● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Distinguishing Dolby Atmos from Lossless Audio in Streaming Services
Key points
- Dolby Atmos creates 3D sound using object-based audio.
- Lossless audio preserves original audio data, unlike lossy formats.
- Streaming platforms typically do not offer both simultaneously.
- True lossless playback often requires wired connections.
Understanding Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is an object-based audio system that positions individual sounds in a three-dimensional space, utilizing both vertical and horizontal positioning. This differs from traditional stereo sound, which places audio between left and right channels, by creating an immersive soundstage.
Understanding Lossless Audio
Lossless audio focuses on preserving the original quality of a track by avoiding the data discard associated with lossy compression formats like MP3 and AAC. Its goal is to deliver bit-perfect playback, replicating the audio as intended by the producer.
Compatibility and Codecs
Despite both being premium audio features, streaming platforms generally do not support simultaneous Dolby Atmos and lossless audio playback. Dolby Atmos tracks often use the lossy Dolby Digital Plus codec, while lossless audio relies on codecs such as FLAC or ALAC to retain all original data. Dolby Atmos can be delivered losslessly via Dolby TrueHD, but this is primarily found on physical media like Blu-ray discs.
Achieving True Lossless Playback
To fully experience lossless audio, a compatible streaming service and playback hardware are necessary. While some platforms allow lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth, the signal is often re-encoded into lossy codecs like SBC and AAC before reaching headphones. A wired connection is typically recommended for true lossless playback. Qualcomm's aptX lossless codec offers bit-perfect lossless transmission via Bluetooth, but requires specific Android phones and wireless headphones.
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Reporting from
Dolby Atmos and lossless audio are distinct audio technologies offered by streaming services like Apple Music and Tidal. Dolby Atmos provides a three-dimensional soundstage using object-based audio, while lossless audio preserves the original audio data without compression, aiming for bit-perfect playback.