After launching space audio support for the iPhone and iPad in August last year, Netflix now makes the feature available to more users. The streaming giant has partnered with Sennheiser to turn the surround sound mixes into a spatial audio rendering, which can now be played through any speaker or stereo headset.
According to Netflix, the new space audio capabilities do not require any specialized equipment. However, it is currently only available for selected Netflix TV shows and original movies. If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you can now search for “space audio” on the platform to find all supported titles. Compatible titles currently include the fourth season of the popular sci-fi drama Stranger Things, Red Notice and The Witcher.
In its announcement, Netflix mentioned that the new “space audio feature” helps translate the cinematic experience from immersive audio to any stereo, so the work the creators do to bring you to the story happens no matter which device you use to watch Netflix “. The feature is available on all Netflix subscription plans in all regions.
Netflix’s new space audio feature uses Sennheiser’s 2-channel AMBEO space audio technology. Sennheiser points out that AMBEO 2-Channel “space audio is not another mix. Instead, it is created from open and industry-standard deliverables such as ADM or IAB files. The renderer easily adapts to standard encoding channels Outputs a standard two-channel audio file that can be delivered as a replacement for the stereo.
Note that Netflix’s space audio feature doesn’t offer the head tracking capabilities you get with Apple AirPods Pro’s space audio. Also, those who use a multi-channel surround sound setting while watching Netflix may not notice any significant improvement with the new feature.
Have you tried Netflix’s new space audio feature? Have you noticed any significant improvement? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Netflix, Sennheiser