Dolby Laboratories has unveiled a new technology called Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which optimizes sound for any speaker setup. This new feature will first be seen in TCL TVs. The Dolby-TCL partnership showcased FlexConnect today, and this technology will be rolled out to the consumer market in 2024.
TCL will also be participating in IFA 2023, where we can expect them to show a demo of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect. The TCL-Dolby partnership is also planning to launch new sound devices, which we may either see at IFA, or in early 2024.
What is Dolby Atmos FlexConnect?
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect detects all the speakers placed in a room. It then automatically adjusts the sound to obtain the best Dolby Atmos output. This does not require the user to physically move the speaker, or adjust its position. FlexConnect will utilize the different channels of the speaker for directional output.
As per Dolby and TCL, FlexConnect is intended for users who wish to experience Dolby Atmos sound, without making any changes in the room furniture. This is because speakers are generally required to be carefully placed and aligned to obtain the best Dolby Output. However, FlexConnect eliminates this hassle as speakers will no longer be required to be aligned in a specific way.
However, users will still be required to have a Dolby Atmos compatible speaker as FlexConnect won’t work with regular speakers. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will first be available in TCL’s 2024 TV Series.
Dolby and TCL will together show a live demo of FlexConnect at IFA 2023. The system will be powered by Mediatek’s Pentonic Smart TV chipset.
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect For Other TVs
Dolby has not commented on the availability of FlexConnect to other manufacturers. It appears that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will remain exclusive to TCL for a short while, before expanding to other brands.
Dolby and TCL are also developing in-house speakers, especially for FlexConnect. These speakers will be specially engineered to utilize Dolby Atmos audio, without having to worry about the placement of the speaker in the room.
The first demo of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is scheduled for August 29, at 5:30 PM IST. Users will be able to see the demo across the official social media channels of TCL Electronics and Dolby.
FlexConnect is a very interesting technology, as it completely redefines the basics of sound outputs. Audio enthusiasts understand the importance of speaker placement, to utilize sound reflection in the best possible way. However, FlexConnect eliminates the need to have your speakers at the best location. Instead, it gives the user the comfort of enjoying the best sound output from their existing Dolby-enabled setup.
