Do PS4 & PS5 Support Dolby Atmos?

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This guide explains the implications for your gaming sessions and explores alternative audio enhancements available for your PS4 and PS5 setup.

Ready to enhance your gaming soundscape? Let’s explore the possibilities.

What Sound Formats Do PS4 and PS5 Support?

While the PS4 and PS5 have some limitations in their audio output capabilities, there are still ways to enhance the audio experience of these consoles.

The PS4 and PS5 support three types of audio output: 

• Linear PCM
• Bitstream Dolby
• Bitstream DTS

This means that PS4 and PS5 only support Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.

However, for Blu-ray media, it is possible to achieve Dolby Atmos on the PS5 by changing the audio output settings.

Streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+ on the PS4 and PS5 do not have the capability to output Dolby Atmos audio.

Now that we have discussed the audio output capabilities of the PS4 and PS5, let’s take a closer look at the differences between two of the supported formats: LPCM and Bitstream.

LPCM vs. Bitstream

When it comes to choosing between LPCM and Bitstream for audio output on the PS4 and PS5, there are several factors to consider.

The table below will provide clarity and help you better understand the differences between LPCM and Bitstream.

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between LPCM and Bitstream.

Let’s explore the question of which audio output format is the best choice for PS4 users: LPCM, Dolby, or DTS.

LPCM vs. Dolby vs. DTS: Which Audio Output Should You Choose for PS4/PS5?

Selecting the audio output format on your PS4 or PS5, whether it be LPCM, Dolby, or DTS, requires consideration of your audio setup.

The best options for the two different types of setups will be discussed in the following section. These setups are TVs or two-speaker setups (stereo) and surround sound systems or soundbars.

For TVs or Two Speaker Setups (Stereo)

If your setup consists of a PS4 or PS5 connected directly to a TV via an HDMI cable, it is recommended to set the audio output to LPCM in order to receive the correct sound format.

For gaming, it is best to prioritize LPCM as the audio output because it is uncompressed, allowing you to hear the original sound from its source.

While LPCM is the recommended audio output format for TVs or two-speaker setups, the optimal choice may be different for those using surround sound systems or soundbars. 

For Surround Sound Systems or Soundbar

If you have a surround sound system, you can connect your PS4 or PS5 to an AV receiver or a soundbar with a subwoofer.

The system can have 5.1 or 7.1 speakers or a single soundbar.

On the PS4 or PS5, you will select Bitstream (Dolby or DTS) as the audio output format, both of which offer similar sound quality.

However, it’s important to choose the correct format to avoid reducing the sound quality.

While the PS4 and PS5 are capable of providing surround sound audio output, it is important to note that they do not support 3D sound when used with a surround system. 

This means that while you can still experience immersive audio, but it will not have the added depth and dimensionality that 3D sound provides.

How To Achieve 3D Sound With Sony Wireless Headset?

While the PS4 and PS5 do not support 3D sound with a surround system, it is still possible to achieve the 3D experience with your gaming console by using a Sony Wireless Headset.

In collaboration with AMD, PlayStation has developed a new audio technology called the Tempest Engine. 

This hardware component, found in the PlayStation 5, enables the use of 3D Audio. 

By prioritizing the delivery of 3D audio through headphones for their PS4 and PS5 gaming consoles, Sony has enabled players to experience the added depth and dimensionality of 3D sound. 

This enhances the overall gaming experience by providing immersive audio through compatible headphones. 

To enable 3D sound on the PS4 for gaming, you will need specific headphones. Keep in mind that the PS4 and PS5 consoles do not support Bluetooth audio devices. 

Nevertheless, you can enable 3D sound on the PS4 and PS5 if you have a Sony wireless headset. 

There are several models of wireless headsets that are compatible with the PS4 and PS5. 

List of wireless headsets compatible with PS4

• NEW Gold Wireless Headset (model CUHYA-0080) 
• Gold Wireless Headset (model CECHYA-0083) 
• PULSE Elite Wireless Stereo Headset (model CECHYA-0086) 
• Platinum Wireless Stereo Headset (model CECHYA-0090)
• PS3™ Wireless Stereo Headset (CECHYA-0080)

List of wireless headsets compatible with PS5

• Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (model CFI-ZWH1 / CFI-ZWD1)
• NEW Gold Wireless Headset (model CUHYA-0080) 
• Gold Wireless Headset (model CECHYA-0083) 
• Platinum Wireless Stereo Headset (model CECHYA-0090)

These headsets can process 3D audio because they come with a USB dongle that has the necessary hardware. The dongle wirelessly sends the audio signal to the headset. 

Please note that only some games support 3D sound on the PS4 and PS5. You can check this list to see which games support 3D sound.

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