By: CE Critic

Disney+ has fired a shot across the bow in the streaming wars, becoming the first major platform to offer content in IMAX Enhanced with DTS:X sound. This long-anticipated launch promises to bring a cinematic audio experience to home theaters, but there are caveats for early adopters.

What is IMAX Enhanced with DTS:X?

IMAX Enhanced is a certification program that ensures content meets specific visual and audio standards for a premium home viewing experience. The audio component, DTS:X, is a competitor to Dolby Atmos, known for its object-based audio that creates a three-dimensional soundscape.

• DTS:X: An object-based audio format that places sounds precisely in 3D space, allowing them to move around and above the listener for a more immersive experience.
• IMAX Enhanced: A certification indicating that content has been optimized for IMAX's expanded aspect ratio (1.90:1) and high-fidelity sound, including DTS:X.

How Does It Compare to Dolby Atmos?

Both DTS:X and Dolby Atmos aim to deliver immersive audio, but they have different approaches and strengths:

While DTS:X technically supports more audio channels, the lossy compression used for streaming may impact the overall fidelity. Dolby Atmos, with its wider adoption, currently offers a broader range of compatible content and devices. However, DTS:X proponents argue that its object-based rendering creates a more seamless and natural sound field compared to Atmos.

The IMAX Enhanced Experience: More Than Just Sound

It's important to note that IMAX Enhanced is not solely about audio. Content certified as IMAX Enhanced also features:

• Expanded Aspect Ratio: Films are presented in IMAX's signature 1.90:1 aspect ratio, offering up to 26% more picture on compatible displays.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range): Enhanced contrast and color depth for a more visually stunning picture.

The combination of DTS:X audio and IMAX's visual enhancements aims to replicate, as closely as possible, the experience of watching a film in an IMAX theater.

Limited Content and Device Support at Launch

The initial IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X rollout on Disney+ is relatively limited:

• Content: Currently, only Queen Rock Montreal and 18 Marvel Cinematic Universe films are available in this format. However, Disney has indicated that more titles, including select Pixar films, may be added in the future.
• Devices: At launch, support is restricted to select 2023 and 2024 models of Sony, Hisense, and TCL Google TVs. Notably, no streaming devices (like Apple TV or Roku) or other TV brands are currently supported. This limitation has caused frustration among some early adopters who were eager to experience DTS:X on their existing setups.

Devices Compatible with IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X on Disney+ (As of May 16, 2024)

Televisions:

• Sony:
  • A95L series (2023)
  • 2024 models (to be announced)
• Hisense:
  • U7K and U8K series (2023, North America)
  • U6N, U7N, and U8N series (2024, North America)
• TCL:
  • 2024 models (to be announced)
• Other Brands:
  • Philips, Sharp, Xiaomi (expected support in Europe)
  • LG (support coming later in 2024)

AV Receivers and Soundbars:

• Several models from Denon, Marantz, JBL, Sony, Sennheiser, Vizio, and Nakamichi are certified as IMAX Enhanced and support DTS:X. Check the IMAX Enhanced website for a complete list.

How to Experience DTS:X on Disney+

1. Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your TV is on the list of supported models.
2. Select IMAX Enhanced Content: Choose the IMAX Enhanced version of a supported title.
3. Confirm Audio Settings: Verify that DTS:X is selected in your TV's audio settings.

The Road Ahead for DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced

Despite the initial limitations, the addition of DTS:X to Disney+ is a significant step towards greater audio immersion in streaming. The success of this venture will likely depend on several factors:

• Expanded Content Library: A broader range of IMAX Enhanced titles with DTS:X audio will be crucial to attracting and retaining subscribers.
• Wider Device Compatibility: Support for more TV brands and streaming devices will be essential for reaching a larger audience.
• Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the benefits of IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X will be key to driving adoption.

If Disney and its partners can address these challenges, DTS:X could become a formidable competitor to Dolby Atmos, ushering in a new era of immersive audio experiences for streaming enthusiasts.

Is DTS:X Worth the Wait?

For early adopters with compatible hardware, the IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X experience on Disney+ offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of home theater audio. However, those with non-compatible devices or a preference for a wider selection of content may find the current limitations to be a dealbreaker. As the format matures and gains wider adoption, DTS:X has the potential to redefine our expectations for streaming sound quality.

Supported Marvel Titles

• Ant-Man and the Wasp
• Doctor Strange
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
• Avengers: Infinity War
• Eternals
• Avengers: Endgame
• Guardians of the Galaxy (Vol. 2)
• Black Panther
• Guardians of the Galaxy (Vol. 3)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• The Marvels
• Black Widow
• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
• Captain America: Civil War
• Thor: Ragnarok
• Captain Marvel
• Thor: Love & Thunder