Sony's BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Simulates Atmos Height Through Software, Not Physical Drivers

The HT-B500 soundbar processes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio through psychoacoustic algorithms applied to conventional forward-firing drivers, eliminating the need for ceiling or upward-firing hardware. This approach trades absolute fidelity for simplicity and cost—a pragmatic compromise increasingly common in mid-tier soundbar design as manufacturers balance consumer demand for surround features against installation complexity and price sensitivity.