LG’s Dolby FlexConnect Speakers Debut at CES 2026
▼ Summary
– LG is introducing a new H7 soundbar as part of its modular LG Sound Suite, which utilizes Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology and features Peerless Audio components.
– Unlike TCL’s FlexConnect system, LG’s setup allows connection of a soundbar with up to four surround speakers and a subwoofer, enabling a potential 13.1.7-channel configuration.
– The LG Sound Suite does not require a specific LG TV to function; the H7 soundbar can act as the lead device with any TV or independently, offering 27 possible speaker configurations.
– The FlexConnect calibration process is fast, using a brief audio clip to automatically map speaker placement and optimize surround sound for the room.
– LG employs ultra-wideband technology for a feature called Sound Follow, which adjusts the audio sweet spot based on the listener’s position.
LG’s upcoming Sound Suite, featuring the new H7 soundbar, marks the first application of Dolby FlexConnect technology in a soundbar system. This modular home audio solution, set for a CES 2026 debut, aims to overcome previous limitations of the wireless surround format. The system is built around the H7 soundbar, which utilizes the same powerful Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor found in LG’s latest premium displays. The suite is completed by optional M5 and M7 surround speakers and a W7 subwoofer, all incorporating high-quality Peerless Audio components.
A key advancement with LG’s approach is its expanded connectivity. Earlier implementations restricted users to a total of four connected units, forcing a choice between an extra satellite speaker for coverage or a subwoofer for bass. LG’s FlexConnect system breaks this limit, allowing the H7 soundbar to link with up to four surround speakers plus a subwoofer simultaneously. This enables a potent 13.1.7-channel audio configuration for a truly immersive home theater experience.
Furthermore, the system offers greater flexibility in setup. While it pairs seamlessly with compatible LG TVs, including 2025’s C5 and G5 OLEDs and the 2026 premium lineup, a specific LG television is not mandatory. The H7 soundbar can function as the central “lead device” with any television source, or even without a TV at all, managing the wireless connection to the satellites and sub. LG states this modularity allows for 27 distinct speaker configurations, ranging from a simple stereo pair to the full, expansive surround sound setup.
Calibration is designed to be swift and user-friendly. Similar to other FlexConnect systems, placement and a brief automated audio test complete the setup. The technology quickly maps the room and optimizes the Dolby Atmos and surround sound output accordingly. LG enhances this with a feature called Sound Follow, which employs ultra-wideband tech to dynamically adjust the audio’s focal point based on the listener’s position in the room.
The degree of post-calibration fine-tuning, such as individual channel or subwoofer level adjustments, remains a point of interest for audiophiles. The performance of this promising technology in real-world home environments will be clearer once the LG Sound Suite becomes available for review later this year.
(Source: The Verge)
