Netflix has included Spatial Audio as part of its premium package. This is Netflix’s most expensive package, so check your account first to see if you have it. Spatial Audio is a special sound effect that enhances stereo sound for an “immersive cinematic” experience. The advantage is that it works without expensive surround speakers or fancy home theater equipment. In addition to requiring a Premium subscription, the other problem is that not all Netflix TV shows and movies support surround sound. But many do, including Netflix’s most popular content.
“Netflix spatial audio brings an immersive, cinematic sound experience on any device with no additional equipment required,” Netflix explained.
“And now it’s available on more than 700 of our top-watched titles, including Stranger Things, The Watcher, Wednesday, and Knives Out: Glass Onion.”
If you have Netflix Premium, Spatial Audio will automatically turn on when you watch a compatible TV show or movie in stereo. You can find these compatible titles by simply searching for “Spatial Audio” in the Netflix search bar. Next to the TV show or movie description, you’ll see a small surround sound icon (which looks like a speaker).
Netflix Premium and what do you get for buying it?
Unfortunately, Netflix Premium isn’t cheap. It’ll cost you $19.99 / £15.99 a month, which is a hefty sum. But beyond spatial sound, it provides many advantages. It allows you to watch on four compatible devices at the same time. And you get access to a full list of TV shows, movies, and mobile games.
Other forms of immersive audio on Netflix
Spatial audio isn’t the only surround sound feature on Netflix. The platform also supports other forms of cinematic audio, including 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. Both features are available with compatible TVs and soundbars.
Netflix also supports Apple Spatial Audio for Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. To use it, all you need is an Apple device, compatible Apple headphones, and the spatial audio setting on the device.
Do I need really spatial audio?
From Apple’s own headphones to the latest HomePod 2 (opens in new tab) smart speaker, the idea of spatial sound seems to be making its way into all sorts of products and is a key part of the distinctive design of the new Sonos Era. 300 is smart. speaker (opens in new tab), which we understand will be officially unveiled next month.
Whether we realize it or not, most of us have listened to it at home with mono speakers, like one of the best Bluetooth speakers (opens in new tab) or the best smart speakers (opens in new tab). Unless you’ve chosen one of the best music systems for the style (opens in new tab), have a traditional stereo hi-fi setup, or a multi-channel home theater system, I bet you’re listening to your own music. music through a single speaker in mono.
So it’s no surprise that surrounding sound is taking off, with old and new recordings getting surround sound and appearing on streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited (opens in new tab), Apple Music (opens in new tab), and Tidal. (Opens in a new tab.) In order for music fans to enjoy their favorite music in surround sound, a studio engineer must mix the tracks to create immersive content.
To experience the full effect of surround sound content, you need compatible headphones such as an AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2 (opens in new tab) or Beats Fit Pro or stereo speakers such as the new Apple. HomePod 2. (opens in a new tab). But as the format becomes more popular, more products are likely to appear that offer full surround sound support.
Making my last point
In the meantime, if you’re an iOS user and an Apple Music subscriber, the Music Library Tracker app is a great way to integrate spatial audio content. I’ve found it especially useful for exploring the surround sound content in my own library, rather than relying on Apple Music’s playlist of surround tracks, and it’s made the latest 3D surround sound for my favorite songs a breeze, much more accessible.
