We see various speakers and devices labeled with Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital. Both are related to sound quality, but how do these two technologies differ? Is there a feature that Digital Plus can provide but Atmos cannot?
To clarify, you should check this Dolby Atmos vs. Digital Plus comparison. Our audio engineers explain the distinction between the two and which one is the better choice.
Overview of Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is one of the most cutting-edge surround sound technologies, which can provide 3D surround sound. It utilizes a system with speakers placed at the top of the ceiling, creating a sound bubble.
Since 1992, Dolby has been providing 3D audio and surround sound in cinema with its Dolby Atmos systems. However, since the introduction of Dolby Atmos object-based systems, the company has started to enhance the experience of home theater speakers.
Overview of Dolby Digital Plus
The successor of the digital audio technology, known as Dolby Digital Plus, delivers high-definition sound via eight channels, seven speakers, and a subwoofer.
In terms of audio technology, Dolby Digital Plus is an upgraded version of the previous generation of digital audio. It can compress large files without compromising audio quality.
How Do They Differ?
Support
The digital audio format Dolby Digital Plus is commonly used in Blu-Ray discs and is very compatible with HDMI. Most mobile devices and tablets also support this technology.
On the other hand, Dolby Atmos can also be found in various forms of media, such as Blu-ray discs and home theatres. It can also be integrated with streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and other TV broadcasters or hardware manufacturers.
Speaker
The difference between the two systems is that the Dolby Digital Plus allows speakers to be placed vertically and horizontally. On the other hand, Dolby Atmos only supports the horizontal placement of speakers.
The setup of Dolby Digital Plus usually ranges from 2.0 to 7.1 channels. The first number indicates the figure of horizontal speakers, while the second figure refers to the figure of subwoofers. This means that only two or more channels can be used to create surround sound.
In comparison, the setup of Dolby Digital Plus’ rival, Dolby Atmos, ranges from 3.1.2 to 7.1.4. The first number refers to the figure of horizontal speakers, the second figure is for the subwoofers, and the third figure is for vertical speakers.
This means that this audio technology can support up to eight different channels at once, producing high surround sound quality. Additionally, with Digital Atmos, you can place the speaker on your ceiling for better sound quality.
System
The speaker-based system, Dolby Digital Plus, assumes that all speakers are placed at a similar level.
On the other hand, the object-based Dolby Atmos uses 3D technology to support more channels. You can also use it with other high-end audio systems, such as the Dolby TrueHD.
Sound Reproduction
Dolby Digital Plus aims to create a sound illusion using a speaker system. So when this happens, the sound is thrown to a specific speaker.
However, with Dolby Atmos, the sound is not thrown to a specific speaker but to a specific 3D space. This allows for a more solid and natural sound illusion.
Sound Quality
Both audio technologies use a sound enhancement tool to create a superior audio experience for their listeners.
The difference between Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos is that the former utilizes your existing audio arrangement. On the other hand, the latter uses a combination of hardware and software to provide an enhanced sound experience.
But due to specific hardware components, Dolby Atmos delivers better audio quality than Dolby Digital Plus.
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FAQ
What is better than Dolby Atmos?
Dolby competitors like Cirrus Logic [1], IMAX, Analog Devices, Xperi, Ballantyne Strong, and DTS are better than Dolby Atmos.
Is Dolby Digital 5.1 the same as Atmos?
No, Dolby Digital 5.1 is not the same as Atmos. Dolby Atmos is an upgraded version of Dolby Digital 5.1, which means Atmos is way better than the 5.1 version. They can offer different sound qualities and surround sound.
Conclusion
Dolby Atmos is more of a metadata that uses various surround sound signals to provide a superior audio experience in home theaters. It can deliver the best audio experience when used with Dolby Digital Plus.
But based on this Dolby Digital Plus vs. Atmos comparison, the latter is more reliable when it comes to providing surround sound.
