Dolby unveils Atmos FlexConnect: A Technology That Will Pump TV Sound Through Wireless Speakers
Dolby has introduced a new feature called Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, designed to improve sound quality by pairing your TV’s speakers with any wireless speakers in the room. This technology will debut on TCL TVs in 2024. FlexConnect aims to optimize sound based on room layout and speaker placement, freeing users from the constraints of room size, furniture placement and power outlets.
Dolby claims that FlexConnect “intelligently optimizes sound for any room layout and speaker setup, offering the freedom to place one or more wireless speakers anywhere in the room without worrying about being perfectly positioned.” No lengthy setup required – the system will use the TV’s built-in microphones to detect and calibrate every wireless speaker in the room.
According to the company, “the signal is distributed to each speaker, dynamically optimizing the sound based on the capabilities and location of all available sound sources.” For example, low-frequency reproduction will be redirected to wireless speakers, which will do a better job than low-power speakers built into the TV.
The point of FlexConnect is to allow people to “make the best use of room size, outlet placement and furniture arrangement as they wish without sacrificing sound quality.” It is not yet clear how problems with delays, phase shift or audio dropout will be addressed. Experts also fear that the new technology could hurt sales of Atmos soundbars.
One important aspect of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is its potential for compatibility. Unlike Samsung’s Q-Symphony and Sony’s Acoustic Center Sync, which require compatible soundbars and TVs from the same company, FlexConnect can be open for manufacturers to integrate. This means that users can, for example, combine a TCL TV with a Sennheiser soundbar.