Atmos

Atmos is a brand of immersive audio technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. Introduced in 2012 for cinema, it uses object-based audio to place sounds as discrete objects in three-dimensional space, supplementing conventional channel-based mixes. Height channels can be provided by ceiling or upward-firing speakers; in consumer systems, virtualization can simulate height on compatible devices.

In Atmos, each sound object carries metadata describing its position, movement, and behavior. A renderer uses this metadata to render the final mix for a given speaker arrangement, allowing sounds to move around and above the listener independent of fixed channels. The format supports a large number of objects and multiple speaker configurations, from professional cinemas to home theater setups such as 5.1.4 or 7.1.6.

Content and availability: Atmos material appears in many theatrical releases and has been extended to home formats via Blu-ray Disc and streaming services. To experience Atmos at home, viewers need Atmos-enabled hardware—such as an AV receiver or soundbar with height channels—and compatible content. Platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ provide Atmos tracks on selected titles; Dolby also markets Atmos for gaming on supported platforms.

Reception and considerations: Atmos is praised for improved localization and sense of immersion, particularly with height cues. Its effectiveness depends on the quality of the original mix and playback system, and not all content is available in Atmos; some devices apply virtualization or upmixing that changes the intended balance.