Microsoft’s intention to present the Xbox One X as the ultimate home entertainment system doesn’t seem to be working out fine so far. Just a few days into launch, reports have surfaced about its 4K Blu-ray player not being up to the mark and problems with Dolby Atmos devices that are connected to it.
The $499 console rolled out into the market to positive reviews. Most folks consider its ability to play 4K resolution Blu-ray discs as an added bonus. However, Forbes’ John Archer as well as a handful of other early adopters claim the player is pretty bad, to put it mildly. The glitches unfortunately do not stop there.
The One X even appears to have trouble when connected to certain Dolby Atmos devices. Mike Ybarra, Corporate VP of Microsoft’s Xbox and Windows gaming platform, has confirmed that the Blu-ray issue does exist in a tweet promising a software update to correct raised black levels when beaming HDR content.
According to Archer, the latest Xbox console is outputting video with increased base luminance levels in the whole HDR image. This seems to be leading to higher noise levels in light and dark scenes as compared to other 4K Blu-ray players. Even changing the Black level setting doesn’t appear to be working out.
With regards to the audio-related hiccup, Microsoft has yet to comment on it. As far as reports go, the One X may not be able to offer Dolby Atmos on some 2017 LG OLED TVs and the Samsung K950 soundbar. A bug in the system apparently allows it to play the audio in Dolby Atmos format, but not 4K Blu-ray video simultaneously.
Once the hitch arises, users may only be able to access sound through the optical digital output after completely switching off audio output from the HDMI port. This means no Atmos. Additionally, removing and installing the Blu-ray app once again doesn’t do the trick.
Let’s wait and see what Microsoft is going to do about these two major issues.