“How is this considered 7.1.4 when there are only 2 speakers facing the ceiling for Atmos effect? Wouldnt this be 7.1.2? And realistically more like 5.1.2 since there are 2 rears and the main bar just has center left and right channels?”
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All soundbars use both direct and reflective sound waves to develop a dome of sound around the viewing area. Sound waves bounce offf objects such as walls to better fill an area between the speakers with immersive sound. NOTE: from the illustration of this product the highlighted sound coming from the speakers. The sound bar clearly shows a center channel, left and right channel. It also shows from the edges of the speakerbar the mid room highlighted sound directing sound toward the wall to reflect back mid room. You also see the two height channels from the soundbar reflecting sound off the ceiling. Adding the two rear speakers you see the illustrated left and right rear channels as well as the two height channels which round out this 7.1.4 system. 7 ear level channels, 1 subsonic channel and 4 height channels are included in this Nakamichi system. NOTE: the illustrated picture provided was lifted from the Nakamichi product page concerning this 7.1.4 system with the same product model number. Nakamichi while unknown to some has long produced high end audiophile grade equipment. From their beginning making tape decks second to none in the 1970’s, to audiophile speaker systems and premium Nakamichi head units and speakers with subs for the auto industry. To this day one of the best factory sound systems I’ve ever heard in a new vehicle came from an early 90’s Lexus 400 with Nakamichi sound.
There are 5 ear level channels in the speakerbar as well as 2 height channels. You’re not counting the 2 surround speakers which add 2 ear level channels and 2 height channels.
it's all a trick. the bar was never pointed at you even when it was a 7.1 design. it has always been pointed at an angle toward the ceiling. with a software update i am guessing they use acoustics and timing to use that to their advantage. combine that with the rears sideways for the same effect. if you are more than say 5 feet from the speakers it is very effective.
