Experience the Cutting-Edge Immersive Audio Technology

A preview of Immersive Audio technology that is reshaping and elevating our auditory journey; seamlessly blending into the ambiance and emotions of your home. Dive deeper into the world of Immersive Audio to discover the transformative impact it can have on your audio experience.

In the fast-paced and digitally connected world that we live in, home entertainment has evolved from a luxury to a genuine necessity. It has become an integral part of modern living, transforming homes into havens catering to relaxation and recreation.

As technology continues to advance, the evolution of home entertainment reflects society’s growing need for convenient, versatile, and immersive experiences that enrich our homes and lives. In home entertainment the role of audio systems extends far beyond mere sound reproduction; it plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the overall mood and experience within a living space. A well-crafted audio environment has the power to transport individuals to new dimensions, creating immersive and memorable moments within the comfort of one’s home.

Over the years, sound reproduction technology has made great leaps, evolving from a basic monoaural audio system—that is, single audio channel to today’s surround sound systems, which range from a minimum of 5.1 (6-channel) or 7.1 (8-channel) setups suited for home theatres to large 64-channel and higher setups for cinema screens. The spatial sense of sound and its accuracy in these systems is however limited to the number of speakers and the positions they are in.

One of the latest buzzes in the music industry is Immersive Audio. For those who are not familiar with Immersive audio, it is a generic term that describes a broad range of technologies designed to make the sound listening experience more lifelike and encompassing for the listener. Immersive audio aims to create a three-dimensional sound experience, which means listeners can perceive sounds coming from all around them, including from above and below, not just from left and right. This is achieved using various technologies and techniques, such as surround sound, object-based audio, and binaural audio.

Dolby Atmos is a specific immersive audio technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. Unlike traditional audio methods that distribute sound across different channels, it’s an object-based audio technology that breaks audio down into individual objects that move around in a three-dimensional space. With Dolby Atmos, sounds are precisely placed and moved anywhere in a room, including overhead, to make the entertainment experience sound more realistic and immersive.

Dolby Atmos is a form of immersive audio, but not all immersive audio systems use Dolby Atmos. Other formats, such as Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H 3D Audio (ISO/IEC 23008-3), DTS:X, THX Spatial Audio, and Discrete Immersive, and others provide immersive audio experiences but use different technologies or standards. The exact specifications and performance can vary depending on the technology used and how it’s implemented.

Therefore, while Dolby Atmos is a proprietary technology with specific standards and requirements, immersive audio is a broad term encompassing various sound technologies, including but not limited to Dolby Atmos.

Here are some notable brands known for providing immersive audio experiences

Dolby Atmos is a well-known immersive audio technology used in cinemas, home theaters, and mobile devices. Many audio and video equipment manufacturers integrate Dolby Atmos support into their products.

DTS is another audio company that provides immersive sound technology, particularly DTS:X, which competes with Dolby Atmos in the home theater and entertainment space.

Auro Technologies (Auro-3D) is an immersive audio format that adds a vertical dimension to sound. Some home theater receivers and high-end audio systems support Auro-3D.

Sony 360 Reality Audio: Sony offers a 360 Reality Audio platform that delivers a threedimensional audio experience. It is supported by some Sony headphones and compatible

Functionalities and Integration:

Speakers (Discrete) - Immersive audio involves reproducing music using both ear level and height speakers, usually placed on or in one’s ceiling. As the name suggests, listeners are immersed in music from the sides, rear, and top. Typical loudspeaker configurations accomplish this: 5.1.2 (5 ear level speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 height speakers) and 7.1.4 (7 ear streaming services. level speakers, 1 subwoofer, 4 height speakers). Surround speakers + height speakers = discrete immersive audio.

Sennheiser AMBEO technology is designed for immersive audio experiences, particularly in the realm of 3D audio for headphones and VR.

JBL Synthesis is a well-known audio brand, that offers immersive audio solutions under its JBL Synthesis line, including speakers and audio processors for home theaters.

KEF is a brand that produces high-quality audio equipment, including speakers that support Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio formats.

Bose is recognized for its audio products, and they offer some immersive audio solutions, especially in the home entertainment sector.

Speakers (Virtual) - Immersive audio can also be played through two speakers, with the help of advanced digital signal processing, to reproduce the horizontal surround and vertical dimensions encoded into the music.

Smart Home World speaks to Audio/Video Consultants and Brand Heads who have transformed spaces by using immersive audio. They share their experiences incorporating immersive audio in projects, revealing how it has exceeded user expectations and fulfilled their desires.

Mehernosh K Pervez, Audio/Video Consultant, Sound Decisions

I bring extensive knowledge and practical experience in implementing immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. While our specialization leans toward luxury homes, the foray into television MPEG-H 3D remains unexplored. Dolby Atmos, renowned for its objectbased audio precision, finds applications in cinemas, home theaters, and various devices,

Integration with AV Components

Ensuring a seamless blend with other AV components, the integration process spans AV receivers or processors that act as central hubs, supporting formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Precise speaker configuration, calibration tools, and synchronization between audio and video playback form the bedrock, complemented by integration with control systems such as smart home platforms and lighting control systems. This meticulous integration guarantees centralized management, facilitating an immersive viewing experience.

Compatibility across diverse audio sources, encompassing streaming services and physical media, is a hallmark of our systems. Formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are seamlessly supported on popular streaming platforms and physical media like Blu-ray discs. A vigilant approach to compatibility checks, HDMI support, and regular firmware updates ensures adaptability to the ever-evolving landscape of audio sources and formats.

delivering a captivating three-dimensional auditory experience. Parallelly, DTS:X mirrors Dolby Atmos, offering object-based audio for a convincingly lifelike soundscape. Auro3D distinguishes itself by incorporating both height and overhead channels, notably employed in high-end home theaters and select commercial installations.

In crafting immersive audio setups like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, a thoughtful fusion of solutions is adopted to meet specific preferences. This includes a mix of traditional speakers, ceiling or upward-firing speakers, soundbars, in-wall/on-wall speakers, and wireless alternatives for retro scenarios. The integration extends to subwoofers, pivotal for infusing depth and impact into low-frequency effects.

Trusted names include Trinnov, Storm Audio, Anthem, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, and Onkyo for AV receivers/processors, along with speaker systems from Legacy Audio, CAT, Artcoustic, Bowers & Wilkins, and PMC. Devices from Sony, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sim2, Barco, Sony, and Christie are preferred choices for streaming and media compatibility. These brands are selected for their reliability, quality, and adaptability, making them preferred options for integrators and installers navigating the dynamic terrain of immersive audio technologies.

Ashish Hingorani, Managing Director, Avenue Sound

We have extensive experience working with leading immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, as well as for television, MPEG-H 3D Audio. Immersive audio has revolutionized sound reproduction, enhancing the listener’s experience with its multi-dimensional qualities. In our projects, we strive to integrate these formats into Dedicated Home Theaters and Media Rooms, adding an extra layer to audio that immerses users, providing heightened realism and accuracy to the sound stage.

We carefully plan speaker layouts to accommodate major immersive formats— Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D—in Dedicated Theater Rooms and, when space allows, in Media Rooms. By future-proofing the room with a speaker design that accommodates multiple formats, we ensure clients can fully enjoy content encoded in any of these immersive audio technologies.

Our immersive audio solutions cover a wide range, from independent speakers for each channel of direct sound to more compact options like soundbars. We advocate for a comprehensive experience with discrete channels of audio, but when space or aesthetics are limiting factors, we integrate soundbars, emphasizing that the experience may be more virtual than what individual speakers can provide. Whether it’s in-wall, on-wall, or tower and bookshelf speakers, our choice depends on the room’s acoustics, aesthetics, and client preferences.

Integration with AV Components

Integrating immersive audio systems with other AV components is a crucial aspect of our approach. As immersive audio and smart technology often go hand in hand, we align these systems with high-resolution video solutions. To enhance user experience, we seamlessly integrate audio/visual solutions with lighting, window shadings, HVAC, and more, consolidating control into a single user interface. This holistic integration elevates the overall realism, offering a premium, unified experience. Ensuring compatibility with various audio sources is a priority. All streaming services, digital content, and audio services, including Tidal and Apple Music, support immersive audio playback.

With nearly every new Blu-ray release and digital audio source supporting digital outputs, we guarantee that our immersive audio setups can decode and reproduce signals from a diverse range of sources, providing a rich and immersive audio experience for our clients.

Arjun Agarwal, CEO, Cinerama Pvt Ltd

Cinerama Pvt Ltd stands out as a leading provider of premium home entertainment solutions, dedicated to delivering exceptional audio and visual experiences. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence, the company caters to discerning clients seeking cutting-edge home theaters and immersive audio setups. Emphasizing state-of-the-art technology, the brand seamlessly integrates high-end audiovisual components into its offerings, featuring renowned products such as Klipsch RP8060FA II, Jamo S-27FA, Klipsch RP-500SA II, Onkyo SR-3100, and Pioneer LX-805.

With over 700 movies released with Dolby Atmos, the technology has become the dominant immersive audio standard, complemented by popular alternatives like DTS:X and Auro 3D. It’s crucial to note that passive speakers, commonly used in various configurations, do not inherently offer immersive audio technologies. However, “Dolby Atmos speakers” provide a unique exception.

These Atmos speakers come in two types: integrated Atmos speakers, such as Klipsch RP-8060FA II and Jamo S27FA, with builtin upward-firing modules, and standalone upward-firing speakers like Klipsch RP-500SA II, designed to be placed on existing floorstanding speakers. Directivity is a critical factor for Dolby Atmos speakers, and Klipsch’s use of precision-controlled horn technology contributes to the worldwide popularity of their Atmos speakers.

In building an immersive sound system, the A/V receiver plays a pivotal role. Notably, Onkyo has introduced an entry-level 8K 5-channel AVR with DTS:X, the Onkyo SR-3100. Both Onkyo and Pioneer have been at the forefront of incorporating Dolby Atmos into their 5-channel AVRs, providing consumers with a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, flagship AVRs from Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer, namely the RZ-70, DRX 8.4, and LX-805, feature Auro 3D, further expanding the options for a captivating audio experience.

Harshul Parikh, CEO & MD, Trescent

We specialize in crafting home entertainment spaces, particularly home theaters, incorporating immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos to create engaging and interactive sensory experiences for clients. Our immersive audio solutions cater to various room sizes. Larger spaces benefit from in-wall and ceiling speakers paired with immersive audio processors, while soundbars and in-wall speakers are recommended for more compact areas. Seamless integration of immersive audio systems with other AV components, including video systems and lighting control, is a cornerstone of our solutions. We offer smart home control systems that empower clients to effortlessly customize and manage their room environment.

Integration and Compatibility

Ensuring compatibility with diverse audio sources, spanning streaming services to physical media, is a core focus. We specialize in seamlessly integrating various audio sources into our immersive audio setups.

We recently completed a notable project—a

50,000 sq ft multi-family residence with dedicated media rooms for each family. These rooms feature cutting-edge immersive audio and video technologies, incorporating brands such as Marantz, B&W, Paradigm, Sonance, Definitive Technologies, Lyngdorf Audio, Steinway Lyngdorf, and Legacy Audio.

We designed a Home Theater in Mumbai:

Projection:

Sony 4K with Stewart Screen.

Video Sources:

Oppo Bluray, Apple TV, Club X.

Audio System:

16 Channel Dolby Atmos, DTS-X powered by Steinway Lyngdorf – In-Wall Series & Subwoofers.

AV Processor: Steinway Lyngdorf.

Seating: Cineak Belgium chairs.