TCL's doubt looms over Dolby Atmos FlexConnect's potential, despite its enticing features.
Dive into the Future of Home Entertainment with TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect
The tech world is buzzing after TCL's recent event where they showcased the latest additions to their AV portfolio, but it was the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect that stole the spotlight.
This innovative technology allows for wireless speakers to be placed anywhere in your room, regardless of the room's dimensions, and promises an immersive audio experience without the hassle of setting up an AV receiver and running cable all around.
Now, wireless Dolby Atmos isn't a novel concept—Sony has been offering it for a while now. But TCL's approach seems to be a game changer, with the smart panoramic sound speaker, Z100, leading the charge.
At the event, TCL unveiled a setup of four Z100 speakers, paired with their mid-range C6K Mini LED TV. Each speaker boasts a 1.1.1 driver arrangement: one midrange driver, one bass driver, and an upward-firing speaker for Dolby Atmos height effects. TCL mentions the possibility of adding a subwoofer later on, but more on that later.
Interestingly, TCL plans to sell the speakers separately, making it a unique approach compared to other systems. This differentiates the Z100 from the likes of Sony's systems and draws comparisons to the Sonos Era 300.
During the event, TCL demonstrated the Z100 Flex Connect system with a variety of content, such as the popular Dolby Atmos demo clip Leaf, a scene from Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House, and a sequence from Solo: A Star Wars Story. The system seemed to perform well, delivering a bubble of sound around the user without the need for precise speaker placement.
However, like any new technology, it isn't perfect. The system combines the external speakers with the drivers built into the TV, leading to a bit of tonal dissonance between the different drivers. But TCL has addressed this by assigning the TV to handle dialogue while the other speakers take charge of the other sonic duties.
The TV also handles the audio processing, meaning that, for now, the FlexConnect system will only be supported by TCL TVs. But TCL has future ambitions for the technology, hopeful to move the audio processing to the speakers, potentially allowing compatibility with a wider variety of brands and models.
As of now, the speakers are at a production stage, and while they look promising, TCL has stated that they are only exploring select markets, with no promises regarding a wider release or a UK launch.
It's a shame if the FlexConnect system remains a proprietary technology for TCL TVs, limiting its potential success. But TCL's vision for the technology's future includes moving from PCM to bitstream audio, which could expand the system's capabilities beyond its current 10-channel limitation.
In conclusion, TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speaker system appears to be in a transitional phase. The future of this innovative technology is uncertain, but early demonstrations leave us hopeful for its release. Whether we'll see it or not in the near future remains to be seen.
Dolby has expressed interest in further developing FlexConnect, but the direction it might take in the hands of other manufacturers is anyone's guess. Keep an eye out for updates on this promising technology!
MORE:
- Read our TCL C8K hands-on review
- As well as our full TCL C855K review
- And check out our picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars
[1] Enrichment Data: The current status of TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speaker system is that it is set to be released in 2025. [2] The key components include the 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs, which will feature Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology, and the Z100 smart panoramic sound speaker. [3] This technology allows for automatic calibration of up to four wireless speakers, enhancing the immersive audio experience without requiring precise speaker placement [4] The Z100 speakers, designed to pair with FlexConnect-enabled TVs, are expected to be available during the summer of 2025. [5] The initial launch will include TCL's Precise Dimming Series, which includes models like the QM6K, QM7K, and the QM8K, all of which will be compatible with FlexConnect. (source: Digital Trends)
- The tech world eagerly awaits TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speaker system, arranged for a release in 2025.
- The innovative technology will be showcased on TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs, integrating FlexConnect for an immersive audio experience.
- The smart panoramic sound speaker, Z100, will be among the key components, capable of automatic calibration with up to four wireless speakers.
- The Z100 speakers, designed for FlexConnect-enabled TVs, will become available during the summer of 2025.
- TCL's Precise Dimming Series, which includes models like the QM6K, QM7K, and QM8K, will be compatible with FlexConnect during its initial launch.
- Stay tuned for updates on the TCL C8K and C855K, as reviews dive into their performance with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect.
- Beyond soundbars, smart-home devices, gadgets, and technology enthusiasts are all eagerly anticipating the subsequent news on this revolutionary home entertainment solution.
