But Atmos-capable hardware is getting more affordable, and in some cases the extra height effects and atmospherics can be really cool. Some sound bars like the Sony HT-ST5000 ($1,300), Samsung N850 ($1,000), LG SK10Y ($800) and Vizio SB36512-F6 ($500) will also do Atmos.ĭo you need it? Like most high-end formats, the answer is an emphatic "no." Standard Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound delivers an awesome experience, and even a good pair of stereo speakers or a basic sound bar is enough for many people. Atmos is a competitor to atmospheric format DTS:X, which has much less disc-based content than Atmos, and no streaming support (yet).Īlthough some TVs have Atmos built in, for best results you'll need an Atmos-capable AV receiver and additional "height" speakers beyond the standard center, right, left, sub and surround speakers of a typical home theater setup. At the top, specially designed speakers, and at the bottom a sound bar.ĭolby Atmos is a surround sound format that goes beyond the 5.1-channels of Dolby Digital to add "height" channels for improved realism. The bad news? Not every streamer supports Atmos on every service. The good news is that the number of streaming services that deliver Atmos has gone up in the last year, and now there are four: Netflix, Apple's iTunes, Walmart's Vudu and Amazon Prime Video. Sure, you could invest in standard and 4K Blu-ray discs, many of which have Atmos soundtracks, but streaming is the future of home video.
Pc atmos player tv#
You also need Atmos TV shows and movies to power it.
Pc atmos player full#
If you decide you want it, your biggest investment will be the extra money for an Atmos-capable sound bar or an AV receiver with a full complement of surround speakers. If you're looking for the best home theater experience, you've probably considered Dolby Atmos audio, the most cutting-edge "object-based" surround sound format available. All of these 4K HDR streamers support Atmos, but not on every app.