Audio Video News

Prime Video Drops Support for Dolby Vision and Atmos in Basic Tier

Bob Ankosko  |  Feb 14, 2024

Following a year of across-the-board price hikes that have made streaming more expensive than ever before, the hits just keep coming.

In a cagey move first reported in Forbes, Prime Video is no longer supporting Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos surround sound in the streaming subscription that’s included when you sign up for a $139/year Amazon Prime membership.

The move is another slap in the face of Prime subscribers who, as of two weeks ago, now have to pay up or endure commercials while watching a movie or bingeing on a favorite series. If you want to get rid of the commercials — and enjoy Dolby Vision and Atmos sound — you have to pony up an additional $3 a month.

In the absence of an official announcement, it seems Amazon was hoping no one would notice that it removed the popular features from the streaming subscription an untold number of Prime members have enjoyed for years. Amazon has since confirmed to Forbes that the move was, indeed, deliberate. And very cagey.

COMMENTS
dommyluc's picture
Submitted by dommyluc on February 14, 2024 - 8:13am

Don't be too hard on Amazon Prime for ripping off their loyal customers. After all, Jeff Bezos may be in need of another $500M, 417-foot yacht.

mwelters's picture
Submitted by mwelters on February 14, 2024 - 9:18am

I agree, Amazon Prime was underhanded on this.
Ironcially, I would have been happy to pay extra to both remove commercials and keep the better audio/visual... because i find the best stuff is on Amazon these days (I know that's taste dependent).

trynberg's picture
Submitted by trynberg on February 14, 2024 - 12:10pm

Very underhanded on Amazon's part...especially since running Dolby Vision and Atmos doesn't cost them a dime. We truly are in the late-stage capitalism phase.

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