BT Sport to add Dolby Atmos support for OTT app

In the latest update for its app, BT Sport will add Dolby Atmos support this weekend.

BT Sport has been at the forefront of visual and audio fidelity on its broadcasts, launching Europe’s first dedicated UHD channel in 2016 and presenting the UK’s first ever live 8K sports broadcast earlier this year.

In recent times, the company has increasingly turned its attention to its OTT apps, overhauling its mobile service last month. That update introduced features like AR overlays and group viewing, and promised the future addition of Atmos support.

That latter point is being ticked off this weekend, with the tech making its bow for the 12:30 match between Brighton and Liverpool. Viewers on iOS Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV will be able to make the most of the increased sound quality provided they have compatible speakers or headphones. BT said that Atmos support for Chromecast, Roku and Now TV devices will be added in the coming weeks.

Not all BT Sport viewers will get Atmos though. The enhanced audio will only be available to BT Sport Ultimate customers (an extra £5 on top of a typical BT Sport subscription), or to EE customers on the 5G Full Works Plan. It is included in the month-by-month BT Sport Monthly Pass at no extra cost.

Jamie Hindhaugh, COO of BT Sport, said: “BT prides itself on innovation and delivering the best in technology and production to give our viewers a richer experience when watching live sport. The addition of Dolby Atmos audio to our 4K UHD and HDR visuals on the App, provides fans with the best possible audio-visual experience of live sport when they can’t be at the game in person.

The richer audio quality will add a whole new dimension to the way that fans experience sport, at home or on the move, and ensure they won’t miss a moment of the action.”