Jordan O'BrienNetflix is officially rolling out support for Dolby Atmos audio, making it the first streaming service to offer both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The service will be exclusive to the Xbox One line-up of consoles and LG OLED TVs, although only the latter will support Dolby Vision.
Dolby Atmos support on Netflix will be limited to only a small range of titles at first, like Dolby Vision, although it’s likely to grow over time. There are just five Dolby Atmos titles at launch.
Speaking about the launch, Giles Baker, senior vice president, consumer entertainment group, Dolby Laboratories, notes: “Netflix and Dolby share the same vision for delivering spectacular experiences to consumers.
“With consumers already able to experience Dolby Vision on Netflix, it was a natural continuation of our partnership to bring a new level of immersive audio with Dolby Atmos to Netflix members around the world.”
How To Get Dolby Atmos On Netflix
To get started with Dolby Atmos on Netflix users will need either an Xbox One or a 2017 LG OLED TV. Users are not limited to a specific Xbox One, with it set to support both the original console and Xbox One S, while support is expected to also be present on the Xbox One X at launch.
On the Xbox One users can experience Dolby Atmos in one of two ways – through a home entertainment system or through headphones. In order to enjoy the former, users simply need to have their Xbox One connected to a Dolby Atmos capable audio system via HDMI. If the console isn’t already connected to a Dolby Atmos system, then a restart will be necessary after connecting it.
Those wishing to use Dolby Atmos on headphones can do so by downloading the Dolby Access app from the Xbox Store. There is a small fee in order to activate Dolby Atmos on headphones, with the pricing set at $14.99, although users can experience a 30-day free trial to get started.
Getting started with an LG OLED TV is even easier, with the majority of 2017 models coming with an integrated Dolby Atmos soundbar directly out of the box. Those wishing to use a dedicated home cinema system, can do so by connecting it via HDMI-ARC.
Like any streaming on Netflix, users will need a solid internet connection in order to enjoy Dolby Atmos at its best. Netflix recommends users have at least 3Mbps available to stream titles with Dolby Atmos, although at least 25Mbps is required for Dolby Vision.
The final requirement for users wanting to enjoy Dolby Atmos on Netflix will be a subscription. This isn’t just any subscription, however, with Netflix requiring the top plan, which is priced at £8.99. This plan also offers 4K content and the ability to stream on up to four screens simultaneously.
Additional devices will be launched over time, although Netflix refuses to confirm what will be next.
Dolby Atmos Content On Netflix
“With the addition of Dolby Atmos support on Netflix, we are enabled to deliver the most cutting-edge experience to our global members and provide another creative tool to the artists,” adds Greg Peters, chief product officer, Netflix. “I’m excited for Netflix members all over the world to be able to get a theatre-quality experience in the comfort of their own homes.”
Several films have been announced with Dolby Atmos support, with the only one currently available on the service being Okja, a film that debuted at Cannes film festival with universal praise. The current catalogue includes:
- Okja (June 28)
- BLAME! (July 28)
- Death Note (August 25)
- Bright (December)
- Wheelman (2017)
In addition to these titles being available in Dolby Atmos, some, such as Okja, will also all support Dolby Vision. This should ensure that they’re amongst the most immersive films available on a streaming service.
Dolby Atmos Availablity On Netflix
Dolby Atmos is available from today on the Xbox One, although will launch soon on 2017 LG OLED TVs. It’s not yet confirmed when the update will hit.