When we buy a TV, we want to make sure we’re getting what we paid for. This guide will explain the process for checking to see if Dolby Atmos is working properly in your home theater setup, how to get the object-based audio technology working on your TV, and which TVs, consoles, and streaming devices support Atmos audio. After all, you paid for it; let’s make sure it works!

Testing for Dolby Atmos can be a little tricky, as supported media will automatically upmix to 7.1 or 5.1 surround if a Dolby Atmos setup isn’t detected. Upmixing can give the impression that Atmos is working when it isn’t, as some level of surround sound will still be output from the various speakers.

Here are the best ways to test if you're getting Dolby Atmos.

Dolby Atmos is a form of surround sound technology that uses object-based audio to create the illusion of individual items moving through a 3D space.