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wmy5

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 27, 2012
367
96
upstate NY
I am quite interested in the technical details of how surround sound formats (e.g., Dolby Atmos, Dolby 5.1/7.1, DTS) are played on one or two HomePods (2018, the big one). Is it just down-mixing to 2.0 or 1.0 with DSP, or the seven tweeters in each HomePod is doing something clever, such as some sort of "beam forming"? I have searched this online extensively but there is almost no information. Any insights will be much appreciated.

By the way, I have tested a stereo pair of HomePods connected to the latest Apple TV 4K using a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 test tone. All channels were audible. So certainly no channel was omitted.
 

wmy5

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 27, 2012
367
96
upstate NY
from what I have gathered about Dolby Atmos five or more speakers are required.
See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207705
Screen Shot 2021-11-04 at 8.08.21 PM.png
 

AL2TEACH

macrumors 65816
Feb 17, 2007
1,222
504
North Las Vegas, NV.
long article

not as long

I know about the HomePods and Dolby Atmos, I have two and luv em but to create the Dolby Atmos eh experience at least five (5.1.2) and two above are needed. I tried the HomePods as speakers, they are good. Maybe I will try it again with one in front and the other in the rear and see if it can create a good surround sound. Regardless of what Apple states you will not get theater sound from them or not yet.

and one more. I think it might be the best one
 
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