Regarding the recent announcement of addinghigh quality audio, allowing users to immerse themselves in the content they watch through more sound details. In this brief interview with Netflix Audio Technology Manager Scott Kramer, we further discussed why Netflix is so dedicated to sound details.
In the past, Netflix has continued to incorporate 4K resolution, HDR and other specifications into its image presentation to ensure a better viewing experience. It has also further adopted new data transmission methods, partnered with telecom operators on nearby server nodes, and even adopted new compression technologies such as VP9, allowing users to transmit higher-quality content with less bandwidth.
Prior to this, Netflix also collaborated with brands including Sony and LG to recommend a list of TVs, tested them through internal engineering staff, and built a Netflix quick-activation button into the TV controller. The TV operating system also had Netflix built into it, allowing users to activate Netflix in the shortest possible time. Last year, Netflix even announced a collaboration with Sony BRAVIA TV products to develop a color calibration mode, giving users a better visual experience.
Scott Kramer said that Netflix continues to introduce many new technologies into its services, mainly to provide users with a better experience and make them more willing to continue using the service, rather than just using it as a simple video and audio content playback platform.
Regarding the improvement of audio content, Scott Kramer explained that Netflix is currently collaborating mainly with Dolby on multi-channel and panoramic sound technology (Dolby ATMOS), and recently announced the introduction of high-quality audio specifications, which will increase the sound quality of the original Dolby 5.1-channel specification from 192kbps to 640kbps, and the Dolby Atmos specification sound from the original 448kbps to 768kbps, which is almost equivalent to the recording quality of Blu-ray discs and can be compared with the sound quality presented in a recording studio.
By enhancing audio detail, Netflix believes it will allow users to experience a more immersive experience alongside the visual content, while also allowing them to experience more of the film's atmosphere through detailed sound. This increased audio detail is also due to the current increase in average internet speeds. Netflix has also recently adopted a more compressed format, transmitting more information using less bandwidth, allowing users to experience a richer audiovisual experience.
As for whether Netflix originals utilize different recording methods during content creation to achieve a richer sound experience, Scott Kramer explained that Netflix's production methods are generally similar to those used in Hollywood films, and that they don't employ specific recording techniques. Adjustments are primarily made in post-production, and they continue to collaborate with Dolby on sound technology.
However, Scott Kramer also stated that different devices do present sound differently. For example, Dolby Atmos cannot be displayed on mobile devices. Even differences in mobile phone designs can produce different sound output performances. Therefore, improvements can only be made in higher-resolution sound quality performance.
However, it is expected that the company will continue to consider introducing new sound technology formats in the future, so that mobile devices can also achieve virtual multi-channel playback effects equivalent to home theater audio output, and even support high-resolution sound quality output effects of 96kHz/24bit or 192kHz/24bit and above. However, the specific details of future developments cannot be disclosed at the moment.
For example, there are indeed headphone accessories that can support the playback of Dolby Atmos content. Scott Kramer revealed that there may be opportunities to present richer sound details on mobile devices in the future.
As for whether Netflix will further recommend devices with specific sound details, similar to the way it recommends TVs and phones through brand partnerships, Scott Kramer explained that the company is currently focusing on single-unit speakers and has no plans to expand its recommendations to suitable home theater systems. He also explained that the recommended list is primarily based on the overall user experience, so no specific TV or phone products will be recommended specifically for sound quality.
