What bitrate is Atmos?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

The bitrate for Dolby Atmos audio varies depending on the encoding format used. In the case of Dolby Digital Plus, which is a commonly used format for streaming services, the bitrate for Dolby Atmos audio typically falls between 384 and 768 kbps.

Now, let me explain a bit about Dolby Digital Plus and its role in delivering immersive audio experiences like Dolby Atmos. Dolby Digital Plus is an advanced audio codec that supports multi-channel audio and provides enhanced sound quality compared to its predecessor, Dolby Digital. It is commonly used for streaming platforms, broadcast TV, and Blu-ray discs.

When it comes to Dolby Atmos, it takes audio immersion to a whole new level by adding height and overhead sound elements to create a three-dimensional audio environment. This means that sound can come from above and around you, making you feel like you’re truly part of the audio experience.

To deliver Dolby Atmos, the audio is encoded using Dolby Digital Plus. The bitrate for Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus is higher than that of stereo audio. While stereo audio in Dolby Digital Plus is typically encoded at bitrates between 96 and 128 kbps, Dolby Atmos audio requires a higher bitrate to maintain the quality and spatial accuracy of the immersive audio.

The bitrate range of 384 to 768 kbps for Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus allows for a more detailed representation of the audio, capturing the nuances of the sound objects and their positioning in the three-dimensional space. This higher bitrate ensures that the audio quality matches the immersive nature of Dolby Atmos and provides a more realistic and captivating audio experience.

It’s worth noting that the actual bitrate used may vary depending on factors such as the specific implementation, the content provider’s requirements, and the available bandwidth for streaming. These factors can influence the bitrate chosen for Dolby Atmos encoding, but the range mentioned earlier gives a good indication of what to expect.

When it comes to Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus, the bitrate typically falls between 384 and 768 kbps. This higher bitrate allows for a more immersive and detailed audio experience, capturing the spatial accuracy and depth of the three-dimensional audio environment.