TCL’s new Dolby Atmos audio system can go wherever in your lounge

Dolby Atmos in your lounge isn’t as straightforward because it sounds. Whether or not you’re coping with a element A/V system or a soundbar, your audio system should be fastidiously positioned and calibrated to create that immersive envelope of Atmos sound—and in case your furnishings is in the way in which, you’ll simply have to maneuver it. 

However with its new FlexConnect know-how, Dolby is seeking to make its Atmos audio know-how extra dwelling decor-friendly, and it’s teaming up with TCL for the {hardware}. 

Slated to reach this summer time, the TCL Z100 is a great and “panoramic” wi-fi speaker that may pair with a Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled QD-Mini LED TVs—particularly, the TCL QM8K, QM7K, or QM6k. 

In contrast to the audio system utilized in different Dolby Atmos methods, TCL’s cylindrical Z100 speaker may be positioned wherever within the room, whereas Dolby’s FlexConnect know-how will “intelligently optimize” the sound relying on the place of the speaker, TLC says.

You should utilize wherever from one to 4 of the Z100 audio system with a single TV, and the system can scale itself up as you add extra audio system to your lounge setup. 

Dolby initially unveiled FlexConnect again in 2023, however whereas it introduced TCL as a associate and gave some ears-on demonstrations at IFA 2023 in Berlin, this marks the primary time that consumer-ready FlexConnect audio system have been able to ship. 

We’re nonetheless ready on extra specifics concerning the TLC Z100 speaker, particularly how a lot it is going to price. It’s additionally not clear what the intial setup course of will entail, though has beforehand promised that it is going to be “easy and quick.” 

What we do know is that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect received’t work with current dwelling audio system, nor will a FlexConnect speaker work with any previous TV or A/V receiver. In different phrases, TCL’s Z100 speaker received’t do you a lot good until you’ve a TCL FlexConnect-enabled TV to pair it with. 

This information story is a part of TechHive’s in-depth protection of the very best sensible audio system.

Then there’s the query of efficiency: How do Dolby’s FlexConnect audio system really sound? I don’t assume anybody expects Dolby’s FlexConnect tech to compete with, say, a exactly positioned and calibrated 7.2.2 system with ceiling-mounted Atmos peak audio system.

However for common customers who need enveloping Atmos audio of their residing rooms with out drilling holes within the ceiling or fully redoing their lounge decor, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect could wind up being an reasonably priced and efficient answer. Personally, I’m anticipating an in-person demo.