Sonos Arc Soundbar and HDMI Arc: How To Get Dolby Atmos

The Sonos Arc soundbar is a state-of-the-art audio system that delivers an immersive surround sound experience. One of the key features of this soundbar is its ability to support Dolby Atmos, which provides a three-dimensional audio experience that truly brings movies and music to life.

But what exactly is Dolby Atmos and how do you get it on your Sonos Arc? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of Dolby Atmos, its compatibility with the Sonos Arc Atmos soundbar, and how to optimize your setup to enjoy the full benefits of this cutting-edge audio technology. So let’s dive in!

What is Dolby Atmos and how does it work with the Sonos Arc soundbar?

Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio format that revolutionizes the way sound is delivered in a home theater environment. Traditional surround sound setups rely on channels, whereas Dolby Atmos introduces an object-based audio approach, allowing sounds to be precisely placed and moved in three-dimensional space, creating a truly immersive experience. This means you can hear sounds from above, below, and all around you, putting you in the center of the action.

The Sonos Arc boasts an impressive array of 11 built-in speakers, including two upward-firing speakers. These upward-firing speakers ingeniously bounce sound off the ceiling, creating a captivating simulation of overhead audio effects. When paired with Dolby Atmos content and compatible devices like your TV or streaming device, the Sonos Arc delivers an unparalleled home theater experience that will truly immerse you.

HDMI Arc (Audio Return Channel) acts as the conduit for transmitting high-quality audio signals from your TV to the Sonos Gen 2, ensuring seamless delivery of Dolby Atmos audio from your compatible devices.

Related: Learn Troubleshooting Dolby Atmos Audio Issues

How to get Dolby Atmos on your Sonos Arc?

To play Dolby Atmos support on your Sonos Arc, you will need to have the following things:

• A compatible streaming device or TV that supports Atmos.
• Content that is encoded in Dolby Atmos format (e.g., movies, TV shows, music).
• Reliable internet connection for streaming content from online platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Once you have all the necessary components, follow these steps to set up Dolby Atmos on your Sonos Arc:

• Connect your streaming device or TV to the HDMI Arc port of your Sonos soundbar.
• On your TV or streaming device, go to the audio settings and select “Dolby Atmos” as the preferred audio output format. Make sure that the HDMI Arc connection is enabled.
• Play Atmos and Dolby encoded content on your TV or streaming device.
• On your Sonos app, go to “Settings” and select “System.”
• Select “TV Setup & Control” and then choose “Remote control setup.”
• Follow the prompts to program your TV remote to control the volume of your Sonos Arc.
• Once the setup is complete, you can control the volume of your Sonos Arc using your TV remote.

And that’s it! You can now enjoy Dolby Atmos on your Sonos speakers and experience audio like never before.

What devices and formats support Dolby Atmos through HDMI Arc?

Not all devices and formats are compatible with Dolby Atmos through HDMI Arc. Here is a list of devices and formats that support Dolby Atmos on the Sonos Arc:

• TVs: LG, Sony, Samsung, Vizio, TCL and LG Oled TV.
• Streaming devices: Apple TV 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K, Roku Ultra.
• Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus.

With the Sonos Arc home theater setup and HDMI Arc, getting Dolby Atmos has never been easier. Follow our guide for a seamless setup and optimize your audio experience with these helpful tips. Get ready to be immersed in breathtaking sound that will elevate your home theater to new heights!

Optimizing your setup for Dolby Atmos on Sonos Arc.

To fully optimize your setup for Dolby Atmos on the Sonos Arc, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Position your Sonos correctly: The soundbar should be placed directly under or above your TV, with no obstructions blocking the upward-firing speakers.
• Ensure that your TV and streaming device are compatible with Dolby Atmos: Check the user manual or manufacturer’s website for compatibility information.
• Use high-quality HDMI cables: For best results, use HDMI 2.1 cables that support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).
• Calibrate your soundbar: The Sonos app has a Trueplay feature that allows you to calibrate your soundbar for optimal audio performance.
• Experiment with placement: Try different placement options for your soundbar and see which one sounds best to you.

How to troubleshoot Dolby Atmos issues with the Sonos Arc and HDMI Arc?

In some cases, you may encounter issues with getting Dolby Atmos to work on your Sonos soundbars from your TV through HDMI Arc to play lossless Dolby Atmos. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow:

• Make sure all connections are secure: Check that all cables are firmly plugged in and that there are no loose connections.
• Restart your devices: Sometimes a simple restart can solve most issues. Try restarting your TV, streaming device, and soundbar.
• Check for firmware updates: Make sure all devices are running the latest firmware to ensure compatibility.
• Reset your soundbar: If all else fails, try resetting your Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbars by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds and then plugging it back in.

If you continue to experience issues with Dolby Atmos on your Sonos s2 Atmos soundbars, you can contact Sonos customer support for further assistance.

How to Determine if Your TV is Dolby Atmos Compatible

To determine if your TV is compatible with Dolby Atmos, you can check the user manual or manufacturer’s website. You can also look for the “Dolby Atmos” logo on the TV’s packaging or menu settings.

In addition, some streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have a section where you can search for content that specifically supports Dolby Atmos. If your TV is compatible, you should see the option to play content in Dolby Atmos format.

You can also use streaming devices like Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick that support Dolby Atmos to stream content to your TV and Sonos Beam Gen 2.

Difference Between Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD

Both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD are audio formats that support Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound, but they differ in the level of compression used. Dolby Digital Plus has a higher compression atmos signal, making it more suitable for streaming content, while Dolby TrueHD has less compression and is often used for physical media like Blu-ray discs.

However, both formats can be decoded and played back in Dolby Atmos through HDMI Arc on the Sonos soundbar. So, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and availability of content. Overall, having both formats supported gives you more flexibility when it comes to enjoying high-quality audio on your Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar.  

How about headphones? Can I get Dolby Atmos on Sonos Arc with headphones?

While the Sonos music player does not support headphone output, you can still experience Dolby Atmos through compatible streaming devices that have a headphone jack or Bluetooth connectivity. Simply connect your headphones to the streaming device and select “Dolby Atmos” as the audio output format in the settings menu.

How to get Dolby Atmos for movies with headphones

With Apple TV 4K, you can connect Bluetooth headphones for a virtualized Dolby Atmos experience. However, with Apple’s AirPods Pro, third-gen AirPods, or AirPods Max, the experience goes further with head-tracking spatial audio. This magical feature simulates listening without headphones. Mobile devices supporting Dolby Atmos can offer a similar experience (without head tracking). You’ll need to be running at least iOS 14 on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. This feature can allow you to enjoy the full immersive experience of Dolby Atmos even when using headphones.

To enable this feature, make sure your AirPods simply need to follow these simple steps

• Connect your AirPods and go to Settings > Bluetooth.
• Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
• Toggle on “Spatial Audio”.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies with the full Dolby Atmos experience through headphones.

Conclusion

With the Sonos Arc 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound soundbar and HDMI eArc, you can easily get Dolby Atmos and elevate your home theater experience. Remember to optimize your setup by following our tips, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and experiment with placement for the best audio performance. And with compatibility across various TVs, streaming devices, and formats, you have even more options for enjoying high-quality sound in your home. So go ahead, sit back, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking sound of Dolby Atmos on your Sonos Atmos systems.