Formula 1 coverage on Apple TV is set to be broadcast in Dolby Atmos beginning later this month.
Starting with the U.S. Grand Prix weekend on Friday, October 23 in Austin, Texas, Formula 1 coverage on Apple TV will be available in Dolby Atmos on supported devices.
Apple says the introduction of Dolby Atmos will create a more immersive presentation designed to put viewers at the center of the race. The Atmos mix will encompass team radio, commentary, engines, on-track battles, and activity in the pit lane.
The combination of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is intended to capture the full audiovisual intensity of Formula 1 and bring viewers closer to the action, according to Apple.
Oliver Schusser – Apple’s VP of music, sports, Apple TV and Beats – spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the new presentation:
“If you are a sports fan today, our viewpoint is that the experience is – I’m going to be polite and say not easy. There really has not been a lot of innovation. We went into sports a couple of years back with the intention to make a difference for the customer, and this is a continuation of that journey.”
“The sound is what makes it emotional; it is the sound that guides you through that and builds the tension,” said John Couling, senior VP of entertainment for Dolby Laboratories, speaking to THR. “That is what Dolby Atmos will deliver.”
The Atmos presentation works on supported Apple devices and compatible Dolby-enabled TVs, soundbars, and home-theater systems.
Last October, Apple and Formula 1 announced a five-year partnership including exclusive streaming rights in the U.S. The partnership allows Apple TV to provide comprehensive coverage of Formula 1, including all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix.