Improved sound quality with Dolby Atmos: Partial credit goes to the introduction of impressive home cinema equipment
In the realm of immersive audio, Dolby Atmos continues to push boundaries, offering a level of sound experience that is yet to be fully explored. More and more films are embracing this technology, with blockbusters such as 'Weapons,' 'Superman,' 'Sinners,' 'F1,' '28 Years Later,' and 'Warfare' making effective use of its capabilities.
'Warfare,' for instance, uses sound and Atmos's added sense of directionality to heighten tension, while 'Sinners' delivers the sound of a vampire Irish jig in full Atmos glory. In '28 Years Later,' a particularly big zombie is stalking overhead, delivering a fresh stab of dread.
However, the landscape of Dolby Atmos is not without its challenges. Issues with home systems and soundbars have been improving this year, thanks to better equipment. Yet, it's essential to note that an item with Dolby Atmos branding on its specification sheet doesn't guarantee a best buy. This is more prevalent in films that have had Atmos added at a later date, despite not being originally recorded with Atmos.
Even among the best soundbars and best Dolby Atmos soundbars, performance can vary. Some soundbars, including those with upward-firing drivers, are unable to deliver the intended sense of height in Dolby Atmos. This is where the importance of pairing one of the masterpieces of audio with the right hardware comes into play, providing a truly immersive experience.
One standout solution is the KEF XIO, the first soundbar from the hi-fi giant. Currently, it is the best single-bar solution heard, beating the Sennheiser Ambeo Max. The KEF XIO effectively acts as a hi-fi package wrapped up in one product, according to reviews.
Despite these challenges, the team is excited about what filmmakers will do with Dolby Atmos in the future. There is still plenty of room for innovation left to explore, and the list of stellar uses of Atmos is so long that it could go on for days. As we move forward, we can expect to witness more creative and immersive uses of this technology in cinema and beyond.
