Samsung has just announced a couple of new Q-series soundbars that have been optimised for use with its latest batch of QLED TVs.
The soundbards incorporate sound technology Samsung obtained when it acquired the premier audio firm Harman Kardon, extending an initial collaboration between the two firms.
The standout feature of the HW-Q70R and the HW-Q60R soundbars is that both are able to automatically adjust their EQ settings and other metrics in order to optimise the sound experience based on the content being watched. The feature is said to work with any connected TV, however, it works automatically with Samsung’s 2019 QLED TVs when they have their AI mode switched on, the company said.
The premium HW-Q70R soundbar also supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound protocols. Both soundbars come with wireless subwoofers, and feature Samsung’s new Adaptive Sound Mode, which was introduced with its latest TVs.
“Through Adaptive Sound, which understands the sound and optimises it according to the scene, listeners can enjoy even more realistic sound for every genre of content,” Jongsuk Chu, executive vice president of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said in a statement.
It’s not immediately clear how the Adaptive Sound Mode differs from Samsung’s older Smart Sound Mode technology, which is available on its cheaper HW-R650 soundbar and is also said to be able to adjust audio according to what’s happening on the screen.
As well as Adaptive Sound, the soundbars also use Samsung’s acoustic beam technology to generate a wider and more immersive sound field. This is done by funneling the sound through small directional holes drilled into the speaker cabinet. The soundbars are also compatible with wireless surround speaker kits, come with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and offer 4K HDR passthrough when hooked up to a 4K source such as an Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
Unlike Samsung’s more expensive HW-N950 soundbar however, the newly released devices do not come with support for digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, nor even Samsung’s own Bixby assistant. They do however come with their own remotes, and can also be controlled using a Samsung QLED One Remote.
The Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar is available to order now on Samsung’s website, priced at $500 (£379). There’s no word yet on pricing for the higher-end HW-Q70R, though Samsung says both will be available for delivery this April.
