The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Compare Surround Sound Formats

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tested on
AV Receiver (Denon X3800H), Apple TV 4K, 7.1.4 Speaker Layout
You will need
AV receiver supporting object-based audio, 4K Blu-ray player or streaming device, HDMI 2.1 cables, compatible speaker array

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Evaluate channel-based versus object-based audio

    Differentiate between traditional channel-based formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 and modern object-based formats such as Dolby Atmos. Channel-based systems assign sounds to fixed speaker locations, while object-based systems treat sound as metadata-driven points in a 3D space. Select object-based formats if your room supports overhead or up-firing speakers.

    Note: Object-based audio requires an AV receiver capable of decoding Atmos or DTS:X metadata.
  2. 1 min

    Assess Dolby Atmos against DTS:X

    Compare Dolby Atmos and DTS:X based on their deployment in your media. Dolby Atmos is the standard for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, utilizing lossy Dolby Digital Plus or lossless TrueHD. DTS:X is frequently found on physical media and provides a more flexible speaker placement calibration, though it is less common in streaming applications.

  3. 1 min

    Review bitrates and compression tiers

    Examine the compression level of the format. Lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio retain the original studio master quality, requiring higher bandwidth. Lossy formats like Dolby Digital Plus and DTS:X High Resolution prioritize compatibility and storage efficiency at the cost of slight dynamic range reduction.

    Note: Always choose TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio when playing physical media via Blu-ray.
  4. 1 min

    Verify HDMI eARC compatibility

    Ensure your TV and receiver support HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). Standard ARC cannot transmit high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos (TrueHD) due to bandwidth constraints. Connect your device using a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to ensure full signal integrity.

    Note: Check your TV's 'Audio Output' settings and set to 'Pass-Through' or 'Auto'.
  5. 2 min

    Perform system calibration

    Run your receiver's room correction software, such as Audyssey or Dirac Live, after finalizing your format selection. This software accounts for your specific speaker placement and room acoustics, ensuring the chosen format renders correctly in your space. Finalize the speaker configuration in the receiver menu under Setup > Speaker > Manual Setup.

    Note: Re-run calibration whenever you move a speaker or add a new component to your theater.