It's possible to use APM with Dolby Atmos for Movies/TV Series without Apple TV 4K?

[walexago]

Hi,



I have a large number of UHD movies/TV Series (on discs and on my NAS): I play them with my Oppo 203 and my OLED LG TV.

Some of them have Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos tracks: until now, I focused on video sector (oppo 203 and OLED TV it's a great combo) but now I would like also to take advange of Atmos audio (and not only for Music) with my collection.

I can't use, for various reasons, a Dolby Atmos system (not even a soundbar): so I am starting to think about Atmos headphones.

Based on what I was able to understand, Airpods Max are able to play Atmos audio (for movies) only through Apple's devices: if I bought Apple TV 4k (with iOS 15), I could listen Atmos audio track with APM but I would go to worsen the video sector because Apple TV 4k doesn't play double layer Dolby Vision video tracks (only DV profile 5).

If all above is correct, do you have an idea on how to listen Atmos audio tracks with Airpods Max without worsening the video sector?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mr Mann]

but I would go to worsen the video sector because Apple TV 4k doesn't play double layer Dolby Vision video tracks (only DV profile 5).

You won’t notice the difference (do you even know what the difference is…?)

 

[walexago]

I know the difference (from https://avdisco.com/t/demystifying-dolby-vision-profile-levels-dolby-vision-levels-mel-fel/95).

I’m not sure at all that this difference isn’t really visible.

I just found a possible alternative to APM, JVC XP-EXT1 (https://www.us.jvc.com/headphones/home_theater_solutions/xp_ext1/) but is very very expensive (And doesn’t works with Apple Music).

 

[JeffPerrin]

FYI, regardless of whether you use an Apple TV or not, you'll need to convert your audio to EC3+Atmos for compatibility with iOS and AirPods Pro/Max. (Lossless Atmos is not supported) That fact being acceptable, you should be able get Atmos audio with your (converted) movies from a computer via Home Sharing. See: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202190

Edit: My bad. I forgot conversions are only possible using Dolby's software IF you have access to the master files.

 

[bigshot]

I have a 5.1 speaker system and APMs with spatial audio. The spatial audio isn't anything like multichannel audio in a room. Not even close. Maybe it will be that someday, but it sure isn't that now.

 

[Mr Mann]

you'll need to convert your audio to EC3+Atmos for compatibility with iOS and AirPods Pro/Max. (Lossless Atmos is not supported)

what software program do you use for that?

 

[JeffPerrin]

Oops. Sorry, I forgot that I do conversions with the Dolby Atmos Renderer for my own masters. I don't believe there's a consumer way to convert commercial content from TrueHD to DD+Atmos. (TrueHD to DD+ 5.1, yes)

So if the OP really wants to stay with a disc collection, he's going to have to look at non-Apple headphone options. ie. Sony or whatever other headphones supports Atmos.

 

[walexago]

Oops. Sorry, I forgot that I do conversions with the Dolby Atmos Renderer for my own masters. I don't believe there's a consumer way to convert commercial content from TrueHD to DD+Atmos. (TrueHD to DD+ 5.1, yes)

So if the OP really wants to stay with a disc collection, he's going to have to look at non-Apple headphone options. ie. Sony or whatever other headphones supports Atmos.

Thanks for the info.

So practically it’s impossible to play a movie (UHD) with Atmos audio track with APM (to convert any audio track is a near impossible task).

I have 3 possible solutions:

- soundbar or multichannel audio system
- headphone with lossless Atmos support (via BT to my OLED tv but I don’t think my tv is capable to support Atmos via BT)
- use a JVC XP-EXT1 (based on my knowledge, this works but is very expensive, actually 700 Euro in my country): this system is connected via HDMI (earc) to tv and use a proprietary connection (RF) to proprietary headphone

 

[bigshot]

A Smyth Realiser would create a fairly good multichannel effect using headphones.

 

[walexago]

A Smyth Realiser would create a fairly good multichannel effect using headphones.

Many thanks, the A16 is very impressive (maybe the best solution) but is out of my budget

 

[JeffPerrin]

I have 3 possible solutions:

- soundbar or multichannel audio system
- headphone with lossless Atmos support (via BT to my OLED tv but I don’t think my tv is capable to support Atmos via BT)
- use a JVC XP-EXT1 (based on my knowledge, this works but is very expensive, actually 700 Euro in my country): this system is connected via HDMI (earc) to tv and use a proprietary connection (RF) to proprietary headphone

I know you initially mentioned you couldn't get an Atmos sound system, but actual surround speakers would in fact be leaps-and-bounds a far better experience to enjoy your soundtracks. Even if it's not an Atmos system, there are affordable 5.1 systems (see Yamaha, for ex.) which would give a better sound experience than any Atmos headphone solution you might find. If possible, real speakers are the way to go, IMO.