Discover what makes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X stand out from other surround sound systems

Immersive audio, also called 3D surround sound, is a development in home theater design that adds another dimension of sound to your listening experience. Traditional surround sound systems are virtually 2-D in that they broadcast sound around a room on a flat plane. Immersive audio systems such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, however, add a third dimension of height to create a more realistic and detailed sound experience for all your favorite movies. Enjoy cinema-level sound in a compact 5.1.2 system that utilizes audio reflections to put you in the action entirely. Keep reading to learn why you need an immersive audio system for your home theater installation in Bentonville, AR.

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3-D Sound

Traditional surround sound operates by placing speakers around the viewer and assigning specific sounds to each. The front center speakers play the dialogue, the front-side speakers play other essential sounds, and the rear-side speakers play less important sounds that fill in the gaps. Overall, the audio is directional but limited. Immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X work differently. These technologies add overhead channels to create a more expansive experience. Sounds aren’t assigned to specific speakers but are treated as independent objects that can move from speaker to speaker as needed, creating a three-dimensional sphere of sound.

Compact But Powerful Sound

Immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X offer the same sound quality as commercial theaters (which require a large room and 60 speakers) in the compactness of a 5.1.2 channel system. To get this high-quality performance, you need the right sound staging and room acoustics for the ideal listening experience. Immersive audio systems utilize natural audio reflections of a room to create their sound. Your space should have large, flat surfaces, and avoid things like vaulted ceilings and thick carpeting that will make acoustic treatment more difficult.

Acoustic Treatments

In home theater designs with standard surround sound speakers, acoustic treatments absorb soundwaves that bounce off the walls and ceilings to prevent echoes, allowing for a more powerful and impactful sound. In Dolby Atmos and DTS:X systems, the echo is an essential component of the 3D effect. This means that you will need to go with a different approach to treat your room acoustically. Flooring, furniture, and other objects can adversely affect the soundscape you are trying to create. The best way to get the perfect listening environment is to consult a home theater professional who will carefully plan the speaker placements, acoustics, and room calibration.

Are you ready to begin a home theater installation with an immersive sound system? Our technology professionals at HomeTroniX can design and install a custom solution that perfectly fits your needs. Get started today by calling us at (870) 336-4669 or filling out our online contact form.