Finally, Netflix began releasing spatial audio for select original programming.
The streaming service has partnered with audio giant Sennheiser to bring more immersive sound to shows and movies, including Stranger Things season 4, The Adam Project and The magician. Netflix’s spatial audio is “compatible with all devices, all streaming plans and requires no surround sound speakers or home theater equipment,” the company wrote in a statement. blog post (opens in new tab) announcing the new feature.
Spatial audio converts regular stereo output into expansive three-dimensional sound intended to mimic the experience of watching movies in a cinema. The feature works best with compatible headphones and headphones – such as the Apple AirPods Pro – but also improves the sound quality emitted by laptops or standard TV speakers (although the difference is quite negligible in the latter media).
To get the full list of spatial audio-enhanced Netflix content, simply type “spatial audio” into the streamer’s search bar. If your device’s audio output is already set to stereo audio, you won’t need to adjust any settings to try it out (the feature will also become the default audio setting for two-channel setups).
Let’s take a spin on Netflix’s spatial audio with the latest season of Stranger Things, whose demogorgons and murderous villains now seemed poised to get even scarier.
Launch of long-awaited streamer feature brings Netflix closer to rival platforms Disney Plus, HBO Max, Apple TV Plus and huluthat support spatial audio for compatible movies and TV shows.
For more on the latest Netflix news, check out our breakdown of Stranger Things new audience record (spoiler: the show isn’t quite as big as Squid Game yet) and our review of Sex Education Casting Dilemma.