Netflix has announced that starting today, spatial audio for select original shows will be rolling out. The feature should provide more immersive sound, especially for customers who are listening to a TV show or movie using headphones. Netflix has teamed up with Sennheiser To convert the ambient sound mix into an expanded display of spatial sound that can be played through stereo speakers or headphones; You don’t have to buy anything new or have a proper surround system for it to work. According to Netflix, Spatial Audio is “compatible with all devices, all streaming plans, and does not require surround speakers or home theater equipment.”
“Netflix Spatial Audio helps translate the cinematic experience of immersive audio to any stereo device, so the work of the creators to bring you into the story happens no matter what device you use to watch Netflix,” the company said. He said in a blog post. There is a fairly limited selection of content that supports the new first day audio experience, but you can browse what’s available by searching for “spatial audio” in the Netflix search bar. Include the best choices Stranger Things 4, Red Notice, The Witcherand more.
In supported content, the normal stereo output will now be replaced by Sennheiser’s two-channel spatial sound. Ambeo extracts the surround sound or Dolby Atmos audio track available for selected content and blends it into a more immersive stereo profile. “This process essentially preserves the original audio mix and delivers the creative intent with remarkably pure sound,” said Scott Kramer, Head of Audio Technology at Netflix. Sennheiser talks about it a little bit on his website:
Although Ambeo 2-Channel Spatial Audio isn’t a separate mix, the creators still have fine control over the customization. Mixers can decide how much Ambeo will process for each batch individually. Re-recording mixers can dial in any amount of processing you want, from a standard stereo mix to a full Ambeo effect and anywhere in between. Dialogue can be left untouched, while maximum spatiality can be applied to ambiance and sound effects.
For those who have a full Atmos system in their living room, Netflix Spatial Audio won’t do anything new or different from the experience they’ve had before. But it can be a good upgrade when watching entertainment on the go. If you’ve ever used spatial audio on AirPods when watching a movie or TV show on supported apps, it might look like this, but without the head tracking part.
Spatial audio is often less clear and can be disappointing when listening with a laptop or standard TV speakers, but I’ll definitely try some of these supported shows and movies over the next few days to see the difference it makes.
“A social media addict. Zombie fanatic. Likes to travel. obsessed with music. Bacon expert.