Plex, known for its user-customizable media libraries, is gaining popularity for consolidating various content. Unlike typical streaming apps, Plex allows users to manage diverse media collections in one place. While offering a seamless browsing experience with advanced codec support, the question arises: Does Plex play Dolby Atmos?
As long as the devices hosting the Plex client app support Dolby Atmos, you can enjoy the surround audio effects when streaming media files from a Plex server. Don't forget that the other connected devices must also support this audio format, such as the TV and sound system.
You must want to know how the Plex app works and which Plex client devices you could use to enable the Dolby Atmos experience. So without any further ado, let's look at how to get the most from the Plex streaming software solution.
Does Plex Play Dolby Atmos?
Yes, among its features, Plex supports Dolby Atmos too, provided that the streaming device has the required capabilities to process and transmit a Dolby Atmos signal.
For example, to experience Dolby Atmos on Plex, client devices like Chromecast, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield TV, or Apple TV have to support the audio codecs Dolby Atmos audio uses, such as Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD.
Does Plex Support Dolby Vision?
Your next question might be: does Plex support Dolby Vision? The answer is, yes. However, to take advantage of Dolby Vision's advanced HDR features, you need to ensure that your Plex client device also supports Dolby Vision.
Why is a Plex Client Device Needed?
Plex offers a software solution to manage your content on a server. In other words, you can host your favorite movies, shows, images, and more on one computer and stream those files remotely.
This is when the Plex Client device comes into play. Essentially, these devices help users access the hosted data remotely. The most popular Plex-supported media player is the Nvidia Shield TV (on Amazon), but the Plex client app is available on most media players.
You'll need to install the Plex client app on the selected streaming device. Once you run the app, it will send requests to the server to play the content in real-time.
Plex Dolby Atmos Passthrough
Plex Dolby Atmos passthrough allows the Plex media server and client apps to transmit Dolby Atmos audio directly to compatible audio systems. To enable this feature, as you can see in the video below, in the Plex client settings choose “Passthrough” or a Dolby Atmos-compatible mode.
Popular Plex Client Devices
Plex provides a user-friendly solution for setting up and managing a personal media server with an intuitive interface.
Here are some of the recommendations you can choose from:
Nvidia Shield
Regarded as the best Plex streaming device, the Nvidia Shield TV (on Amazon) flaunts robust codec support. Offering users a great sound experience, the device is easy to set up and use.
Additionally, the device can function as a Plex server, especially with the Shield's Pro version offering 500GB of built-in hard drive support, and the option to add extra storage using its multiple USB ports.
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K (on Amazon) is also known as a top choice for a Plex Client device, offering Dolby Atmos on Apple TV with 4K resolution. This is an excellent device if you love gaming, as the hardware extends the support for that too.
You can choose between 32GB and 64GB options and enjoy watching shows and movies with Dolby Vision and surround sound effects. It is simple to use hosts on an intuitive interface.
Roku Ultra
If you are looking for an ultimate device that can help stream Plex content and over 2000 channels, the Roku Ultra (on Amazon) is the way to go.
It is an affordable choice that enables HEVC decoding, and it couples the benefits of the voice assistant for operating its remote. The remote also has a headphone jack which makes private streaming possible.
How To Tell if Plex Is Using Dolby Atmos?
While the difference in the sound 3D effect would talk for itself, you must make sure that every device within your home theater setup supports Dolby Atmos. As the Plex supports Atmos sound, you must verify the same capabilities for other devices.
- The Media Files: Without any doubt, it's not possible to get Atmos sound unless the content is encoded using the same format. That said, the video and audio files must be Atmos-enabled.
- Streaming Device: Used as the Plex client device, the streaming player must be capable of decoding Atmos or passing it through to sound systems without any noticeable alterations.
- Sound Systems: Any sound system, either an AV receiver or the soundbar, must support Dolby Atmos. In case you are not using any external sound system, the TV’s built-in speakers must be compatible with this sound format.
Keep in mind that you must set up your device to process sound using Dolby Atmos instead of other output options.
Troubleshooting Dolby Atmos Not Working On Plex
If you need any help or you're having issues with playing Dolby Atmos sound on Plex, this section will be of use.
- Check Hardware Compatibility: Confirm Dolby Atmos support on all hardware components, including the Plex server, client device, and audio system.
- Update Plex Server and Client: Ensure both Plex Media Server and client applications are up-to-date for compatibility with Dolby Atmos.
- Verify Media File: Check if the media file has a Dolby Atmos audio track; some files may not include Dolby Atmos sound.
- Adjust Audio Settings: In Plex client settings, verify correct audio configurations, ensuring the output is set to “Passthrough” or a Dolby Atmos-compatible mode.
- Check Network Connection: Ensure a stable network connection between the Plex server and client to prevent streaming issues.
