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From simple mono speakers to today’s immersive, multidimensional listening experiences, television audio has come a long way. Today’s viewers expect cinematic sound right from the comfort of their living rooms, and thanks to the innovations in audio technology, it has made that possible.
Eager to learn about TV audio’s evolution? This blog will discuss the major sound eras before coming to advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Plus, what these technologies mean, how they are different from regular TV sound, and which vendor sells the best TV with this sound quality.
A Brief History of TV Audio Technology
Television sound has undergone a massive transformation over the decades. The changes reflect what consumers expect and upgrades in audio technology:
Mono Era
It all started with the Mono Era, a time when TVs had a single speaker. That only pushed all audio through one channel. The sound was basic, functional, and nowhere close to immersive. But, catered to a world where home entertainment was still in its early stages.
The Stereo Era
After the Mono Era came the Stereo Era. This marked a major leap ahead. With channels on your left and right, the TV sound suddenly felt wider and more natural. Music, sound effects, and dialogue gained dimension, unlocking the door to a more interactive viewing experience.
Surround Sound
Then Surround Sound stepped in, which revolutionized home entertainment. Systems like 5.1 and 7.1 placed audio around the viewer, increasing the impact in action scenes and dramatic moments. Movie enthusiasts fondly embraced this audio as living rooms gave the feeling of home theatres.
Object-Based Audio
Today, we have object-based audio. It’s an advanced form of sound where audio elements are treated as individual “objects.” This means the objects move in three-dimensional space. The update opened the ground for modern formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Both steal the show in offering unbeatable immersion that makes you feel like witnessing live action.
What Is Dolby Atmos?
You won’t understand the modern TV sound without knowing about Dolby Atmos. What is Dolby Atmos? It’s an object-based audio format that goes beyond surround sound. Dolby Atmos allows audio engineers to position sound objects anywhere in a three-dimensional atmosphere, rather than limiting sound to specific channels. Therefore, Dolby Atmos is usually linked with overhead speakers or upward-firing soundbars that sound best over height.
Definition
Dolby Atmos is a next-generation sound technology. According to Dolby, the advanced audio has reinvented how entertainment is created and experienced. It allows creatives everywhere to place each sound exactly where they want it, providing a more realistic audio experience.
The sound technology has been designed to create a realistic audio environment. While older sound systems restrict audio to left, right, and rear channels, Dolby Atmos uses metadata, so the sounds move freely around the room. This means a helicopter will feel like an actual one flying over you. Or rain can also fall from above rather than just seeming. Dolby Atmos’s result is miles richer and offers a more natural audio experience. The next time you watch anything, it will sound lifelike.
The Amazing Experience
Dolby Atmos has the potential to amaze you. It’s true magic lies in immersion. When you watch a show or a movie mixed in Atmos, you don’t simply hear sounds; you feel engulfed by it. Footsteps gain direction, explosions carry depth, and ambient situations become significantly more realistic.
Therefore, now many blockbuster films and streaming platforms support Dolby Atmos. Viewers share that Atmos adds emotional weight, excitement, and clarity to content that otherwise goes unnoticed with regular TV audio.
How to Get It?
Interested in getting Dolby Atmos at home? It requires the right equipment and content.
- Compatible Device
First, grab a device that is compatible with Dolby Atmos. This could be a soundbar. A modern smart TV, a home theatre receiver, or even Atmos built-in headphones. - Content Offering Atmos Audio
Once you have the device, search for the content that offers Atmos audio. Famous channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video fulfill the purpose. These provide Atmos-enabled titles, but the availability also depends on your subscription package. - Proper HDMI Connections
Lastly, see that you have proper HDMI connections. eARC is preferred for lossless Atmos audio. After aligning everything, you will experience a dramatic upgrade from your regular TV sound.
What Is DTS:X?
DTS:X is Dolby Atmos’s competitor. This advanced audio technology is object-based, designed to create an immersive listening experience. It lets the individual sound elements move freely within a three-dimensional space.
But what makes it so distinct? The answer is the audio technology’s sound adaptability. DTS:X doesn’t require dedicated height speakers, making it more flexible for diverse home arrangements.
Definition
It's an immersive audio technology that treats audio elements as objects instead of fixed channels. This means you will hear the sound with precision anywhere around the listener. Be it left, right, behind, or above, depending on the speaker's layout.
Another plus point is that DTS:X doesn’t rely on overhead speakers to create height effects. Yes, it utilizes them if available. This flexibility allows you easy integration into unconventional layouts or rooms with limited space. And still you will receive a rich, spatial audio experience.
The Outstanding Experience
You will fall in love using DTS:X. The experience revolves around detail, clarity, and accurate sound placement. Furthermore, even during the most intense action scenes, dialogue remains crisp. Credits go to its ability to boost speech levels independently. Many users appreciate the way DTS:X places sounds around the room. The audio technology naturally positions environmental noises and directional movements. This precision sounds good to the ears as it creates a realistic soundstage, enhancing immersion without a massive speaker setup.
DTS:X can also get customized. You can fine-tune audio levels based on your preference or room acoustics, enjoying personal home cinema.
How to Get It?
Yes, you can access DTS:X . How? In the following ways:
- Capable Hardware
For listening to DTS:X, you need capable hardware to decode it. The hardware can be AV receivers, high-end soundbars, or speaker systems. Because some TVs can pass through, while very few can understand it internally, so why take a chance? - Limited Content Availability
Unfortunately, DTS:X has limited content availability. Many Blu-ray discs include DTS:X and are available on selected streaming platforms for your viewing. However, it also depends on the device and region whether the DTS:X content is available or not.
This audio technology is an ideal and powerful choice for those who value flexibility, accuracy, and personalization in their home audio.
How Are They Different From Regular TV Audio?
Regular TV audio has nothing immersive to offer. It comes from simple built-in speakers for basic clarity. The usual version lacks depth, realism, and directional movement. Here is a clear breakdown explaining how Dolby Atmos and DTS:X differ from regular audio:
Comparing Regular TV Audio vs. Dolby Atmos vs. DTS:X
Sound Type & Immersion
Your regular TV audio relies on basic stereo or simulated surround. This offers limited immersion. Dolby Atmos lifts the immersion factor. The audio technology introduces object-based 3D audio with height effects, forming an enveloped sound environment.
The rival, DTS:X is also object-based, providing more or less similar 3D movement, but doesn’t demand height speakers. Therefore, you get more flexibility while still providing premium-quality immersion.
Speaker Requirements & Dialogue Clarity
Built-in TV speakers offering standard audio lack depth and clarity. Dolby Atmos works best with soundbars or upward-firing speakers to provide you with true overhead effects.
DTS:X takes the trophy in adapting to more room layouts. This audio technology allows personalized dialogue levels, resulting in supreme clarity. You will notice yourself when you hear both regular and Atmos mixes.
Audio Movement & Content Availability
In regular TV sound, the audio direction follows a simple left-right movement. Dolby Atmos introduces full 3D movement. This includes overhead effects. On the other hand, DTS:X gives a flexible 3D grid. It places sound with precision.
Then Atmos content is easily available on popular streaming mediums, but for DTS:X, you need to have Blu-ray discs, again with limited streaming support.
Ideal Use Cases
Casual viewers favour regular TV audio. Dolby Atmos is for the cinema-style home theatre enthusiasts. And DTS:X is best for families who like customization and versatility in their audio arrangements.
Do You Need It at Home?
If you want to bring the cinema to your home, then you need Dolby Atmos or DTS:X? The audio technologies breathe life into movies, games, and shows. However, if you are used to watching casual content or rely on built-in TV speakers, you don’t need to invest in the sound.
Immersion adds value, but it’s not obligatory for every house. Space, budget, and how much you care about audio are the real deciding factors.
What TVs Actually Support?
Keep in mind that not every TV can support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It varies. Most TVs can pass through Atmos via HDMI eARC to a soundbar or receiver. But very few can properly decode DTS:X . Built-in speakers usually cannot deliver the full immersive experience. This means even if your TV flashes “Atmos compatible”, you will still need to buy a supporting external audio gear. Therefore, always check the TV’s sound specifications and connectivity options.
Conclusion
TV has passed multiple sound eras. Each has its pros and cons. If you want a portable TV with this audio technology, contact GFF-AI. It offers an immersive audio experience, compelling you to ditch the cinema.
