Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos are both surround sound technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories, but they have some key differences.
Dolby Audio
Dolby Audio is a generic term for a variety of surround sound technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD. Dolby Audio technologies use channel-based audio, which means that each sound channel is assigned to a specific speaker location.
Dolby Audio systems can support up to 7.1 channels, which means that they can use up to seven speakers to create a surround sound effect. Dolby Audio systems can also be used with headphones and earbuds to create a virtual surround sound effect.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is a more recent surround sound technology that uses object-based audio. This means that each sound object in a Dolby Atmos mix is encoded with its own spatial information, which allows the sound engineers to precisely place the sound objects in 3D space. This can create the illusion of sound coming from all directions, including above and below the listener.
Dolby Atmos systems can support up to 128 audio channels and 64 overhead speakers. However, most home theater systems only support up to 32 audio channels and four overhead speakers.
Comparison of Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos
| Feature | Dolby Audio | Dolby Atmos |
|---|---|---|
| Audio type | Channel-based | Object-based |
| Immersiveness | Good | Excellent |
| Speaker support | Up to 7.1 channels | Up to 128 audio channels and 64 overhead speakers |
| Compatibility | Wide range of devices | Limited range of devices |
| Price | Affordable | More expensive |
Which one should you choose?
Whether you should choose Dolby Audio or Dolby Atmos depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the most immersive audio experience possible and do not mind paying a premium, then Dolby Atmos is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the extra immersion, then Dolby Audio is still a good option.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos:
- Your budget: Dolby Atmos systems are typically more expensive than Dolby Audio systems.
- Your room size: Dolby Atmos systems require a certain amount of space in order to create the desired surround sound effect. If you have a small room, then a Dolby Audio system may be a better choice.
- Your needs: If you are serious about home theater or gaming and want the best possible audio experience, then Dolby Atmos is the better choice. However, if you are more casual or do not need the extra immersion, then Dolby Audio is still a good option.
- Compatibility: Make sure to check the compatibility of your devices with the surround sound format you choose. Dolby Atmos is not as widely supported as Dolby Audio.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of surround sound is right for you is to consider your individual needs and budget.
