Disney+ Brings IMAX Enhanced DTS:X Audio to Streaming: Marvel Movies and Queen Concert Lead the Way!

Big news coming from the world of streaming! In an exciting announcement at the recent NAB Show in Las Vegas, IMAX’s Senior VP Bruce Markoe revealed that Disney+ is bringing DTS:X immersive audio to the streaming realm, starting with a global premiere of the concert film “Queen Rock Montreal.” Starting May 15, 2024, this concert film and 18 popular Marvel movies will be available with IMAX Enhanced sound, transforming your living room into a virtual IMAX theater with sound that “moves freely around listeners” for an intensely immersive experience.

This milestone collaboration between Disney+, DTS, and IMAX Corporation marks the first time DTS:X audio will be accessible through a major streaming service. Unlike its competitor Dolby Atmos, which has been streaming for years on services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, DTS:X had been confined to physical media until now. This move aims to change the game for streaming audio quality, but remember, the streamed audio will use a lossy codec, similar to how Dolby Digital Plus works for streaming Dolby Atmos content.

For those eager to experience this auditory upgrade, you’ll need IMAX Enhanced certified devices that meet stringent performance criteria. Manufacturers like Sony, Hisense, Sharp, and Xiaomi are leading the charge with compatible Smart TVs, while select AV receivers and soundbars from brands like Denon, Marantz, and JBL will also support the feature.

However, there are some caveats. Not all streaming devices will support DTS:X passthrough. Unfortunately, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV users won’t be able to tap into this technology right now, limiting the DTS:X experience to certain select devices such as Nvidia’s Shield TV 2019 and Shield TV Pro.

Disney+ subscribers will also be thrilled to know that alongside the Queen concert, Marvel blockbusters like “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Endgame,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” will be part of this IMAX Enhanced launch. As if we needed another reason to rewatch our favorite superheroes save the universe!

What do you think about this latest innovation? Will you be upgrading your home theater setup to experience DTS:X, or is Dolby Atmos still the king of immersive sound for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to spread the word by sharing this article!