Dolby Atmos for Windows

Configuration Guide

30 March 2020
 Notices

Notices
Copyright
© 2020 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

1275 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-1410 USA
Telephone 415-558-0200
Fax 415-645-4000
http://www.dolby.com

Trademarks
Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
The following are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories:
™ ®
Dialogue Intelligence Dolby Theatre
® ™
Dolby Dolby Vision
™ ®
Dolby Advanced Audio Dolby Voice
® ™
Dolby Atmos Feel Every Dimension
™ ™
Dolby Audio Feel Every Dimension in Dolby
™ ™
Dolby Cinema Feel Every Dimension in Dolby Atmos
™ ™
Dolby Digital Plus MLP Lossless
™ ®
Dolby Digital Plus Advanced Audio Pro Logic
™ ™
Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater Surround EX
®
Dolby Home Theater
All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 2

30 March 2020
 Contents

Contents

1 Introduction to the Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide....................................................4

1.1 About this documentation............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Dolby Atmos....................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Supported configurations..............................................................................................................................5
1.4 Dolby Access UI...............................................................................................................................................5
1.4.1 Dolby Access tabs.................................................................................................................................6
1.4.2 Status bar............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.5 Contacting Dolby............................................................................................................................................ 6

2 Configuring profiles and settings.................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Enabling the audio settings........................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Enabling profiles and adjusting settings.......................................................................................................9
2.2.1 Enabling the Dynamic profile.............................................................................................................. 9
2.2.2 Enabling the Game profile for Dolby Atmos or Dolby Atmos Speaker System............................... 10
2.2.3 Enabling the Game profile for gaming configurations..................................................................... 11
2.2.4 Enabling the Movie or Music profile and adjusting Intelligent Equalizer ....................................... 13
2.2.5 Enabling the Voice profile.................................................................................................................. 14
2.2.6 Enabling a custom profile and adjusting the settings......................................................................14

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 3

30 March 2020
 Introduction to the Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide

1
Introduction to the Dolby Atmos for
Windows Configuration Guide
This documentation provides an introduction to the Dolby Access app and instructions on using it to
configure Dolby Atmos for Windows.

• About this documentation

• Dolby Atmos
• Supported configurations
• Dolby Access UI
• Contacting Dolby

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 4

30 March 2020
 About this documentation

1.1 About this documentation

This documentation is written for users of Windows PCs that include Dolby Atmos for Windows
Implementations.
Dolby Atmos for Windows uses the Dolby Access application as the user interface (UI). You can configure
Dolby Atmos for Windows through Dolby Access.

1.2 Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an object-based audio technology for creating and reproducing spatial audio. The
Dolby Atmos platform encompasses products, services, and technologies and includes authoring,
distribution, and playback tools for both linear and nonlinear content.
Dolby Atmos redefines your entertainment experience by:
• Moving sound all around you
Rather than being constrained to channels, sounds can be precisely placed and moved in three-
dimensional space.
• Producing breathtaking sound quality
Dolby Atmos renders everything from dialogue to quiet scenes to whirlwind action with astonishing
clarity, richness, detail, and depth.
• Adding an overhead dimension
A new sensation of height immerses you in the action, creating a full audio atmosphere and realistically
depicting objects moving overhead.
• Creating a powerfully moving entertainment experience
It all comes together in sound that excites your senses and inspires your emotions to deliver the full
impact of entertainment.

1.3 Supported configurations

Dolby Atmos for Windows provides several predefined configuration, which are available only on specific PC
models from Dolby original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. Functions vary among different
configurations. One PC model includes one configuration only.
Dolby Access now supports the following configurations of Dolby Atmos for Windows:
• Dolby Atmos (both default and power-optimized implementations)
• Dolby Atmos for Gaming
• Dolby Atmos Speaker System (both default and power-optimized implementations)
• Dolby Atmos Speaker System for Gaming
On devices with those configurations, Dolby Atmos for Headphones and Dolby Atmos for Built-in Speakers
are available in the Spatial Sound system settings.
You can check the configuration information of your device in the information section of Dolby Access,
which can be accessed by clicking the Info button at the bottom of the HOME tab. The OEM and
configuration information is displayed in the right-bottom corner.

1.4 Dolby Access UI

Dolby Access consists of three tabs and a status bar.
You can launch Dolby Access from the Windows start menu. Dolby Access is preinstalled on selected Dolby
Atmos for Windows PCs.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 5

30 March 2020
 Introduction to the Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide

1.4.1 Dolby Access tabs

The Dolby Access UI comprises HOME, PRODUCTS, and SETTINGS tabs.

HOME
The HOME tab is the default landing page when you launch Dolby Access. You can find Dolby Atmos demo
videos on the tab to experience the Dolby Atmos effect.

PRODUCTS
The PRODUCTS tab lists the available Dolby technologies on the current device. You can enable and disable
available products on this tab.

SETTINGS
The SETTINGS tab provides controls to adjust the Dolby Atmos for Windows settings. If the device supports
Dolby Vision or Dolby Voice technologies, setting controls for those are also provided.

1.4.2 Status bar

The status bar at the bottom of the SETTINGS tab displays the OEM logo and a device mode icon.
The device mode icon is one of the following icons:

• Headphones
• Device orientation tuning
• Speaker

The icon that displays changes according to the following:

• If headphones are plugged in the device, the headphone icon displays.
• If there are no headphones but the device supports the Device Orientation Tuning mode, the device
orientation tuning icon displays.

Note: The Device Orientation Tuning mode is only applicable on 2-in-1 laptops.
• If there are no headphones and the device does not support the Device Orientation Tuning mode, the
speaker icon displays.

1.5 Contacting Dolby

Dolby is pleased to provide support services for end users who have questions on the use, installation, and
configuration of the Dolby Access app, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, and Dolby Atmos for Built-in Speakers.
We encourage all users to browse our online knowledge base at https://kb.dolby.com/access before
contacting Dolby. Many answers to common questions can be found there.
If you still have questions, the best way to contact Dolby Access support is to use the Feedback button on
the information section of Dolby Access. You can access the information section by clicking the Info button
at the bottom of the Dolby Access home tab. Clicking the Feedback button automatically opens our online
contact form and prepopulates it with important system specifications and app information that will help
Dolby Support solve your question quickly. If Dolby Access is unavailable, you can access the online contact
form from https://www.dolby.com/us/en/contact-us/dolby-access/contact-us.aspx.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 6

30 March 2020
 2
Configuring profiles and settings
You must enable Dolby Atmos for Windows before you can select a profile and adjust the
corresponding settings.

• Enabling the audio settings

• Enabling profiles and adjusting settings

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 7

30 March 2020
 Configuring profiles and settings

2.1 Enabling the audio settings

Enable a Dolby Atmos for Windows product to make the audio settings available.

About this task

If the Spatial Sound Windows system setting is set to either Windows Sonic for Headphones or a different
third-party option, the following message displays. You must change the setting to Dolby Atmos for
Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Built-in Speakers, or off, through the Windows system setting or through
Dolby Access.

Note: If Dolby Atmos for Windows is not available on the device, a purchase page shows asking you
to purchase Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

Procedure
• To set the Spatial Sound Windows system setting to Dolby Atmos for Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Built-
in Speakers, or off, go to Settings > System > Sound > Output > Device properties > Spatial sound.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 8

30 March 2020
 Enabling profiles and adjusting settings

• To enable Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Dolby Atmos for Built-in Speakers through the tab of Dolby
Access, go to the Products, click the corresponding icon, and click Enable.

2.2 Enabling profiles and adjusting settings

A profile includes a set of fine-tuned audio processing parameters for a type of audio content. When Dolby
Atmos for Windows is enabled, select a profile that best suits your need and adjust the profile settings if
applicable.
The setting changes can still be applied when Spatial Sound is set to Off, because a subset of the Dolby
technologies are implemented in both the spatial sound audio pipeline and the legacy audio pipeline. When
Spatial Sound is set to Off, the legacy audio pipeline is activated and a subset of Dolby technologies are
applied, but you are not receiving a Dolby Atmos experience.

2.2.1 Enabling the Dynamic profile

Enable the Dynamic profile so that Dolby technology identifies the content type and performs automatic
adjustments. No controls are available in this profile.

About this task

In the power-optimized configuration of Dolby Atmos or Dolby Atmos Speaker System, the Dynamic profile is
not available.

Procedure
• To enable the Dynamic profile, click Enable on the Dynamic profile tab.
A check mark displays to the right of the Dynamic tab name and to the left of the Enabled button.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 9

30 March 2020
 Configuring profiles and settings

2.2.2 Enabling the Game profile for Dolby Atmos or Dolby Atmos Speaker
System
Enable the Game profile when playing a game. For Dolby Atmos or Dolby Atmos Speaker System
configurations, the Intelligent Equalizer controls are available.

About this task

The Intelligent Equalizer continuously monitors the spectral balance of the audio, compares it to a desired
target curve, and dynamically adjusts an equalization filter to transform the original audio tone into the
desired tone. Three presets are provided: Detailed, Warm, and Balanced. For the Game profile, the default
Intelligent Equalizer setting is Off.

Procedure
1. To enable the Game profile, click Enable on the Game profile tab.
2. Adjust the Intelligent Equalizer setting if needed. Select an Intelligent Equalizer option or off, and click
Apply.
The Apply button is selectable only when there are unsaved settings changes of an active profile.
3. If you want to revert to the default settings, click the Default button. This button is selectable only if
changes have been applied.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 10

30 March 2020
 Enabling the Game profile for gaming configurations

2.2.3 Enabling the Game profile for gaming configurations

With Dolby Atmos for Gaming and Dolby Atmos Speaker System for Gaming configurations, enable the Game
profile to use the sound radar and configure subprofiles.

Procedure
To enable the Game profile, click Enable on the Game profile tab.
A check mark is displayed to the right of the Dynamic tab name and to the left of the Enabled button.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 11

30 March 2020
 Configuring profiles and settings

Adjusting the settings in game subprofiles

On the game profile tab, subprofiles are provided according to game types: FPS (first-person shooter),
RACING, RTS (real-time strategy) and RPG (role-playing game). The settings you change in one subprofile do
not affect the settings in another sub-profile.

About this task

The following controls are available in each sub-profile.
Performance Mode
Optimizes settings to improve the spatial accuracy
Surround Virtualizer
Uses multichannel audio to create a virtual surround sound experience via speakers or headphones
Intelligent Equalizer
Compresses the signal to achieve the desired timbre preset
Volume Leveler
Levels the volume across channels, programs, and content while preserving the full listening experience
at the desired volume level
Note: When the performance mode is on, the Intelligent Equalizer, Surround Virtualizer, and Volume
Leveler settings cannot be changed. By default, the performance mode is on.

Procedure
1. Adjust the settings as needed in a subprofile, and click the Apply button in the subprofile section to
apply the changes.
The Apply button is selectable only when there are unsaved settings changes of an active profile.
2. If you want to revert to the default settings, click the Default button. This button is selectable only if
changes have been applied.

Adjusting sound radar settings

When turned on, the sound radar appears in supported games and shows the location where a game sound
comes from.

About this task

The sound radar is available only when the Spatial Sound Windows system setting is set to off, because
multichannel output is supported in the legacy audio path only. When Dolby Atmos for built-in speaker or
Dolby Atmos for headphone is enabled, the sound radar is turned off automatically.

Procedure
1. Access the sound radar panel by clicking the sound radar arrow on the Game profile tab.
2. To adjust the position of the sound radar in a game, drag and drop the sound radar to a position in the
window on the sound radar panel.
3. Drag the buttons on the radar size and radar transparency bars to adjust the display of the radar in
games.
4. Click Done to apply the changes.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 12

30 March 2020
 Enabling the Movie or Music profile and adjusting Intelligent Equalizer

2.2.4 Enabling the Movie or Music profile and adjusting Intelligent Equalizer
To get the best audio experience with movies or music, enable the Movie profile or the Music profile.

About this task

The primary difference between the Movie and Music profiles is that the Surround Virtualizer is enabled for
the Movie profile and disabled for the Music profile. Surround Virtualizer uses multichannel audio to create a
virtual surround sound experience via speakers or headphones.
The Intelligent Equalizer setting is available in the Movie and Music profiles. The Intelligent Equalizer
compresses the signal to achieve the desired timbre preset. For the Movie profile, the default setting is Off.
For the Music profile, the default setting is Balanced.

Procedure
1. To enable the Movie profile, click Enable on the Movie profile tab. To enable the Music profile, click
Enable on the Music profile tab.
2. Adjust the Intelligent Equalizer setting if needed. Select an Intelligent Equalizer option or off, and click
Apply.
The Apply button is selectable only when there are unsaved settings changes of an active profile.
3. If you want to revert to the default settings, click the Default button. This button is selectable only if
changes have been applied.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 13

30 March 2020
 Configuring profiles and settings

2.2.5 Enabling the Voice profile

To optimize voice quality, enable the Voice profile. No controls are available in this profile.

Procedure
• To enable the Voice profile, click Enable on the Voice profile tab.
A check mark displays to the right of the Dynamic tab name and to the left of the Enabled button.

2.2.6 Enabling a custom profile and adjusting the settings

To have more flexibility with the audio processing settings, enable a custom profile. Graphic Equalizer and
two processing feature switches, Surround Virtualizer and Volume Leveler, are available in the custom
profiles.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 14

30 March 2020
 Enabling a custom profile and adjusting the settings

About this task

For Dolby Atmos and Dolby Atmos Speaker System configurations, you can set up to three custom profiles,
whereas there is only one custom profile for Dolby Atmos for Gaming and Dolby Atmos Speaker System for
Gaming configurations.
In a custom profile, you can adjust the following settings:
Graphic Equalizer
Provides high-quality multiband graphic equalization that you can use to tailor custom EQ presets.
Surround Virtualizer
Uses multichannel audio to create a virtual surround sound experience via speakers or headphones.
Volume Leveler
Levels the volume across channels, programs, and content while preserving the full listening experience
at the desired volume level.

Procedure
1. To enable a custom profile, click Enable on the corresponding custom profile tab.
2. Adjust the settings as needed.
a) Graphic Equalizer shows the dB level for ten frequency bands. To change the dB level for a frequency
band, drag the button for the band.
The default value is 0 dB for all bands.
b) To turn on or turn off the Surround Virtualizer, toggle the Surround Virtualizer switch.
c) To turn on or turn off the Volume Leveler, toggle the Volume Leveler switch.
3. Click Apply to apply your changes.
The Apply button is selectable only when there are unsaved settings changes of an active profile.
4. If you want to revert to the default settings, click the Default button. This button is selectable only if
changes have been applied.

Dolby Atmos for Windows Configuration Guide 15

30 March 2020
 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. 1275 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1410 USA.
© Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved. Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks

remain the property of their respective owners.