Dolby Atmos in Ci

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Michael Potts
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Dolby Atmos music creates a three-dimensional sound space, where you can hear different sounds coming from different directions and distances.  It is more immersive than traditional stereo music because it provides a sense of depth and movement in the music.  For information and to learn more, please feel free to visit their site: https://www.dolby.com/technologies/dolby-atmos/


Dolby Atmos mixes are stored in a file format called “Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave Format” (ADM BWF).  Ci generate 2 proxies from Atmos ADM BWF sources: Stereo and Binaural.

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Figure 1. 2 proxies (ADM BWF) generated.

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Figure 2. General Information tab


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Figure 3. Dolby Atmos Information

 

Dolby Atmos proxy would usually require specialized playback hardware and software to play ADM BWF files (see devices at the Dolby Atmos), however with Ci we have enabled you to play back these files in two ways: 

  • Stereo:
    • Provides a stereo representation of the Dolby Atmos mix.
    • Enables you to listen to a stereo representation of the audio directly from Ci using speakers or headphones.
  •  Binaural:
    • Provides an immersive sound experience of the Dolby Atmos mix when listening using headphones.
    • Enables you to listen to an immersive representation of the audio directly from Ci using headphones.
    • Replicates how a user will hear Dolby Atmos on headphones when listening to Amazon Music and TIDAL and can be used for headphone immersive listening approvals.
      • Note: the Apple Music Spatial Audio headphone playback experience differs from this option as Apple utilizes Apple proprietary processing.


Summary of changes in CI to support Dolby Atmos:

  • Dolby Atmos ADM BWF files uploaded to Ci:
    1. Automatically generates two audio proxies for each 48kHz ADM BWF file uploaded to Ci:
      • Dolby Atmos Stereo (320kbps mp3).
      • Dolby Atmos Binaural (320kbps mp3).
    2. Supports selection for playback of either generated audio proxy.
    3. Supports download of the original Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file, and of each audio proxy.
    4. Shows technical metadata for the Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file.
  • Dolby Atmos ADM BWF files uploaded to Ci as an element of a Video Asset:
    1. Automatically generate the same two audio proxies as listed above.
    2. Supports selection for playback of either audio proxy - either stand-alone OR as audio playing alongside the video asset.
    3. Supports download of the original Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file, and of each audio proxy.

  • MediaBox sharing of a Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file(s):
    1. Dolby Atmos ADM BWF files can be shared in MediaBoxes.
    2. MediaBoxes support selection for playback of either generated proxy listed above.
    3. MediaBoxes support download of the original Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file, and of each audio proxy (if allowed in MediaBoxes settings).
    4. MediaBoxes show technical metadata for the Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file (if allowed in MediaBoxes settings).

Downloading Dolby Atmos ADM BWF source and proxy files within Ci

  1. Upload Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file as an asset to Ci.
  2. Select Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file.
  3. Right click > download
  4. Select original for source download or either proxy value for stereo and binaural renders.

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Figure 4. Downloading Dolby Atmos files from Ci


Adding Dolby Atmos ADM BWF files to a MediaBox

  1. Upload Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file directly into Ci or as an element of a video in Ci.
  2. Select Dolby Atmos ADM BWF asset and/or video that Dolby Atmos ADM BWF exists as an element.
  3. Right click, select Share > Share in new MediaBox
  4. Configure MediaBox settings accordingly (enable download of source file and ‘User Added elements).

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Figure 5. Adding Dolby Atmos files to a MediaBox

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Figure 6. Selecting proxies for downloading


Playback Dolby Atmos ADM BWF files as elements on a video

  1. Upload video to Ci.
  2. Select video asset in Ci.
  3. Click on 'Elements’ tab on right pane.
  4. Click ‘+Add element’ button.
  5. Upload Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file from local machine or copy an existing Dolby Atmos ADM BWF file within Ci.  Once complete, you will see this under the ‘Uploaded audio’ section within the Elements tab.
  6. Enter asset preview by double clicking video asset.
  7. Select ‘Audio elements’ icon under streaming player.
  8. Select ‘Dolby Atmos Stereo’ or ‘Dolby Atmos Binaural’ as playback option.

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Figure 7. Dolby Atmos ADM BWF elements in Elements Panel

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Figure 8. Preview for Stereo Proxy

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Figure 9. Dolby Atmos files in Preview


For any additional questions, please reach out to the Ci Customer Success Team by submitting a request here in the Help Center. 

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