Dolby Atmos: is this the new standard similar to surround when it came out?

[Deathlok2001]

Are there many receivers with this enabled?

Is it really that noticeable?

I understand it is suppose to sound from all around including from above, but is that not what surround sound currently is . (Excluding the top)

 

[Cos]

I suggest reading more about it on these forums. Having heard it first hand, it is very noticeable (heights included) without heights you have surround sound, so no, that's the whole purpose of the extra channels. You also need to take into consideration of a lot of factors, room size, ceiling height etc to determine if it would even be effective in your listening environment.

I heard the Golden Ear Demo at The Little Guys in Mokena when Sandy Gross was there and there was a huge impact on surround sound with all channels engaged.

Now, if you can find the 1 or 2 movies in existence, then it may be a benefit, but it's way too much in its infancy to be described as "Killer" or "Must have" along with the fact it will face competition from competing technologies. I didn't think the simulated Atmos on standard surround content was that impressive over normal 7.1/5.1

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Are there many receivers with this enabled?

Is it really that noticeable?

I understand it is suppose to sound from all around including from above, but is that not what surround sound currently is . (Excluding the top)

IMO, no it is NOT that noticeable if done correctly.

If the surrounds are THAT noticeable and draw unnecessary attention, then it can be DISTRACTING and detracts from the salient front dialogue speaker and front speakers.

From the 2 ATMOS theaters I've heard, I think ATMOS sound absolutely nothing special. I actually prefer the sound of many DTS sound over the 2 ATMOS experiences I've had.

If you want louder & more noticeable surround sound, just turn up the surround speaker levels. I think this is the equivalent of ATMOS from my 2 ATMOS experiences.

I unequivocally prefer the sound of my DTS 5.1 home theater system over the 2 ATMOS experiences I've had (1 in CA, 1 in OK).

 

[Deathlok2001]

I have to agree, it is too new a technology to really be anything special. The analogue is 4 k tv. There is not enough (if any) 4k content to justify the outlay of money for 4k technology. Hencefore, the Atmos technology is in its infancy. It will be improved upon, so why dive in now?

 

[gene]

If you're surround speakers are placed a few feet above ear level, you've already got elevated sound. Focus more on quality 5 or 7 speakers and dual subs for NOW with good amplification and TrueHD/DTS HD decoding. Atmos in the home is STILL based on TrueHD with added height channels. Unless you can accommodate discrete ceiling mounted speakers, or have the ability to place front/back discrete height channels at least 4-6 feet above your primary front/rear channels, I'd hold off. Most people don't have big enough rooms or high enough ceilings to truly benefit from Atmos in the home.

Atmos reflection speakers are a gimmick IMO. While they can provide a more ambient soundfield, they do so at the sacrifice of hurting the imaging and separation of the speakers/channels they are placed on top of. The only way to justify Atmos/Auro is to use discrete ceiling or height channel speakers IMO.