“While the audio isn’t entirely lossless, Netflix says that it is perceptually transparent and sounds closer to the original source even though it is compressed”

Netflix is out with a new update that focusses on improving the streaming service’s sound quality. The new ‘high-quality’ audio enhances sound and delivers audio that sounds closer to what creators hear in the studio while binge-watching TV shows or movies. Netflix says that it captures every little detail for an immersive experience and similar to the video, ‘high-quality’ audio is also adaptive and will adjust to your internet bandwidth and device limitations.

Netflix says that most TV devices that support 5.1 or Dolby Atmos are capable of receiving better sound. While the former’s bitrate varies between 192 kbps (good) to 640 kbps (great/perceptually transparent), the latter goes all the way up to 448 to 768 kbps. The new ‘high quality’ sound is added to TV devices that either support 5.1 or Dolby Atmos audio. However, Dolby Atmos sound is available to users who have subscribed to the Premium plan. While the audio isn’t entirely lossless, Netflix says that it is perceptually transparent and sounds closer to the original source even though it is compressed. It will auto adjust the audio bitrate based on the device the content that is being played.

Popular streaming service says that these bitrates will evolve over time as it gets more efficient with the encoding techniques. Netflix started streaming 5.1 surround audio in 2010, and Dolby Atmos in 2016. The company says that it has achieved high-quality sound by uniquely combining the creative technology with engineering teams to further improve the audio listening experience.