Netflix has announced the rollout of spatial audio for select original programming. This feature should provide more immersive sound, especially for users watching a series or movie with headphones.
Netflix has announced that the streaming platform will begin rolling out spatial audio for select original programming starting today. The new feature will work without having to use any additional accessories or equipment, but will be especially noticeable to users using headphones. The last time Netflix significantly improved the sound of its content was in 2019.
The American company has teamed up with German audio brand Sennheiser to bring this feature to all Netflix users, regardless of device and streaming plan. This technology, called Ambeo 2-Channel Spatial Audio, will work on standard stereo speakers, according to Sennheiser. The feature will therefore work perfectly with any device you usually watch Netflix with, provided you watch compatible original content.
Which series support spatial audio?
Currently, content that supports spatial audio includes the fourth season of ‘Stranger Things’, ‘The Adam Project’, ‘Red Notice’, ‘The Witcher’, ‘Locke & Key’, among others. The next live-action Resident Evil series should also support this new audio technology.
As a reminder, spatial audio refers to any sound that goes beyond the traditional stereo experience or 5.1 surround sound. Until now, the only way to hear spatial audio on Netflix content was through Dolby Atmos, which is a spatial audio format that requires content recorded in Dolby Atmos. It must also be played on a device that specifically supports Dolby Atmos.
The company says Ambeo will offer ” an enhanced audio experience wherever stereo is broadcast today, whether standard televisions, stereo systems, headphones, tablets or laptops “. Ambeo makes full immersive audio mixing across two channels. He uses existing standard file types and does not require separate mixing. Sennheiser claims that the renderer offers granular control over spatialization.
It’s a bit of a shame to see Netflix rolling out its new sound tech right after the release of Stranger Things 4, when it’s already become Netflix’s second-biggest release ever. So maybe it’s time to listen to Eddie Munson’s concert again.
