing Netflix from a streaming device like an Apple TV, the device needs to be compatible with Dolby Atmos. The required HDMI cable is from 18Gbps or higher to use in connecting the hardware to your AV receiver or sound bar. All these components need to be built to process the Atmos codec.

Secondly, you must have a good internet connection speed of at least 3 megabits per second before playing such content on Netflix. If your Netflix plan supports streaming in Ultra HD, available movie and show titles will show a Dolby Atmos icon next to their description. 

Netflix titles that support Dolby Atmos will display a small speaker icon with the word “Atmos” next to it. Common shows where you will find the Dolby Atmos logo include Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Locke & Key, Lost in Space, Ozark, The Umbrella Academy, The Beekeeper, etc.

Netflix titles that have Dolby Atmos also support Dolby Vision, and if you have a compatible display, you will also be getting visual optimization in HDR.

You will know if the content you are streaming is transmitting a Dolby Atmos sound format as the AV receivers and soundbars will feature some kind of display panel that will give you a readout of the type of surround sound codec it’s currently working with. The display will usually read “Atmos” or “Dolby Atmos” when decoding Atmos audio.

How Can I Play Dolby Atmos on Android?

• Go to “Settings” and navigate to “Sounds and vibration”.

• If you have Android version 9.0, click on “Advanced sound settings” and then “Sound quality and effects”. 

• Find the “Dolby Atmos” switch and slide to activate it.

Dolby Atmos vs. Other Audio Formats

Before the adoption of Dolby Atmos, traditional surround-sound layouts were designated as 5.1 and 7.1 systems. A typical  “home theater” in a 5:1 arrangement is made up of three front speakers; that is the left, right, and center channels. The  7.1 arrangement has the same speaker layout but with another two channels added to the array.

But Dolby Atmos features a surround format built around additional, height-focused channels. This results in a complete 3D surround-sound experience.

Tips for Optimal Dolby Atmos Experience on Netflix

• Ensure you are using the right equipment. A Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbar or speaker will do.
• Have a good internet connection.
• Make sure you are on the right subscription plan.
• Check if the title you are viewing has the Dolby Atmos logo included.

Before you go…

Streaming your Netflix shows in Dolby Atmos will give you an immersive sound experience. Ensure you have the right equipment that can process Dolby Atmos sound technology and a premium subscription service.

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