Netflix Taps Dolby for Surround Sound Audio

  • By: HomeTheaterReview.com,

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter Print this article

netflix_logo_225.gifNetflix just announced that the company has selected Dolby Digital Plus for 5.1 channel surround sound to be delivered over its online streaming service, Watch Instantly. Starting on October 18, 2010, Sony's PlayStation 3 will be the first device to support 5.1 streaming audio from Netflix, with more devices to be added over time. This new update will also eliminate the PlayStation 3's need for a disc in streaming content from Netflix.

Related Articles and Content
Please read our other articles, including Netflix Goes Live On Viera Cast, Netflix Streaming App Coming to the iPhone, and An Insider's Guide to DVD/Blu-ray Rental Services Like Netflix, Blockbuster, and Redbox.

Dolby Digital Plus supports up to 7.1 channels of surround sound from broadcasts, streaming media, downloaded media, and Blu-ray. This is not a new technology as many televisions, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, and mobile phones have already shipped with Dolby Digital Plus.

Netflix has dominated the home rental market as well as streaming services. However, their high place in the streaming competition has had more to do with their installed customer base than the quality of the media. Netflix has been introducing more and more HD content but it maxes out at 720p and only has stereo sound. Not a big deal if you are watching on your laptop, but a bit upsetting if you are streaming to your home theater set up.

This new update is a big step for Netflix to take. Not only will there now be surround sound, but Netflix will also begin introducing full-on 1080p HD content. With Netflix continually expanding its content and improving its presentation, other companies stand less and less of a chance of ever hoping to catch up in this race.

  • Comment on this article

  • By aaron

Why would Netflix release 5.1 and 1080p first on the PS3 and not on the Xbox360 that has been supporting the company for a much longer time and has a much larger base of users?

  • By Pierce O'Toole

One thing I have noticed about the company is that they release things when they are ready. They don't seem to have a preference. The released "Instant Watch" on PCs and not Macs because they were having a hard time getting it to work on Macs. Then XBOX because they were able to get that working first, then the PS3 (in disc form because the application wasn't working yet), then the Wii. If they were going for the installed base, they would have hit the Wii before anything.

I just think that the company has a "When it's ready it goes out mentality." I'm sure the XBOX will get the same treatment and probably soon.

Post a Comment

You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.

Featured Audio-Video News

Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices?

Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -

The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.

Latest Streaming, Apps, and Downloads News

Update On The Latest Video On Demand Technology -

Streaming technology is constantly evolving, bringing better content to your HDTVs faster in and in higher volumes. Adrienne Maxwell checks in on the technology to evaluate the state of the field.

The Audyssey Audio Dock Air is Here -

Audyssey has released their own audio dock compatible with Apple's AirPlay technology. The difference with this dock, however, is that Audyssey's dock contains Audyssey's sound technology to improve sound at every range.

Fox, Warner Bros, SanDisk, and Western Digital to Advance Digital Ownership of High Definition Movies -

Fox Home Entertainment, Warner Bros Home Entertainment, SanDisk, and Western Digital have teamed up for Project Phenix, a new plan to make high definition downloadable content available across multiple device and platforms.

Naim Debuts New Super Streamer NDS -

Naim Audio has debuted a new streaming media player in the NDS. The NDS using the highest level of technology that Naim has to offer to deliver excellent audio to the user with options for upgrade.

Meridian Announces Availability of the Core Control App -

Meridian Audio has just announced an expansion of control platforms for the company's Sooloos media server system. This time Meridian is bringing Meridian Digital Media Systems to the iPad.

HBO Go Added to Samsung TVs -

HBO Go and Samsung has partnered to bring the HBO Go service to the Samsung Apps store, giving Samsung television and Blu-ray player owners the ability to access all of HBO's content.

Verizon Teams Up with Redbox to Offer Streaming Solution -

Verizon has teamed up with Coinstar's Redbox to create a new streaming option to compete with the like of Netflix. But the questions remain, how will this service be different and is it too late to the game?

DVDO Unveils the DVDO AIR WirelessHD Solution -

DVDO has announced the availability of the DVDO Air Wireless HD system, which claims to wirelessly stream HD video and uncompressed audio as well as a few other notable features.

UltraViolet Content Begins to Gather Support -

UltraViolet has been making headway into the home media marketplace since the service's launch. According to supporters at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, the service could become a contender.

Rovio and Samsung Partner to Bring Angry Birds to TVs -

Samsung has put a lot of effort and energy into building up the company's app platform for the Samsung televisions. Now that effort has brought the wildly popular game, Angry Birds, to the Samsung platform.