Netflix has announced that, as of today, it is releasing space audio for selected original programming. The feature should provide a more immersive sound, especially for customers listening to a TV show or a movie with headphones. Netflix has partnered with Sennheiser to turn surround sound mixes into an expansive spatial audio presentation that can be played using stereo speakers or headphones; you don’t need to buy anything new or have a proper surround system for this to work. According to Netflix, space audio “is compatible with all devices, all streaming plans, and does not require surround sound speakers or home theater equipment.”
“Netflix space audio helps translate the cinematic experience from immersive audio to any stereo, so the work that the creators do to bring you to the story goes on no matter what device you use to watch Netflix,” said the company in a blog post. There is a fairly limited selection of content that supports the new audio experience on day one, but you can search for what’s available by searching for “space audio” in the Netflix search bar. Top options include Stranger Things 4, Red Notice, The Witcher and more.
In compatible content, normal stereo output will now be replaced by Sennheiser 2-channel Ambeo spatial audio. Ambeo extracts any surround sound or Dolby Atmos audio track available for selected content and mixes it into a more immersive stereo profile. “Crucially, this process retains the original sound mix and respects the creative intent with a remarkably clean sound,” said Scott Kramer, Netflix’s sound technology manager. Sennheiser explains a little more on his website:
While Ambeo 2-Channel Spatial Audio is not a separate mix, the creators still have granular control over spatialization. Mixers can define the amount of Ambeo processing for each group separately. Recording mixers can mark the desired amount of processing, from the standard stereo mix to the full Ambeo effect and at any intermediate point. The dialogue can be left untouched, while maximum spatialization can be applied to the ambience and sound effects.
Netflix and Sennheiser say that space audio does not distort creative intent. Image: Sennheiser
For those who have a full Atmos system in their living room, Netflix space audio will do nothing new or different from the experience they had before. But it can mean a decent upgrade when you watch your entertainment on the go. If you’ve ever used space audio on AirPods when watching a movie or TV show with compatible apps, this might seem like it, just without the head-tracking part.
Space audio is often less noticeable and can be disappointing when listened to with a laptop or standard TV speakers, but I will definitely try some of these compatible shows and movies over the next few days to see what a difference there is.