Dolby Atmos Podcast

Binaural interaction procedures essentially evaluate how the auditory system processes the interaural time or intensity difference of one auditory event presented to both ears. Binaural interaction tasks require processing the complementary information coming from the two ears following the presentation of one acoustic signal presented simultaneously or sequentially.

Because our brain compares the sound entering the left and right ear and analyses the difference in level, timing, and frequency created by our head and ear anatomy, we can hear sounds in three dimensions all around us. We may simulate binaural hearing by placing two small microphones in our ears and listening to the recordings through headphones.

We can produce binaural audio artificially by processing a signal and placing it anywhere in three-dimensional space. When played through headphones, the sound will appear to emanate from the 3D location where the signal was placed. This is referred to as binaural rendering.

HRTF is a sophisticated mathematical formula used in binaural rendering to simulate the geometry of the head and ears. This technology element is still being developed with large sums of money and effort from many companies. This means Dolby Atmos' playback will improve significantly over the next few years as it becomes simpler to produce personalized HRTFs and import them into our playback device.