3D Audio Explained

3D audio refers to sound technology that creates the illusion of a three-dimensional sound field around the listener, allowing for a more immersive and realistic audio experience. In a home theater system, 3D audio can be achieved through various technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D.

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These technologies use object-based audio to place sounds in specific locations around the listener, including above and below them. This is accomplished by using multiple speakers placed strategically around the room, often including ceiling-mounted speakers, to create a more realistic and immersive sound field.

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The result is that sounds in movies and TV shows can be placed precisely where they would be in the real world, creating a more lifelike and engaging experience. For example, in an action movie, you may hear a helicopter flying overhead, and the sound will move smoothly from speaker to speaker, creating the illusion that the helicopter is actually flying above you.

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Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos is a popular surround sound technology that was first introduced in cinemas in 2012. It is designed to create a more realistic and immersive audio experience by adding height channels to traditional surround sound setups. Dolby Atmos supports up to 128 simultaneous audio objects, each with its own position and movement in the 3D space. Dolby Atmos supports a variety of audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby AC-4.

 

DTS:X: DTS:X is a rival immersive audio format to Dolby Atmos, introduced in 2015. DTS:X is designed to offer a similar immersive audio experience as Dolby Atmos by adding height channels to traditional surround sound setups. DTS:X supports up to 32 simultaneous audio objects and allows sound mixers to create more complex soundscapes. DTS:X supports a variety of audio formats, including DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio, and DTS Digital Surround.

 

Auro-3D: Auro-3D is an immersive audio format developed by the Belgian company Auro Technologies. It was introduced in 2010 and is designed to create a more natural and immersive audio experience by adding height and overhead channels to traditional surround sound setups. Auro-3D supports up to 13.1 channels and uses a unique "Height" layer to create a more natural and immersive listening experience. Auro-3D supports a variety of audio formats, including PCM, DSD, and Dolby Digital Plus.

 

In summary, these three immersive audio formats are designed to create a more immersive and realistic listening experience by adding height channels and more complex soundscapes to traditional surround sound setups. They each support different audio formats and have different capabilities, but they all aim to create a more engaging and immersive listening experience.

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Last Updated: 5/01/2023