Dolby Atmos is a new audio format from Dolby that can only be transmitted via an HDMI cable connection. The format can use the Dolby Digital Plus codec and is streamable. But it is also be used on Blu-ray and in computer games. Dolby TrueHD or Dolby MAT then serves as the basic codec there.
- The playback hardware (media player, PC, TV) and the sound system must support Dolby Atmos.
- The respective playback app must support Dolby Atmos.
- The selected subscription must support Dolby Atmos (e.g. Netflix Premium).
- The film or game must support Dolby Atmos sound for the respective soundtrack. In most cases, this is only the original language, i.e. English.
- If the signals are split by HDMI splitters or matrix switches, a management must ensure that Dolby Atmos is enabled. Alternatively, all connected devices must support Dolby Atmos.
- The Netflix app on the Fire TV Stick does not support Atmos.
- Amazon Video only delivers Atmos in Ultra HD resolution, not in Full HD.
- Apple TV and Xbox deliver Dolby Atmos with high bandwidth, which is not transmitted via HDMI-ARC but in eARC (or "normal" HDMI).
- YouTube does not deliver Atmos, despite film titles announcing it.
I need the new HDMI-eARC for Atmos, don't I?
No, not if the external player is connected to the sound system. Then the normal HDMI connection is used, which supports all audio formats.
HDMI-ARC or HDMI-eARC are only used if the sound system (e.g. a soundbar) is connected solely to the TV and
- the TV itself supplies the signal (for example, from an app or TV tuner)
- an external player is connected directly to the TV, not to the soundbar.
Only if Dolby Atmos is played from an Xbox, PC, Blu-ray or Apple TV 4K and routed through the TV, HDMI-eARC is required.
An eARC connection is only available on the TV and the AV receiver or a soundbar. A computer monitor or video projector usually does not have an HDMI-eARC port. If you want to use such a display with a soundbar that has no HDMI connection other than eARC, you can use our VAX04101.
