Dolby Atmos coming soon for home use

[BozQ]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is coming with Dolby Atmos. Dolby’s momentum is doing very good. Keep the content coming!

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

but not one theatre in all of NYC has a D-Box seat.

that is sad.

they don't want customers fighting over who gets the special seat

NYers tend to be more belligerent, but here (and I am guessing everywhere) you need a more expensive ticket and they come with an assigned seat, so there is no reason to fight. My guess it might have more to do with real-estate. You can't squeeze as many d-box seats in the same space.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Suntory_Times

. So not dead in reality, but for the all intensive purposes dead for consumer home use.

but that is like saying Ferrari or Lamborghini or even Porsche or BMW...... are dead. Why only count stuff for J6P? aren't wealthy people just as much consumers?

personally I would buy D-box seats long before I spend 50k on a car.

As for the price I disagree with you a bit. The price is high but you are getting several precision electro-mechanical devices and a control system for it. I don't think there is a way to make it affordable for J6P.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

but that is like saying Ferrari or Lamborghini or even Porsche or BMW...... are dead. Why only count stuff for J6P? aren't wealthy people just as much consumers?

All of those vehicles are actually known to the public, and are desired, even if they're out of reach. Not so with D-Box.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

personally I would buy D-box seats long before I spend 50k on a car.

Obviously, you don't have 50K in loose change.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

As for the price I disagree with you a bit. The price is high but you are getting several precision electro-mechanical devices and a control system for it. I don't think there is a way to make it affordable for J6P.

Ever see one of these new washing machines? Take a look at it on spin cycle. J6P has one of those.

[Lentulus Batiatus]

So.... Dolby Atmos..... How 'bout it?

[Canada]

How many channels does a receiver have to have before it is consider a Dolby Atmos receiver.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by Canada

How many channels does a receiver have to have before it is consider a Dolby Atmos receiver.

7.1, to become 5.1.2
That's the bare minimum. The 5.1 that we all know and love, plus two additional height speakers.

While there isn't a fixed speaker configuration, Dolby recommends 7.1.4 though.

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by BozQ

7.1, to become 5.1.2
That's the bare minimum. The 5.1 that we all know and love, plus two additional height speakers.

While there isn't a fixed speaker configuration, Dolby recommends 7.1.4 though.

One thing I did learn from CEDIA: Dolby engineers, through testing, believe the target sweet spot is 9.1.4 or possibly 9.1.6 for most home users. They are currently working on such a rendering block for "mainstream" products (like Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, etc.). Hopefully, that means 2nd gen products will include one or both layouts.

1st generation products (unlike Trinnov and other spendy units) had Atmos added at the last moment to existing designs and had to be limited to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 at the upper level.

Of course, the same Atmos discs available now and coming in the near future will be ready to rock these new Atmos "blocks" thanks to the scalability built-in to the format.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

One thing I did learn from CEDIA: Dolby engineers, through testing, believe the target sweet spot is 9.1.4 or possibly 9.1.6 for most home users. They are currently working on such a rendering block for "mainstream" products (like Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, etc.). Hopefully, that means 2nd gen products will include one or both layouts.

1st generation products (unlike Trinnov and other spendy units) had Atmos added at the last moment to existing designs and had to be limited to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 at the upper level.

Of course, the same Atmos discs available now and coming in the near future will be ready to rock these new Atmos "blocks" thanks to the scalability built-in to the format.

So that includes the Front-Wide speakers too?

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by BozQ

So that includes the Front-Wide speakers too?

Short answer: yes. Along with a possible third pair of overheads.

However, in both demos I heard with 9.1.4 configurations (using the Trinnov and Steinway processors) the extra main level speakers were more like a second set of side surrounds.

The whole idea is to bring at least the start of a pan-through array, a big feature of both cinema and home versions of Atmos, to the home using regular products that don't cost $20,000 or more.

And yes, the extra sides are very effective as demonstrated at CEDIA using the clips on the Dolby Atmos demo disc. For instance, the Enrique Iglesias music video had various instruments placed in each of the side speakers. The immersive effect of the movie and trailer clips was also heightened, especially at the Steinway demo since the speakers were spaced farther apart due to the larger venue. I agree with the Dolby engineers that the minimum setup should be 9.1.4.

Right now, you can only get this with "normal" products that include 9.1.2 configurations... dumping one set of critical overheads while adding the pan-through array. The placement of these "wides" is one reason why Dolby Surround upmixing does not use the so-called "wide" locations.

[Lentulus Batiatus]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

One thing I did learn from CEDIA: Dolby engineers, through testing, believe the target sweet spot is 9.1.4 or possibly 9.1.6 for most home users. They are currently working on such a rendering block for "mainstream" products (like Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, etc.). Hopefully, that means 2nd gen products will include one or both layouts.

1st generation products (unlike Trinnov and other spendy units) had Atmos added at the last moment to existing designs and had to be limited to 7.1.4 or 9.1.2 at the upper level.

Of course, the same Atmos discs available now and coming in the near future will be ready to rock these new Atmos "blocks" thanks to the scalability built-in to the format.

9.1.6? Is this a serious consideration? I am VERY curious to know because I have 200' of extra speaker cable and the ceiling still exposed to be able to run a forward ceiling stage right now but after this weekend it will be all dry walled over. I may never put in 2 more ceiling speakers but if this is a possible option in the next 2 years I'd like to be ready for it. We've already wired for bi-amped LCR, then front, side and rear surrounds, back and center back surrounds, front (middle) and rear ceiling and 4 (5) sub locations plus stereo sub/base/D-Box wiring. Been trying to 'future proof' this install as much as possible for speakers and run conduit between the equipment and projector/wall locations as well.

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by Lentulus Batiatus

9.1.6? Is this a serious consideration? I am VERY curious to know because I have 200' of extra speaker cable and the ceiling still exposed to be able to run a forward ceiling stage right now but after this weekend it will be all dry walled over. I may never put in 2 more ceiling speakers but if this is a possible option in the next 2 years I'd like to be ready for it. We've already wired for bi-amped LCR, then front, side and rear surrounds, back and center back surrounds, front (middle) and rear ceiling and 4 (5) sub locations plus stereo sub/base/D-Box wiring. Been trying to 'future proof' this install as much as possible for speakers and run conduit between the equipment and projector/wall locations as well.

At least 9.1.4 is being prepped as I type. I talked to the engineer behind the project at CEDIA and he did mention a 9.1.4 block specifically when asked (there are a couple products with 13.1 outputs in the 1st generation, but are locked at 11.1-at-once processing). I'm sure they'll do 9.1.6 if the there are any mainstream manufacturers interested in designing a high end receiver or pre-amp that can take advantage of it. They did mention in another demo that 9.1.6 was one of their targets for the mass market.

It wouldn't hurt to wire for them... just make sure the locations jibe with the home Atmos installation white paper recommendations.

Notice, I never say 9.2.4 or 9.4.4 and such. Dolby Atmos nomenclature always lists the single LFE sub channel. Any sub outs beyond that are at the purview of the various manufacturers' digital bass management systems; they are not in the soundtrack itself.

[Lentulus Batiatus]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

At least 9.1.4 is being prepped as I type. I talked to the engineer behind the project at CEDIA and he did mention a 9.1.4 block specifically when asked (there are a couple products with 13.1 outputs in the 1st generation, but are locked at 11.1-at-once processing). I'm sure they'll do 9.1.6 if the there are any mainstream manufacturers interested in designing a high end receiver or pre-amp that can take advantage of it. They did mention in another demo that 9.1.6 was one of their targets for the mass market.

It wouldn't hurt to wire for them... just make sure the locations jibe with the home Atmos installation white paper recommendations.

Notice, I never say 9.2.4 or 9.4.4 and such. Dolby Atmos nomenclature always lists the single LFE sub channel. Any sub outs beyond that are at the purview of the various manufacturers' digital bass management systems; they are not in the soundtrack itself.

Yeah the sub channel is almost always just multiple outs for more than 1 sub. That's how things are wired now. 2 outs at the main panel running 1 to the front and 1 to the rear of the room. Then each are split into 2 separate plugs on the wall. Plus a stereo speaker wire run to the back location for additional sub/bass/motion/buttkicker/ etc hook-up.

Not sure I've seen any info from Dolby on 9.1.6 yet, as far as desired locations. Of course their desire also has to jive with the joist locations in the ceiling and as well this home theater has 2 rows of seating so making things perfect for only 1 row isn't quite possible. But I'm certain the locations we have to use are within the bounds of the set-up.

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by Lentulus Batiatus

Not sure I've seen any info from Dolby on 9.1.6 yet, as far as desired locations. Of course their desire also has to jive with the joist locations in the ceiling and as well this home theater has 2 rows of seating so making things perfect for only 1 row isn't quite possible. But I'm certain the locations we have to use are within the bounds of the set-up.

Follow the recommended angle patterns in the back section of the home Atmos installation white paper that deal with systems of more than 7.1.4 or 9.1.2, and you'll be pretty set. There is a bit of a fudge factor built-in and that's why there is a small range of angles in each output location.

[BozQ]

FilmFreakosaurus, I have a message for you over at HD Goofnut's list of Dolby Atmos BD

[Lentulus Batiatus]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

Follow the recommended angle patterns in the back section of the home Atmos installation white paper that deal with systems of more than 7.1.4 or 9.1.2, and you'll be pretty set. There is a bit of a fudge factor built-in and that's why there is a small range of angles in each output location.

I'll clarify a little. Going by this info from Dolby we are pretty much set with the 7.1.4 set-up plus have the 9.1.2 front surrounds in place. This would be as ideal for the front row of seats as the back row is 4" from the back wall and there's no negotiating these locations. I don't see where Dolby shows where the extra 2 ceiling speakers would be? Would they go more-or-less the same distance forward of the 7.1.2 or 9.1.2 set, the same-ish distance as the rear 7.1.4 set? Up in front of the first row closer to the screen in the 'empty' area, which would be close to in-line with the front surrounds? If this all makes sense, of course.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

All of those vehicles are actually known to the public, and are desired, even if they're out of reach. Not so with D-Box.

not sure what you mean by that.

If you mean you think there are people out there that don't know what d-box is, I will agree with you but I also believe that there are people out there that don't know what one or more of those car brands.

If you mean D-box is some kind of industry secret and the only reason you and I know about it is insider info or because we spend so much time on AV boards, I disagree. I first found out about D-box through the news and newspapers many years ago. Plus from what I can see Lancaster does not have D-box seats, but if you try and go to buy tickets on-line at the Van Nuys Plant 16 (which has d-box seats) you will see that, like here and like 3D or imax), when buying tickets you need to pick what you want , including the d-box showing ort regular). It is not like DTH or realD or Atmos where it is on the tip of the tongue of the nut because even though it is advertised it is irrelevant to the ticket purchase so no one else notices. Plus the seats are very different and in the prime location so noticeable by anyone that goes in a room that has a few d-box seats.


as for those four car brands being desired even if out of reach. By some for sure, but not everyone. Even if I was the richest person on earth I would not get an exotic sports car (well unless the laws changed and there were no more speed limits) I am way too much of a utilitarian for it. And if a car genie showed up and said "hey Anthony you can have any car you want and it will be magically yours I probably would not go with any of the 4 but most likely a Tesla.

Obviously, you don't have 50K in loose change.

the issue with loose change is that if you spend it you won't have it later for other more important stuff
but the point was more a statement of fact that with 50k I could have a car that gets me from A to B as well as 2-3 d-box seats

Ever see one of these new washing machines? Take a look at it on spin cycle. J6P has one of those.

can't see how a washing machine can be called a "precision electro-mechanical devices"

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Lentulus Batiatus

9.1.6? Is this a serious consideration?

Atmos can do much more on page three of http://www.dolby.com/us/en/technolog...guidelines.pdf they have a 24.1.10 example


It is hard to say what is a serious consideration. It depends what people will be willing to buy.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by FilmFreakosaurus

Notice, I never say 9.2.4 or 9.4.4 and such. Dolby Atmos nomenclature always lists the single LFE sub channel. Any sub outs beyond that are at the purview of the various manufacturers' digital bass management systems; they are not in the soundtrack itself.

yeah I don't get the idea behind extra bass speakers either. Unlike the sounds from normal speakers (if done properly) we don't have directionality with low frequency sounds as well as them being less directional.

i.e. for those that don't understand what I mean. You know where sound comes from because your brain compares what you get from your left ear to your right ear (it took a fraction of a second more to go to the left ear or it is less loud in the left ear so the sound came from the right) you add that your head is in constant imperceptible motion and you have full 3D calculation of sound. The issue is that the lower the tone the longer the wave and the harder it is to calculate such differences and at around 80 HZ (would depend on the individual) it becomes impossible to tell such a difference.

the only reason you would have directionality from a sub is if there is a lot of crossover (i.e. it is also playing some of the higher frequencies) and then you are messing up the proper surround sound

[Lentulus Batiatus]

I guess what I read is that Atmos is capable of determining how many and where the speakers you do have are, from your main listening position, and will do it's own processing to best accomadate. In home we only have so many options as to where to put speakers so if we work with that and let the system do the rest we will get the best results available to a DIY set-up, without getting super extreme in calculating specific angles and deflections and so on and so on.

Last I'll say about D-Box in this thread is I just saw some videos about their new (and still stupidly expensive) controller so now I'm running 1 more wire to my back sub location just-in-case.