Since the start of sales in 2020, Sony ‘s PlayStation 5 has not been able to stream Dolby Atmos audio in games over HDMI . At the same time, interestingly, there was no such problem when playing 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. As part of a new system firmware update currently being rolled out to PS5 beta testers, you can now enable Dolby Atmos streaming in games as well. Previously, you could only choose Linear PCM, Dolby Digital, or DTS for games.
To do this, Sony is using the Tempest 3D AudioTech functionality already built into the PS5, which until now has allowed PS5 3D Audio through Sony ‘s first Pulse 3D wireless headset and any headphones you plug directly into the PS5 DualSense controller via 3.5mm headphone jack. The console will now be able to identify the appropriate compatible devices, such as a Dolby Atmos soundbar or home theater surround sound system, and Tempest 3D AudioTech will process the soundtrack for that device and start outputting Dolby Atmos sound with overhead channels.
For this to work, your TV, soundbar, AV receiver, or processor must support the HDMI eARC specification . The best option would be to use two HDMI 2.1 ports on the TV – one for connecting a PS5 console to realize the full potential of 4K / 120 Hz video with VRR and ALLM active, and one HDMI 2.1 eARC port for connecting a soundbar or AV receiver.
To activate Dolby Atmos, go to Settings -> Sound -> Audio Output -> Audio Format Priority in the PS5 system menu , and then select Dolby Atmos from the drop-down menu. The PS5 will then be able to output Dolby Atmos via HDMI for gaming. Provided, of course, that you have the latest beta version of the system firmware on your console. However, very soon this firmware will become official and will be available to all PS5 owners.
