LG S95TR and SG10TY sneak peek: two performances of wireless Dolby Atmos home theater

LG is one of many companies that usually showcases new soundbars in Las Vegas, and at CES 2024, that trend continues. While the new models are designed to complement LG TVs, they offer something different in terms of audio, design and functionality. The most powerful option is the S95TR, which is a 9.1.5-channel setup bundled with a subwoofer and rear speakers.

The flagship S95TR has an output of 810 watts and is billed by the company as the first Atmos-equipped soundbar, featuring triple upward-firing channels. These include what LG says is the industry’s first center-firing upward-firing speaker. This center driver helps add dimensionality to the sound by improving clarity and overall soundstage. Two tweeters handle the highs, while passive radiators deliver the bass tones in the correct relationship to the wireless subwoofer. The S95TR uses Wowcast’s built-in functionality to wirelessly receive audio from LG TVs, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The company says the technology can handle lossless-quality sound even without a wired connection.

In fact, the S95TR’s sound quality is big and loud. Aided by rear speakers with three drivers, the whole setup sounds very full, delivering punchy highs and exaggerated bass when the scene calls for it. Last year, LG did away with the wireless transmission box between the center and rear speakers on its S95TR predecessor, opting instead to put the technology inside the speakers themselves. That’s still the case, but the company has decided to ditch the rear speaker box that’s sold separately this year. You still need to run cables between them, but there’s no need to add hardware when expanding your setup.

To match its premium OLED TVs, LG has launched the SG10TY. It’s a flatter, low-profile option that looks to fit right in below the company’s M series. It is a 3.1-channel device that can be expanded to a 5.1-channel setup by adding rear speakers. I didn’t hear this sound during the demo, but I can tell you that it looks pretty noticeable on the LG OLED TV. While it doesn’t offer the sonic power of the S95TR on paper, I bet some people would sacrifice a little dimensionality for improved aesthetics. Thanks to Wowcast built-in, wireless audio means you get Dolby Atmos without using visible wires, further enhancing the clean look.

Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget

Both models offer the Wow interface, which puts soundbar settings and sound modes right on the TV’s menu. They’re also equipped with the company’s Wow Orchestra technology, which ensures optimal audio quality through “an expanded soundstage and improved depth and height.” This is especially useful for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. LG’s AI room calibration now takes into account the rear speakers in surround sound setups, adjusting for the right sound no matter where you place them. The company says this adjustment may occur if the rear speakers are set up at uneven distances due to furniture or other living room constraints.

There’s no word yet on pricing or availability for the two new soundbars, but we’ll likely hear more as each soundbar’s release date approaches. In the meantime, these are our picks for the best soundbars on the market right now.

We will provide live coverage of CES 2024, which will be held in Las Vegas from January 6th to 12th.Get all the latest news from the show here.

This article was originally published on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/lg-s95tr-and-sg10ty-first-look-two-takes-on-wireless-dolby-atmos-for-home-theater-154551736.html ?src=rss

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