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HomePod Will Apple make 4 Homepods into a Dolby Atmos surround system?
- Thread starter cloneofsnake
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Would be nice if they did. It seems to be in high demand so my guess is Apple will add this eventually. I also predict that if this happens, the OG will be excluded to get people to upgrade.
Also, can’t wait for the bugs that come along with this type of integration lol.
The mini wasn’t able to be set up as default audio for the ATV and that was eventually added so hopefully this is in the works.
Also, can’t wait for the bugs that come along with this type of integration lol.
The mini wasn’t able to be set up as default audio for the ATV and that was eventually added so hopefully this is in the works.
Have had lip sync issues more or less (guess I'm sensitive to the issue) on all I've tried (and yes, I try to adjust but mostly it never gets perfect) except on appletv+homepods, so happy camper and I'm also hoping they add full surround. They could easily allow two back-speakers and then they could bring out a sub to complete the setup.
That would be $1600 for a surround setup with no center channel nor sub.
Don’t you boys think there might be a sh*t ton of better options at that price point?
Don’t you boys think there might be a sh*t ton of better options at that price point?
The new Sony Bravia Quad wireless speaker system -- the successor to the HT-A9 -- has been getting good reviews, although almost all of them say you really need to get a Sony wireless subwoofer as well.
Personally, I'd love it if Apple Airplay 3 allowed you to pair at least four Home Pods together to create a Dolby Atmos surround system. A few caveats - I don't believe the current HomePods have any upward firing speakers. Until they do, it's probably not possible to get decent height effects. Second, keeping the audio from four or more wireless loudspeakers in sync isn't easy to do. Which is why most wireless surround systems feature a single speaker/soundbar that handles the front three channels and syncs with two rear speakers. But Sony has managed to sync audio from four speakers (five if you add a subwoofer), and the reviews indicate that the sound field is much more immersive than the traditional soundbar/surround systems. So it's possible. Third, Sony has invested heavily in 360 degree soundfield optimization technology -- which is the tech that allows the Sony Bravia Quad systmem to create up to twelve optimally placed "virtual" loudspeakers out of four actual speakers. Apple would either have to develop its own version from scratch or license the technology.
All that said, we can always dream. Personally, I'd like to see Apple release a new version of the HomePod that is optimized for Dolby Atmos. Each speaker would include at least one upward firing driver for heigh effects (similar to the Sonos Era 300). And the speaker would be close to full range -- say, getting real output down to 40 Hz -- so that a subwoofer isn't absolutely necessary to get decent bass. And I'd like to see an upgraded version of Airplay that is optimized for Dolby Atmos that would allow you to pair anywhere from two to six HomePods. You could start with a stereo pair, add a third speaker for a front left-center-right sytems, add a fourth speaker for a front left-right/rear left right system, add a fifth speaker for a traditional 5.0 system, and a sixth for a front left/right, side left/right, rear left/right system. Each speaker would be able to sense its proximity to walls and other speakers, and the software would automatically optimise the soundfield to account for room boundaries and speaker set-up. And of course the system would integrate flawlessly with Apple TV and Apple Music.
Personally, I'd love it if Apple Airplay 3 allowed you to pair at least four Home Pods together to create a Dolby Atmos surround system. A few caveats - I don't believe the current HomePods have any upward firing speakers. Until they do, it's probably not possible to get decent height effects. Second, keeping the audio from four or more wireless loudspeakers in sync isn't easy to do. Which is why most wireless surround systems feature a single speaker/soundbar that handles the front three channels and syncs with two rear speakers. But Sony has managed to sync audio from four speakers (five if you add a subwoofer), and the reviews indicate that the sound field is much more immersive than the traditional soundbar/surround systems. So it's possible. Third, Sony has invested heavily in 360 degree soundfield optimization technology -- which is the tech that allows the Sony Bravia Quad systmem to create up to twelve optimally placed "virtual" loudspeakers out of four actual speakers. Apple would either have to develop its own version from scratch or license the technology.
All that said, we can always dream. Personally, I'd like to see Apple release a new version of the HomePod that is optimized for Dolby Atmos. Each speaker would include at least one upward firing driver for heigh effects (similar to the Sonos Era 300). And the speaker would be close to full range -- say, getting real output down to 40 Hz -- so that a subwoofer isn't absolutely necessary to get decent bass. And I'd like to see an upgraded version of Airplay that is optimized for Dolby Atmos that would allow you to pair anywhere from two to six HomePods. You could start with a stereo pair, add a third speaker for a front left-center-right sytems, add a fourth speaker for a front left-right/rear left right system, add a fifth speaker for a traditional 5.0 system, and a sixth for a front left/right, side left/right, rear left/right system. Each speaker would be able to sense its proximity to walls and other speakers, and the software would automatically optimise the soundfield to account for room boundaries and speaker set-up. And of course the system would integrate flawlessly with Apple TV and Apple Music.
Can't imagine choosing a solution that requires 4 powered speakers over a cheaper and better sounding 5.1 system that only requires 2 outlets for an AVR and sub.
Hey! I have the Sony system. Without any issues. I hoped for an Apple system after they had a patent years ago for a 4 speaker system… but then came Sony.
Doesn't Atmos require at least two height channels for atmos movies ? As good as HomePods and HomePods mini sound, I would prefer an Atmos receiver and good passive speakers with wooden cabinets for home theatre.
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If I have to two between four power cords and two power cords plust five pairs of speaker cables and one RCA cable (for the sub), I'd choose four power cords.
Not sure where you got $1600. Maybe not USD? It would be $1200 USD for 4 full size HomePods, but 4 full seems like overkill. 2 full in the front and 2 mini in the back seems pretty adequate, which is $800.
If audio is mixed properly, center channels aren’t necessary. I’ve never felt the need for one, but it may depend on what content you’re watching. Full HomePods have plenty of bass for me so I also wouldn’t want a sub, but that’s a personal preference. When you add in the mics/sensors, smart functions, and Apple ecosystem integration, at $800 not sure there are a poop ton of better options.
Nah I don’t have 4 outlets conveniently located around my living room but it’s easy enough to throw a rug down and hide speaker wire.
I also can’t imagine spending so much on 4 HomePods and still not having a sub. But people love to spend money for objectively worse experiences I guess.
Yeah it’s hard to imagine things outside of a narrow view.
You resurrected a 19 month old post to tell me that HomePods aren't $399 anymore? OK.
Is apple still selling these things? (Is anyone buying them?)
Usually one "resurrects" a thread, not a post. I responded to your old post, but it still needed clarifying/correcting, as does this new post. Homepods were never $399, they were $349 at original release, then lowered to $299 a year later. So at the time of your old post they had been $299 for a few years, not $399 as you apparently thought--which makes it clear now how you got to $1600 for four.
Apple still sells them, but no idea how popular they are.