apple-tv-4k-dolby-atmos-720pxDolby Atmos is an object-based sound format that brings immersive sound effects to movies that would otherwise play in 7.one, 5.i, or 2.1 channel systems. Mainly, Atmos brings a pinnacle element to audio environments in which sound is bounced off the ceiling (or, directly from to a higher place with ceiling-mounted speakers) in order to hear sound overhead and backside.

The audio format tin be plant on Blu-ray Discs, 4k Ultra Hd Blu-rays, and digital movies and shows (both in 4k Ultra Hard disk and HD resolution). Apple has one of the largest Dolby Atmos libraries, but you can also stream titles with Atmos from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and Vudu. Here are some steps that should help y'all get Dolby Atmos playing on your audio system.

Dolby Atmos logo

A Dolby Atmos Speaker Organization

To hear Dolby Atmos you need to have an audio organization that supports information technology. This ways your speaker system, soundbar, and/or AV receiver tin can all deliver Atmos. The product box and transmission for your device should have the Dolby Atmos logo on it. Note: About TVs do not have speaker systems that support Dolby Atmos sound although a few select do (see models on Amazon).

Soundbars like the Sony HT-ST5000 and Samsung Q700A Q Serial are fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to set equally there are only ii speakers: the bar itself and a subwoofer for bass frequencies. However, soundbars can be expanded or purchased with additional rear speakers such every bit the Samsung SWA-9500S or Sony SA-RS3S wireless speaker kits.

Multi-speaker surround systems like the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280FA 5.1 will crave an audio receiver that supports Dolby Atmos, just the quality you lot get far surpasses that of a 2-speaker soundbar organization. A good example of a receiver that pushes 160 watts per aqueduct and supports Atmos and DTS-X is the Onkyo TX-SR494 or the Pioneer VSX-534, both of which back up Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG HDR formats.

Home theater audio systems tin vary according to how many speakers are gear up up. Atmos systems are usually configured in 1 of three ways.

i. A soundbar with speakers that bending upward to bounce off ceilings
ii. A multi-speaker system with back speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling
3. A multi-speaker system which has speakers installed in the ceiling

Connect Your HDMI Cables

First off, brand sure you lot purchase at least 18Gbps HDMI cables for optimal video playback. Audiophiles looking for even higher quality audio should consider faster HDMI cables.

Since most TVs do not support Atmos through their built-in speakers you will need to connect the Smart Television, streaming media thespian like Apple TV, or Blu-ray player to the HDMI input of a Dolby Atmos-supporting AV receiver or soundbar. Those devices must be able to back up Atmos passthrough.

Virtually sound systems accept more than one HDMI input which is platonic for having more one playback device. For case, HDMI1 and HDMI ii tin exist used to connect a streaming media player and 4k Blu-ray player. If yous have more devices than the provided HDMI inputs consider getting an HDMI splitter to become all your devices continued to the sound device.

HDMI-Arc is the port you'll want to utilise to have your Goggle box re-route sound through the sound system. This ensures the Tv set audio (from cable, satellite, or over-the-air bespeak) plays through the sound system and non the Television set. Nosotros should mention that because Apple tree Goggle box 4k uses a high bandwidth grade of Dolby Atmos it volition not work using ARC connections. And so, use a normal HDMI port to connect Apple Television set 4k separately.

It should exist noted at that place are some Dolby Atmos sound systems that don't support HDR (Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HDR10+).

Set Upward Apple Telly 4k

This should be enabled past default, but your Apple TV needs to be configured to playback Dolby Atmos. Exercise this by going into the Settings > Video & Audio > Audio Format. Make sure Dolby Atmos is turned On. There may as well exist an Machine choice that can be turned on and then when Atmos is detected it volition switch without hassle. Too, be sure your Apple Television set is running the latest tvOS version.

Find a Dolby Atmos Movie, Series, or Special

Discover a movie or TV serial from Netflix, Apple Idiot box+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, or Vudu that plays in Dolby Atmos. If a championship supports Dolby Atmos a small-scale logo should appear under the title. It should be to the right of the icon for Ultra HD resolution. Note that if a title does support Dolby Atmos it may not also bear witness the icon for Dolby Vision.

Check Your Sound Bar or Receiver

Your soundbar or AV receiver should bespeak when y'all are playing Dolby Atmos. For instance, Samsung displays a bluish low-cal on the speaker when Atmos is enabled. Sony shows the label DAtmos or Dolby Atmos on the Telly or device when pressing the Display button. If your audio device or speaker does non tell you it'southward playing Atmos information technology probably isn't.

Still No Atmos? Check the Movie Info.

With the Apple TV remote swipe down on the top touchpad and yous should run across more than information about the title. Look for the Dolby Atmos logo that indicates the picture show is formatted with Dolby Atmos. If information technology doesn't say Atmos it likely does not play in Atmos.

Conclusion

Nosotros hope y'all are successful in getting Dolby Atmos to work with your Apple TV 4k. If you lot still have trouble yous can e'er telephone call the manufacturer of the sound system you lot are using for help. Wait in the device manual or search online for troubleshooting questions and answers.

Did yous know Amazon sells Apple TV streaming media players?