Dolby Atmos: How to Enjoy High-Quality Music Streaming Online

HiFi sound quality is a term that refers to the high-quality reproduction of sound. It means that the audio has a high accuracy at reproducing the audible frequencies in audio, and extremely little distortion in the original audio signal. HiFi sound quality can also mean that the audio has a higher sampling frequency and/or bit depth than CD, which is specified at 16-bit/44.1kHz. Sampling frequency refers to the number of times samples of the signal are taken per second during the analogue-to-digital conversion process. Bit depth refers to the number of bits used to represent each sample. The higher the sampling frequency and bit depth, the more details and nuances of the original recordings can be captured, resulting in a richer and more realistic sound. HiFi sound quality can be enjoyed through various streaming services, devices, and speakers that support lossless audio formats, such as FLAC, WAV, ALAC, or DSD. Lossless audio means that the audio does not lose any data or frequency sounds from its stream, unlike lossy audio formats such as MP3 or AAC. HiFi sound quality can enhance your music listening experience by bringing you closer to the music you love.

The difference between HiFi and CD-quality sound is mainly in the sampling frequency and bit depth of the audio files. As I mentioned before, sampling frequency refers to the number of times samples of the signal are taken per second during the analogue-to-digital conversion process. Bit depth refers to the number of bits used to represent each sample. The higher the sampling frequency and bit depth, the more details and nuances of the original recordings can be captured, resulting in a richer and more realistic sound.
CD-quality sound is specified at 16-bit/44.1kHz, which means that each sample is represented by 16 bits and there are 44,100 samples per second. This results in a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which covers the human hearing range. However, some audio experts argue that CD-quality sound is not enough to capture the full dynamics and timbre of music, especially for classical and jazz genres.
HiFi sound quality can have a higher sampling frequency and bit depth than CD-quality sound, such as 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz. This means that each sample is represented by 24 bits and there are either 96,000 or 192,000 samples per second. This results in a frequency range of up to 48kHz or 96kHz, which exceeds the human hearing range but can capture more harmonics and overtones of music. HiFi sound quality can also use lossless audio formats, such as FLAC, WAV, ALAC, or DSD, which do not compress or discard any data or frequency sounds from the original recordings, unlike lossy audio formats such as MP3 or AAC.
Therefore, HiFi sound quality can offer a more faithful and accurate reproduction of sound than CD-quality sound, as well as a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience for music lovers. However, HiFi sound quality also requires more bandwidth and storage space than CD-quality sound, as well as compatible devices and speakers that can support it.

HiFi is short for high-fidelity, which means the high-quality reproduction of sound. HiFi sound quality can have different standards, but most audio professionals refer to it as audio that’s the same quality as a CD or a vinyl record, which has a sample rate of 16-bit/44.1 kHz. This means that the audio can capture the full range of human hearing, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Lossless audio is a term that refers to a digital audio file that has the same sample rate and bit depth as the original source, without any compression or data loss. Lossless audio can have different formats, such as FLAC, WAV, ALAC, or DSD. Lossless audio can also have higher sample rates and bit depths than CD-quality audio, such as 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz. This means that the audio can capture more details and nuances of the sound, beyond the human hearing range.
Therefore, HiFi and lossless audio are not exactly the same thing, but they can overlap. HiFi audio can be lossless or lossy (compressed), depending on the format and the streaming service. Lossless audio can be HiFi or higher than HiFi, depending on the sample rate and bit depth. The main difference is that lossless audio guarantees that no data or quality is lost from the original source, while HiFi audio only guarantees that the sound is high-quality for human ears.

HiFi and Dolby Atmos are two different concepts that relate to sound quality. HiFi stands for high-fidelity, which means the high-quality reproduction of sound. HiFi sound quality can have different standards, but most audio professionals refer to it as audio that’s the same quality as a CD or a vinyl record, which has a sample rate of 16-bit/44.1 kHz. This means that the audio can capture the full range of human hearing, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Dolby Atmos is a technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience by using multiple speakers or soundbars that can project sound upwards and downwards, as well as horizontally. Dolby Atmos can produce up to 118 simultaneous sound objects, which are individual sounds that can be placed and moved anywhere in the sound field. This allows the sound designer to create a more realistic and immersive sound environment, such as rain falling from above, a helicopter flying overhead, or a crowd cheering from behind.
The difference between HiFi and Dolby Atmos is mainly in the dimensionality and spatiality of the sound. HiFi sound quality is limited to two channels of output, which means that the sound is only heard from the left and right speakers. Dolby Atmos can use multiple channels of output, which means that the sound can be heard from different directions and heights. HiFi sound quality focuses on the accuracy and clarity of the sound, while Dolby Atmos focuses on the movement and depth of the sound. HiFi and Dolby Atmos can be combined to create a high-quality and immersive sound experience, but they require different devices and formats to support them.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are two of the most popular surround sound formats that can create a more immersive and realistic sound experience for movies and TV shows. They are both object-based audio formats, which means that they can place sound in more specific locations around the room than with generic surround sound. However, they have some differences in how they work and what they require.
One of the main differences between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the emphasis on height. Dolby Atmos uses ceiling speakers or upward-firing speakers to create a sense of sound coming from above, while DTS:X works with standard surround sound systems and does not require extra speakers. Dolby Atmos also has a proprietary system for mapping sound objects, while DTS:X uses an open source platform that allows any manufacturer to create compatible devices.
Another difference between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is the bit rate. Bit rate is the amount of data that is used to encode the audio signal. A higher bit rate usually means better sound quality, but it also requires more bandwidth and storage space. DTS:X can support a higher maximum bit rate than Dolby Atmos, which theoretically gives it an edge in sound quality. However, Dolby claims that its codecs are more efficient and can achieve similar or even better sound quality at lower bit rates. In reality, the difference in sound quality is likely minimal, and most listeners may not be able to tell them apart.
Both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X can offer a more faithful and accurate reproduction of sound than traditional surround sound formats, as well as a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience for movie lovers. However, they also have different requirements and compatibility issues. To enjoy either format, you will need a compatible receiver, speaker system, and content source. You will also need to check if your preferred streaming service or device supports the format you want.

The difference between Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound is mainly in the dimensionality and spatiality of the sound. Dolby Atmos is a technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience by using multiple speakers or soundbars that can project sound upwards and downwards, as well as horizontally. Dolby Atmos can produce up to 118 simultaneous sound objects, which are individual sounds that can be placed and moved anywhere in the sound field. This allows the sound designer to create a more realistic and immersive sound environment, such as rain falling from above, a helicopter flying overhead, or a crowd cheering from behind.
5.1 surround sound is a conventional type of surround sound that is based on channels. Surround systems generally fall into the 5.1-channel category, which means that the movie or show is mixed into six channels: left, right, center, surround-left, surround-right, and subwoofer. For media that supports this type of surround sound, the first number indicates how many directional audio sources it encodes and that can be individually played by driver groups. The second number is for the subwoofer channel, which handles the lowest frequencies and produces vibrations you’re just as likely to feel as hear. 5.1 surround sound is limited to two channels of output, which means that the sound is only heard from the left and right speakers.
The difference between Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound is mainly in the dimensionality and spatiality of the sound. Dolby Atmos can create a sense of sound coming from above, below, and all around you, while 5.1 surround sound can only create a sense of sound coming from the front, back, and sides of you. Dolby Atmos can also offer more flexibility and accuracy in placing and moving sound objects in the sound field, while 5.1 surround sound can only offer fixed and predefined channels of audio output. Dolby Atmos can enhance your movie watching experience by bringing you closer to the action and making you feel like you are part of it.

The difference between Dolby Atmos and 7.1 surround sound is mainly in the dimensionality and spatiality of the sound. Dolby Atmos is a technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience by using multiple speakers or soundbars that can project sound upwards and downwards, as well as horizontally. Dolby Atmos can produce up to 118 simultaneous sound objects, which are individual sounds that can be placed and moved anywhere in the sound field. This allows the sound designer to create a more realistic and immersive sound environment, such as rain falling from above, a helicopter flying overhead, or a crowd cheering from behind.
7.1 surround sound is a conventional type of surround sound that is based on channels. Surround systems generally fall into the 7.1-channel category, which means that the movie or show is mixed into eight channels: left, right, center, side-left, side-right, rear-left, rear-right, and subwoofer. For media that supports this type of surround sound, the first number indicates how many directional audio sources it encodes and that can be individually played by driver groups. The second number is for the subwoofer channel, which handles the lowest frequencies and produces vibrations you’re just as likely to feel as hear. 7.1 surround sound is limited to two channels of output, which means that the sound is only heard from the left and right speakers.
The difference between Dolby Atmos and 7.1 surround sound is mainly in the dimensionality and spatiality of the sound. Dolby Atmos can create a sense of sound coming from above, below, and all around you, while 7.1 surround sound can only create a sense of sound coming from the front, back, and sides of you. Dolby Atmos can also offer more flexibility and accuracy in placing and moving sound objects in the sound field, while 7.1 surround sound can only offer fixed and predefined channels of audio output. Dolby Atmos can enhance your movie watching experience by bringing you closer to the action and making you feel like you are part of it.

There are many movies that support Dolby Atmos, which is a technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience by using multiple speakers or soundbars that can project sound upwards and downwards, as well as horizontally. Dolby Atmos can enhance your movie watching experience by bringing you closer to the action and making you feel like you are part of it.

Some of the best movies to watch for Dolby Atmos sound are:

Dune (2021): A sci-fi epic that won the Oscars for Best Sound and Best Original Score, featuring a stunning soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and a realistic sound environment of a desert planet.

Nobody (2021): An action-packed thriller that follows a seemingly ordinary man who unleashes his hidden skills and violent instincts, featuring explosive sound effects and a dynamic soundtrack.

Gravity (2013): A space survival drama that won the Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing, featuring a breathtaking sound design that contrasts the silence of space and the chaos of debris.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): The third installment of the action franchise that follows the legendary assassin John Wick, featuring intense gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and motorcycle chases with immersive sound effects.

Uncut Gems (2019): A crime thriller that follows a charismatic jeweler who makes a series of high-stakes bets, featuring a pulsating soundtrack by Daniel Lopatin and a chaotic sound mix that captures the stress and anxiety of the protagonist.

Black Panther (2018): A superhero blockbuster that won the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, featuring a vibrant soundtrack by Ludwig Göransson and Kendrick Lamar and a rich sound design that blends African and futuristic elements.

Baby Driver (2017): A musical action comedy that follows a getaway driver who loves music, featuring a brilliant soundtrack that syncs with the action scenes and a clever use of sound effects to reflect the character’s hearing condition.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018): A superhero epic that brings together the Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes to face Thanos, featuring an epic score by Alan Silvestri and a massive sound design that covers cosmic battles, alien invasions, and emotional moments.

La La Land (2016): A musical romance that follows an aspiring actress and a jazz musician who fall in love in Los Angeles, featuring an Oscar-winning score by Justin Hurwitz and a delightful sound design that captures the charm and magic of Hollywood musicals.

Swiss Army Man (2016): A quirky comedy-drama that follows a man who befriends a corpse with supernatural abilities, featuring an inventive soundtrack by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell and a hilarious sound design that uses bodily sounds as musical instruments.

These are some of the best movies to watch for Dolby Atmos sound. You can find them on various streaming platforms or Blu-ray discs. You will also need a compatible device and speaker system to enjoy Dolby Atmos properly.

The streaming services that use Dolby Atmos or DTS:X sound are:
Netflix: Netflix offers Dolby Atmos on select titles, such as Mowgli Legend Of The Jungle, Bird Box and Roma. You will need a compatible device, such as an Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield, or a 4K HDR Smart TV, and a Dolby Atmos-capable sound system to enjoy it.
Apple’s iTunes: Apple’s iTunes has the largest streaming selection of Dolby Atmos movies, with more than 250 titles. You will need an Apple TV 4K and a Dolby Atmos-capable sound system to enjoy it.
Walmart’s Vudu: Vudu also has a large selection of Dolby Atmos movies, which you can rent or buy. You will need a compatible device, such as an Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield, or a 4K HDR Smart TV, and a Dolby Atmos-capable sound system to enjoy it.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is relatively new to the Dolby Atmos game, and currently only Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan has Atmos support. You will need a compatible device, such as an Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield, or a 4K HDR Smart TV, and a Dolby Atmos-capable sound system to enjoy it.
Disney+: Disney+ offers Dolby Atmos on select titles, such as The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Frozen 2. You will need a compatible device, such as an Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield, or a 4K HDR Smart TV, and a Dolby Atmos-capable sound system to enjoy it.
DTS:X is not supported by any streaming service yet, but you can find it on some Blu-ray discs and digital downloads. You will need a compatible device, such as an Xbox Series X/S or a Blu-ray player, and a DTS:X-capable sound system