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It was big news when Netflix partnered with audio giant Sennheiser in July 2022 to bring Spatial Audio support to a handful of the first original movies and TV shows for customers on its premium plan, without the need for specialized headphones to support it.
At the time of announcement, that support was limited to tentpole projects like Stranger things, The Adam Project and The witcher – but now Netflix has announced plans to expand spatial audio compatibility to more than 700 existing and upcoming titles.
Essentially, this kind of spatial audio converts ordinary stereo output into expansive, three-dimensional sound that mimics the experience of watching movies in a movie theater. Headphones that work with Dolby Atmos, such as Apple AirPods Pro 2, can already handle Netflix’s Spatial Audio, but this new system improves the sound quality of any of the best headphones, as well as laptop or standard TV speakers.
Netflix has not yet published a full list of Spatial Audio compatible titles, but recent projects include The viewer, Wednesday and Knives out: glass onion are all confirmed as part of the expansion. In a blog post (opens in new tab)Netflix also said that upcoming new Netflix movies and TV shows like YOU, With you or with me and Luther: The Fallen Sun will benefit from Spatial Audio support.
For an up-to-date list of compatible content, subscribers to Netflix’s premium subscription can simply enter “Spatial Audio” into the Netflix search bar or search for the new Netflix spatial audio badge (as shown at the beginning of the section below). video).
It’s worth reiterating that users don’t need to invest in dedicated AV equipment to enjoy Spatial Audio on Netflix. The technology is designed for devices with stereo speakers – think phones, tablets and laptops – rather than the very best soundbars, and Netflix already supports Dolby Atmos for those who have the home entertainment setup to take advantage of the feature.
Analysis: Is Netflix Spatial Audio Good?
Netflix delivers its Spatial Audio using AMBEO 2-Channel, a technology licensed from Sennheiser that allows sound mixers to adapt Dolby Atmos soundtracks for Spatial Audio presentation through stereo speakers.
But the question that burns on everyone’s lips (or ears): is it good? Well, in our experience, yes! BingoTingo’s Senior Home Entertainment Editor Al Griffin took Netflix’s look at Spatial Audio for an extensive spin-back in July last year and found the technology surprisingly effective.
“While Netflix primarily targets its Spatial Audio offering to headphone users who watch on a laptop or tablet, it works very well on desktop computer speakers, as well as regular high-fidelity speakers,” Al concluded at the time.
“Obviously if you have a Dolby Atmos system you want to set things up so that you get the full experience and not the downmixed version with added spatial audio. But it’s good to know that Netflix Spatial Audio can hold its own on more capable speakers, and that the company isn’t marketing the format as a silly gimmick.”
So there you have it, folks: spatial audio on Netflix is good. And hundreds more of the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix shows are coming soon.
