Just a couple of days ago, it was announced that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will soon become the first consoles to ever have access to Dolby Vision technology. Since then, we have learned that Xbox consoles will also receive DTS:X home theater support, meaning that they'll also come equipped with native 3D sound.
When Microsoft initially stated that the Xbox Series X would have Dolby Vision support, a lot of people were unsure about what that actually entailed. The same applied to its quieter announcement about Dolby Atmos.
For those unacquainted with Vision and Atmos, they're the names of Dolby's visual and audio entertainment technology, respectively. If Vision is the car, Atmos is the stylish leather interior that completes the whole experience.
However, it's important to note that both technologies are only compatible with Dolby TVs.
Demonstrations of the new Xbox Series X native 3D sound started yesterday for Xbox insiders. Eventually, however, this will become standard software for all Xbox One and next-gen consoles. In fact, it's already been available on the Xbox One for a few months — but only through headphones and only as an alpha version.
The new Xbox Series X native 3D sound feature will probably be best experienced with a 5.1 surround sound system, but it will still work with a soundbar or even just your TV speakers.
Here is where DTS:X differs from Dolby Atmos; Atmos requires the sound to be programmed in to function properly. DTS:X, however, does not. No matter what you're using your Xbox for, your sound will be reproduced in three dimensions. If you're playing Minecraft and a creeper is sneaking up on you to ruin your house, you'll actually hear it behind you with DTS:X. No special TVs or equipment required.
Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about how things look, but sound design and replication are as important as visuals if you're trying to be immersed in the experience. It may not be something that your average person spends a lot of time thinking about, but it could truly set the Xbox Series X apart from its competitors.
Source: Xbox