Setting up your home cinema system, and getting it right, is as much concerned with the work you do before you get it as that you do after. The sound of a movie is as equally important as the visual at truly immersing yourself in the home cinema experience.
Different Speaker Configurations
Audio accounts for 50% of the cinema experience, and a surround sound system can create a complete audio environment around you. Traditionally there were 2 common configurations for home cinema setups based on channels.
5.1-channel system
A 5.1-channel system gave a full surround sound experience. Most DVD and Blu-ray™ media, broadcast TV, and many streaming sources are in 5.1-channel format.
7.1 channel system
Going to 7.1 channels improved the directionality of sound effects and added to the audio ambience of 3D. Some Blu-ray Disc™ and premium streaming sources feature 7.1.
And then came Dolby Atmos.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Atmos is a surround-sound technology that was originally developed in 2012. It expands upon the traditional 5.1 and 7.1 surround-sound set-ups with surround channels coming from overhead.
For many years home cinema speakers have been placed along walls and even behind the screen itself, but the crucial point about Atmos is that you can place speakers in the ceiling, enveloping the audience in a dome of sound.
A Dolby Atmos system allows sound mixers to precisely place sounds and voices at exact points in the sound field rather than just to specific channels. Each speaker in an Atmos system has its discrete feed, enabling new front-, surround- and ceiling-mounted height channels.
What will you need?
- An A/V Receiver Capable of Processing the Dolby Atmos Format.
- In-ceiling speakers, ceiling-mounted speakers or add-on speaker modules
- An Atmos capable media player. (Blu-ray Player, Apple TV+ etc)
Dolby Atmos Speaker Placement and Set-Up
Once you’ve got all the kit, the last thing you’ll need to know is how to set up your speakers for Dolby Atmos. Doing so is a fairly straightforward process: Simply set up your 5.1 or 7.1 with front-width speakers as usual, and then add your Atmos speakers. You can use as few as two ceiling speakers to complete your system.
Two Ceiling Speakers: Place one speaker on either side, slightly in front of and wider than the main listening area. Vertically, the speakers should form a 65-degree angle from a horizon line in front of you, with a completely vertical placement being 90 degrees above your ears when seated in your listening position.
Four Ceiling Speakers: Place one speaker on either side, slightly in front of and wider than the main listening area. Do the same for the other pair, only place them slightly behind your main seated position. The front ceiling speakers should form a 45-degree angle from a horizon line in front of you, and the rear ceiling pair should form a 135-degree angle with the horizon line behind you. Again, a completely vertical placement would be 90 degrees above your ears when seated in your listening position.
Our suggestion
You will find a large range of Monitor Audio speakers and subwoofers on our website. You can select individual items and create a bespoke system or we do also offer a great pre-selected system in our Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 In Wall & Ceiling Speaker Package.
This system comprises the following speakers:
2 x Monitor Audio W265 - Front L/R In Wall
1 x Monitor Audio W265 - Centre In Wall
2 x Monitor Audio C265 - Rear L/R In Ceiling
1 x Monitor Audio MRW-10 Subwoofer
2 x Monitor Audio C265 - Middle L/R Ceiling
If you have any questions regarding a surround sound system please do get in touch our team will be on hand to help.
HOW TO PLAY DOLBY ATMOS MUSIC
To get the very best listening experience you will want to play Dolby Atmos Music, but if you have ever wondered how to do this we have you covered. Listening in Dolby Atmos is simple, there is a good chance your device has Dolby Atmos. Just look for the Dolby badge in the settings and turn it on. Likewise, keep an eye out for the Dolby badge on the music you want to stream. We have provided some instructions below on how to ensure Dolby Atmos is turned on in Tidal, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
How to listen to Dolby Atmos Music on Tidal
How to turn on Dolby Atmos in your Tidal settings:
- After opening the Tidal app, proceed to turn on Tidal Dolby Atmos on those Dolby Atmos-enabled devices.
- On Tidal, open 'Settings' and scroll down to 'Sound quality and effects'.
- Ensure Dolby Atmos is turned on. If the right button of Dolby Atmos shows in blue, it means the sound effect 'Dolby Atmos' is on. And when you switch the button to off, it will turn gray.
Finding Dolby Atmos Tracks:
Now, you can step into the next part. Explore the Dolby Atmos on Tidal by clicking the 'Explore' tab and the 'Dolby Atmos' menu option then. Dolby Atmos albums will be presented to you, for example, Dolby Atmos: Staff Picks, Dolby Atmos: Just Released, and Dolby Atmos: New Arrivals. But for TV users, please get into the Home screen. Then search and tap the 'Available in Dolby Atmos' option, so that you can play Tidal Dolby Atmos on smart TV.
How to listen to Dolby Atmos Music on Apple Music
How to turn on Dolby Atmos in your Apple settings:
- Choose how to listen to Dolby Atmos on your iPhone or iPad.
- Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Music.
- Under Audio, tap Dolby Atmos.
- Choose Automatic, Always On, or Off.
- We also recommend setting Sound Check to On.
Finding Dolby Atmos Tracks on Apple Music:
You can also experience Dolby Atmos on a variety of studio albums and tracks. Albums and tracks will display the Dolby Atmos badge. If you are listening to a playlist, be sure to look for the Dolby Atmos badge on the cover art. For more information on how to listen to Dolby Atmos Music on Apple Music, click here.
How to listen to Dolby Atmos Music on Amazon Music
How to turn on Dolby Atmos in your Amazon settings:
- Open the Home screen of the Amazon Music app
- Click on the Settings icon (top right)
- Set Dolby Atmos to On
- We also recommend setting Loudness Normalisation to On
Finding Dolby Atmos Tracks on Amazon Music:
Amazon Music hosts a wide range of songs from ground-breaking artists. Just look for the Dolby Atmos badge on your music, or on Echo Studio just ask, "Alexa, play the best of Dolby Atmos Music” to hear a selection of top songs in Dolby Atmos.