Upgrade from Traditional Surround Sound to Object-Based Audio 

No matter how crisp the images are on your screen, a poor surround sound experience will instantly ruin your movie. The audio transports you from your home to a new setting, whether it’s the middle of a football stadium or a battle in Middle Earth. Despite that, many homeowners are settling for outdated surround sound systems without realizing it. 

The channel-based approaches that have defined surround sound for decades are a thing of the past. In their places is a whole new way to experience your favorite movies. Over the past decade, audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X have transformed the way we listen to movies and even albums. 

This blog explains how these immersive audio systems work and the best ways to incorporate this technology into your Short Hills, NJ, home. 

SEE MORE: The Art of Sound in a Home Theater Installation

What Is the Difference Between Object-Based and Channel-Based Surround Sound? 

Most audio formats, like stereo and 5.1 surround sound, are channel based. Each ‘channel’ carries a signal to a specific speaker. This means a more rigid soundstage reliant on a large range of speakers expertly placed throughout the room. New audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, instead, are object based. 

The primary benefit of this system is eliminating that strict channel-speaker relationship. Instead, your system decodes the audio signal to figure out the best speaker to use to properly map out the scene. For example, if there’s a plane flying overhead before landing in front of you, the signal’s metadata will direct the audio first to your overhead speakers then to your center channel. 

What Do You Need to Accomplish 3-Dimensional Sound in Your Home Theater? 

Though some soundbars include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, the best way to get 3-dimensional sound is with a professional immersive audio system. These systems ensure that the object-based signal is produced, processed and broadcasted perfectly. To accomplish this, 3-dimensional sound requires a few more components than traditional surround sound. 

First, you need a receiver to decode and map the sound signal properly. For this, we like to work with brands like Meridian Audio. For example, their 271 Digital Theatre Controller supports Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D and DTS:X and can relay the signal to up to 20 channels. The other big difference is the need for overhead speakers to map your sound properly. In most cases, that means installing in-ceiling speakers. If that is not possible, most high-end audio brands offer upward-firing speakers specifically for Dolby Atmos immersive audio systems. 

 

View your favorite movies in a truly immersive space with an upgraded sound system. Electronic Concepts has decades of experience crafting custom home theaters and high-end audio systems in properties throughout New Jersey. Schedule a consultation with our team by calling, filling out our contact form or chatting with us below.