Netflix has announced that Premium plan subscribers can now watch more than 700 titles with “spatial audio” stereo sound, while increasing the number of supported download devices from four to six.
Netflix first introduced spatial audio support for a very limited number of titles last year. The feature is based on Sennheiser’s virtualization technology, and is said to be compatible with all stereo devices, including TVs, soundbars and headphones.
Spatial audio is a feature that converts regular stereo sound into expansive, three-dimensional audio that aims to replicate the experience of watching a movie in the cinema. It works best with compatible headphones and earbuds, such as Apple’s AirPods Pro, however Netflix claims that it’s even able to improve the quality of sound in standard TV speakers and laptops.
Netflix’s spatial audio differs from the similar functionality enabled by Apple in that it relies only on stereo tracks. In addition, the spatialised audio is delivered by a streaming server that’s not optimised for specific devices or speakers. On the other hand, Apple’s spatial audio relies on the 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos track and employs on-device processing to optimise the sound for the specific device or speaker, as well as the user’s hearing profile, as well as headtracking.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s spatial audio only works with compatible titles, and is only available to premium subscribers.
"Netflix spatial audio brings an immersive, cinematic sound experience on any device with no additional equipment required — 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," the company said.
Users will be able to find supported titles simply by searching for “spatial audio”, the company added.
Netflix said users won’t need any extra equipment to enjoy Spatial Audio on their TV, computer, phone or tablet. Spatial Audio joins the 4K/HDR picture mode, Netflix Calibrated Mode and Dolby Atmos support that already comes as part of the Premium subscription at no extra cost.
In addition to spatial audio, Netflix said its premium subscribers will now be able to download movies and shows for offline viewing on six devices, as opposed to just four previously.
“We’re increasing the number of download devices from four to six for premium members, so you can watch Netflix on your devices — anytime, anywhere,” the company said.
