TCL's Soundbar Lineup Now Include Dolby Atmos and Room Calibration
TCL has recently announced its new lineup of soundbars, improving its offerings this year with features such as Dolby Atmos and automatic room calibration. The lineup includes affordable options starting at $180, as well as high-end models designed to complement TCL's latest mini LED TVs.
The lineup features four models: the budget-friendly S45H and S55H, alongside the more advanced Q75H and Q85H. All models are equipped with Auto Room Calibration and support for DTS Virtual:X.
The premium Q series soundbars boast Ray-Danz tweeters for superior audio clarity, wireless subwoofers, and additional surround sound channels. The Q75H is a single soundbar, whereas the Q85H includes dedicated surround speakers with additional height channels. These models are set to be available this summer.
On the more economical side, the S series is available now and includes the TCL S45H—a compact soundbar offering 100 watts of power with a built-in bass reflex port for better low frequencies. It features multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth, optical input, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port for playing digital music files such as MP3, WMA, FLAC, and WAV. The S45H is priced at $180.
The TCL S55H builds upon the S45H by adding a wireless subwoofer with a 5.5-inch driver brings the cost up to $220.
Stepping up to the Q Class, these soundbars should provide a richer, true multichannel audio experience. They include multiple drivers within the main unit and, in the case of the Q85H, separate wireless rear speakers. Besides Dolby Atmos, they also support DTS:X.
While these soundbars can pass through 4K video with Dolby Vision, they do not support HDMI 2.1 enhancements such as VRR or 120Hz refresh rates, which may be a consideration for gamers. They also feature an older Bluetooth 5.1 specification and are equipped with Wi-Fi for limited functions such as Apple’s AirPlay 2 and software updates.
The TCL S75H, which is priced at $900, offers a 620-watt, 5.1.2-channel system with 11 discrete drivers, including up-firing units for Atmos effects. It also features side-firing acoustic reflectors intended to utilize the room's acoustics for a more immersive surround sound experience. It comes with a wireless subwoofer featuring a 6.5-inch driver for improved bass.
For those seeking even more power, the S85H is priced at $1,000 and provides a 7.1.4-channel setup with 860 watts of output. It also includes wireless satellite speakers for a complete surround sound setup, which includes rear and height channels.
With competitive pricing and robust features, TCL's new range of soundbars presents a compelling option for consumers looking for quality audio solutions without breaking the bank.