LG’s updated Dolby Atmos soundbars are better with LG TVs (and the PS5)
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Ahead of this year’s CES 2023 expo in Las Vegas, LG has unveiled three new soundbars and rolled out a comprehensive feature update for older models, including the S95QR, its flagship all-in-one cinema system from 2022.
LG’s new 2023 lineup will introduce the SC95, a 3.1.3 soundbar designed to complement the C-series OLED TVs. The new model sits on a bracket that attaches to the back of any LG C-series TV. This allows the SC95 to look like an integrated part of the screen, while at the same time ensuring that the soundbar is in the right place for the upward-firing drivers to work as intended.
A slimline 3.1.3, 400W model called the S77S, meanwhile, has most of the features of SC9S, but without the C-series TV integration.
Rounding out the new lineup is the SE6S, a dinky 3.0 system that serves as the latest edition to LG’s compact Éclair soundbar range.
None of the new soundbars come with rear speakers, but they do pack a wealth of exciting new features for LG sound systems.
Topping the list is ‘Wow Orchestra’, which allows the soundbar to play in sync with LG TV’s speakers, a feature that’s remarkably similar to Samsung’s acclaimed ‘Q-Symphony’ feature.
The new models also feature an upmixer that LG says can convert a standard two-channel stereo audio track into a 9.1.5-channel mix.
Gamers, meanwhile, will be most interested in the support of all three models for 4K 120Hz VRR passthrough, allowing you to connect a PS5 or Xbox Series X directly to the soundbar’s HDMI input without compromising the high-frame-rate capabilities of either console to lose.
Each soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and the SC95 is also IMAX Enhanced certified. All three models will launch later this year, with pricing details yet to be confirmed.
The good news for owners of recent LG soundbars is that the main new features of the new 2023 models will also be rolled out to earlier models via a firmware update.
Last year’s flagship S95QR, along with the S90QY, S80QR, S80QY and S75Q soundbars will all get a boost with the addition of Wow Orchestra and 4K/120Hz pass-through via a software update coming later in the year. year is promised.
Analysis: Software update ups the game for LG’s older soundbars
While LG’s new soundbar lineup for 2023 looks particularly strong, we’re actually more impressed with news of the incoming update to LG’s older home theater lineup.
LG’s 2022 soundbars could only pass 4K video at 60Hz. This meant that PS5 or Xbox Series X gamers had to connect their consoles directly to their TV if they wanted to experience super-smooth 120Hz gameplay in 4K. That often meant a payoff as the audio was out of sync, thanks to its reliance on all-too-fussy eARC technology.
With 4K/120Hz pass-through and VRR support now in place, it breathes new life into an already impressive set of soundbars that can probably be picked up for a lot cheaper than when they originally launched last year.
Want to upgrade your home theater audio right now? Check out the best soundbars for 2023.