Dolby ATMOS going from movie theaters to your home
According to a Transparency Market Research survey report, the value of the 3D audio market and related software, hardware, equipment, and services was USD 4.6 billion in 2020. Estimates predict the industry to growth at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5% until 2031. By then, the global market value will exceed USD 22 billion, with Asia in lead and North America close behind.
Source: Transparency Market Research
Since the 2014 announcement of Dolby Atmos for the Home, Dolby ATMOS technology had expanded from the movie theater into the home theater environment. Due to the increasing demand for home audio and video upgrades during the COVID pandemic, products supporting Dolby ATMOS have increased on the market, including streaming platforms, games, TV signals and audio equipment, and many more. Dolby ATMOS is now one of the mainstream 3D audio technologies on the market.
Introducing the Dolby ATMOS Ecosystem
In the home theater, a complete Dolby ATMOS system is composed of 3 major parts:
- Signal playback equipment Source:
- TVs/STBs with Digital TV Signal
- TV/STB Streaming Players (App)
- Game Consoles, BD Players
- Display equipment Sink:
- TVs, Projector
- Audio equipment Repeater:
- AVRs, Soundbars
Basic Dolby ATMOS Configurations
Before enjoying the Dolby ATMOS audio experience, one should be aware of certain configuration prerequisites. First, Dolby ATMOS uses 5.1.2 audio channel system (Figure 1), which consists of 5 planar channels, 1 subwoofer, and 2 high channels. This means that if you want to use an amplifier, you still need another subwoofer and another 6 sound speakers, in order to construct a basic Dolby ATMOS system. For a more complete Dolby ATMOS experience, you may need to construct a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channel system, requiring an advanced surround amplifier supporting 9.1 audio channel receivers.However, an amplifier is not a cheap piece of equipment while also requiring other products to construct the Dolby ATMOS environment. In comparison, the soundbar, light-bodied, simple to install, and affordable, has grown popular on the market. Afterwards, Dolby Laboratories officially launched the Dolby ATMOS Suitable for Soundbar Applications in 2016, all major brands and companies began launching soundbar products one after another that support Dolby ATMOS. Hence, soundbar has become one of the mainstream products (Fig. 2 in the above) for Dolby ATMOS players in common families at present.
The Construction of a Dolby ATMOS Environment
Based on different signal source products, equipment, and functionalities, there are three connection methods:
- 2 BOX
- g.: Connecting the Soundbar (audio equipment) with the TV in-build Netflix App, to serve as the signal source and display end
- 3 BOX-1(Series)
- g.: After connecting the Soundbar (audio equipment) by using a Blu-ray Disc Player as the signal source, connect it with the TV (display equipment)
- 3 BOX-2 (Parallel series)
- g.: By using a set-top box as the signal source, connect it with the TV (display equipment) and then with Soundbar (audio equipment)
Dolby ATMOS System Validation
Allion Labs has many years of AV testing experience. We often discover that the most common problems include the compatibility in various connection scenarios and the defects in UX/UI designs. Most of the products that we received from customers had no problems in basic functions under the operation modes; however, when there is any change or adjustment in the environment or parameter, such products become unusable. Thus, we have compiled the following three major aspects to serve as the bases for the testing plans:
- Key setting: eARC/ARC and other key settings.
- Key operations: CEC control and other key settings.
- Key inspections: Audio quality, AV synchronization of the audio output equipment, and other key inspections.
Case study
Based on the above-mentioned validation concepts, Allion Labs chose 3 TVs that support Dolby ATMOS. Assessments were conducted on different connection scenarios with the same amplifier, set-top box, and Blu-ray Disc Player. The actual results are shown as follows:
| Issue Type | Brand-A TV | Brand-B TV | Brand-C TV |
| IOP | – | 2 | 1 |
| Decode | – | – | 1 |
| Pass Through | – | – | 2 |
| UX/UI Design | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Issue Number Total | 1 | 3 | 5 |
From the foregoing table, we can see that significant discrepancy is revealed in terms of the overall performance of the three TVs. The conclusion is shown as follows:
- Brand-A TV: Significantly better than other brands in terms of compatibility and functionality.
- Brand-B TV: Series compatibility problems.
- Brand-C TV: Various problems. Poorest performance.
- Something in common: Things to be improved in UX/UI designs.
Take Brand-B TV as an example. No matter it is in 2 BOX or 3 BOX scenario, Brand-B TV has serious compatibility problems with the amplifier when using the eARC function; there will be no sound output at all. However, when using the ARC function or when the amplifier is replaced by Soundbar, it can operate normally.
Besides, when conducting relevant Audio setting in the 2 BOX scenario in Brand-B TV, we must first leave Netflix and switch to HDMI mode to do the setting. However, in Brand-A TV and Brand-C TV, we can keep doing the setting without leaving Netflix.
According to the foregoing examples, we can discover that various kinds of problems may occur just because different scenarios and key settings are configured on the same amplifier. As a result, it is predictable that many actual problems may occur in numerous AV brands and equipment commercially available on the market. However, the foregoing examples just reveal the tips of icebergs. Other common problems also include AV out-of-sync, noise, abnormal sound after the switch/cable plug/signal source has been on or off, etc. All these problems are the issues that relevant manufacturers must face.
Allion Labs’ testing service for Dolby ATMOS Ecosystem
|
With thirty years of testing experience, Allion Labs is very familiar with various key user scenarios and conditions. The company keeps collecting various TVs, AVRs, STBs, and game consoles of different brands and companies on the market. Whether you are one of the manufacturers, OEMs, private label manufacturers, or distributors of the abovementioned products, we can help our clients to find out various potential problems related to compatibility, functionality, and users’ experience through customized ecosystem testing solutions, so that your products will be outstanding in the keen competition on the market!
For any needs or technical questions, please contact us via service@allion.com
The Devil’s in the Details! Things to know when Buying Dolby ATMOS products
Dolby ATMOS going from movie theaters to your home
According to a Transparency Market Research survey report, the value of the 3D audio market and related software, hardware, equipment, and services was USD 4.6 billion in 2020. Estimates predict the industry to growth at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5% until 2031. By then, the global market value will exceed USD 22 billion, with Asia in lead and North America close behind.
Source: Transparency Market Research
Since the 2014 announcement of Dolby Atmos for the Home, Dolby ATMOS technology had expanded from the movie theater into the home theater environment. Due to the increasing demand for home audio and video upgrades during the COVID pandemic, products supporting Dolby ATMOS have increased on the market, including streaming platforms, games, TV signals and audio equipment, and many more. Dolby ATMOS is now one of the mainstream 3D audio technologies on the market.
Introducing the Dolby ATMOS Ecosystem
In the home theater, a complete Dolby ATMOS system is composed of 3 major parts:
- Signal playback equipment Source:
- TVs/STBs with Digital TV Signal
- TV/STB Streaming Players (App)
- Game Consoles, BD Players
- Display equipment Sink:
- TVs, Projector
- Audio equipment Repeater:
- AVRs, Soundbars
Basic Dolby ATMOS Configurations
Before enjoying the Dolby ATMOS audio experience, one should be aware of certain configuration prerequisites. First, Dolby ATMOS uses 5.1.2 audio channel system (Figure 1), which consists of 5 planar channels, 1 subwoofer, and 2 high channels. This means that if you want to use an amplifier, you still need another subwoofer and another 6 sound speakers, in order to construct a basic Dolby ATMOS system. For a more complete Dolby ATMOS experience, you may need to construct a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channel system, requiring an advanced surround amplifier supporting 9.1 audio channel receivers.However, an amplifier is not a cheap piece of equipment while also requiring other products to construct the Dolby ATMOS environment. In comparison, the soundbar, light-bodied, simple to install, and affordable, has grown popular on the market. Afterwards, Dolby Laboratories officially launched the Dolby ATMOS Suitable for Soundbar Applications in 2016, all major brands and companies began launching soundbar products one after another that support Dolby ATMOS. Hence, soundbar has become one of the mainstream products (Fig. 2 in the above) for Dolby ATMOS players in common families at present.
How to construct a Dolby ATMOS environment?
Based on different signal source products, equipment, and functionalities, there are three connection methods:
- 2 BOX
- g.: Connecting the Soundbar (audio equipment) with the TV in-build Netflix App, to serve as the signal source and display end
- 3 BOX-1(Series)
- g.: After connecting the Soundbar (audio equipment) by using a Blu-ray Disc Player as the signal source, connect it with the TV (display equipment)
- 3 BOX-2 (Parallel series)
- g.: By using a set-top box as the signal source, connect it with the TV (display equipment) and then with Soundbar (audio equipment)
Dolby ATMOS system validation
Allion Labs has many years of AV testing experience. We often discover that the most common problems include the compatibility in various connection scenarios and the defects in UX/UI designs. Most of the products that we received from customers had no problems in basic functions under the operation modes; however, when there is any change or adjustment in the environment or parameter, such products become unusable. Thus, we have compiled the following three major aspects to serve as the bases for the testing plans:
- Key setting: eARC/ARC and other key settings.
- Key operations: CEC control and other key settings.
- Key inspections: Audio quality, AV synchronization of the audio output equipment, and other key inspections.
Case study
Based on the above-mentioned validation concepts, Allion Labs chose 3 TVs that support Dolby ATMOS. Assessments were conducted on different connection scenarios with the same amplifier, set-top box, and Blu-ray Disc Player. The actual results are shown as follows:
| Issue Type | Brand-A TV | Brand-B TV | Brand-C TV |
| IOP | – | 2 | 1 |
| Decode | – | – | 1 |
| Pass Through | – | – | 2 |
| UX/UI Design | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Issue Number Total | 1 | 3 | 5 |
From the foregoing table, we can see that significant discrepancy is revealed in terms of the overall performance of the three TVs. The conclusion is shown as follows:
- Brand-A TV: Significantly better than other brands in terms of compatibility and functionality.
- Brand-B TV: Series compatibility problems.
- Brand-C TV: Various problems. Poorest performance.
- Something in common: Things to be improved in UX/UI designs.
Take Brand-B TV as an example. No matter it is in 2 BOX or 3 BOX scenario, Brand-B TV has serious compatibility problems with the amplifier when using the eARC function; there will be no sound output at all. However, when using the ARC function or when the amplifier is replaced by Soundbar, it can operate normally.
Besides, when conducting relevant Audio setting in the 2 BOX scenario in Brand-B TV, we must first leave Netflix and switch to HDMI mode to do the setting. However, in Brand-A TV and Brand-C TV, we can keep doing the setting without leaving Netflix.
According to the foregoing examples, we can discover that various kinds of problems may occur just because different scenarios and key settings are configured on the same amplifier. As a result, it is predictable that many actual problems may occur in numerous AV brands and equipment commercially available on the market. However, the foregoing examples just reveal the tips of icebergs. Other common problems also include AV out-of-sync, noise, abnormal sound after the switch/cable plug/signal source has been on or off, etc. All these problems are the issues that relevant manufacturers must face.
Allion Labs’ testing service for Dolby ATMOS Ecosystem
|
With thirty years of testing experience, Allion Labs is very familiar with various key user scenarios and conditions. The company keeps collecting various TVs, AVRs, STBs, and game consoles of different brands and companies on the market. Whether you are one of the manufacturers, OEMs, private label manufacturers, or distributors of the abovementioned products, we can help our clients to find out various potential problems related to compatibility, functionality, and users’ experience through customized ecosystem testing solutions, so that your products will be outstanding in the keen competition on the market!
For any needs or technical questions, please contact us via service@allion.com