Dolby Atmos FlexConnect: Place Your Speakers Anywhere
▼ Summary
– Historically, only two TV sound options existed: complex AV receiver systems or simpler soundbars.
– AV receivers offer superior cinematic audio but require extensive setup with multiple speakers and wires.
– Soundbars provide simplicity but often fall short of delivering true Dolby Atmos immersion, especially with placement challenges.
– Dolby Atmos FlexConnect introduces a third option, using wireless speakers that auto-calibrate for optimal Atmos performance.
– TCL is the first to implement FlexConnect in its 2025 TVs, compatible with up to four wireless speakers and an optional subwoofer.
For decades, home audio enthusiasts faced a limited choice between two primary options: the complexity of a full AV receiver setup or the simplicity of a soundbar. While traditional multi-speaker systems deliver unparalleled cinematic immersion, they demand significant space, wiring, and precise calibration, making them impractical for many. Soundbars offer a plug-and-play alternative, but often fall short of delivering true Dolby Atmos immersion, especially when it comes to spatial accuracy and speaker placement flexibility.
This summer introduces a groundbreaking third path: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. This innovative platform redefines home audio by allowing users to position wireless speakers freely throughout a room. The system intelligently identifies each speaker’s specifications, such as power output and frequency range, and maps their locations automatically. It then calibrates the audio in real-time to optimize Dolby Atmos performance, including height and surround effects, regardless of where speakers are placed.
At launch, FlexConnect relies on a compatible smart TV as its central hub, requiring both a supported television and wireless speakers. Future iterations may integrate the hub directly into soundbars or standalone smart speakers, broadening accessibility for those not looking to upgrade their display. During a recent demonstration in Santa Monica, the system showcased remarkable adaptability, producing a cohesive and immersive soundstage even with speakers positioned in non-traditional locations.
As the inaugural partner, TCL has integrated FlexConnect into its entire 2025 QD-Mini LED TV lineup. These sets can connect with up to four wireless TCL Z100 speakers, priced at $400 each. For enhanced bass, one speaker can be substituted with a TCL Z100-SW wireless subwoofer, available for $500. This approach combines the convenience of wireless technology with the acoustic precision of Dolby Atmos, offering a versatile solution for modern home theaters.
(Source: Wired)
