Whereas Dolby imposes no arduous restrict on the quantity or kind of audio system (or subwoofers) you should use in a single FlexConnect system, every producer’s selection of processor determines what’s possible.
What you’ll be able to’t do is use some other firm’s wi-fi audio system—whether or not they’re FlexConnect-compatible or not. Naturally, this raises the query of compatibility. When different corporations ultimately make their very own FlexConnect TVs, audio system, or soundbars, will they solely work inside that model’s household of merchandise? Dolby says this type of model lock-in isn’t constructed into Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, however neither does it require compatibility between FlexConnect merchandise.
TCL Unique (for Now)
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
Sadly for now, TCL’s implementation of FlexConnect is proprietary. I’ve repeatedly requested Dolby’s reps which corporations have signed as much as be part of the Atmos FlexConnect world, however they’ve steadfastly refused to remark, selecting as an alternative to let TCL personal the limelight through the preliminary launch.
Every TCL Z100 is rated at 170 watts RMS, which is delivered by way of three front-facing drivers (woofer, midrange, and tweeter) plus an up-firing driver for top results. TCL says it makes use of a 1.1.1-channel structure, which implies it may well obtain and reproduce one entrance/encompass/rear channel, plus top and low-frequency results (LFE) channels.
TCL doesn’t say how low the Z100’s woofer can go, saying solely that “low frequencies are optimized and gained, decreasing the extension frequency to ship extra thrilling and highly effective bass efficiency.”
You’ll be able to’t configure the Z100 to be a part of a multiroom audio setup like you’ll be able to with a Sonos or Bose soundbar, however you’ll be able to change it to Bluetooth mode for direct audio streaming from a cellphone. Two Z100s might be stereo-paired. Sadly, the Bluetooth mode isn’t managed by Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, so chances are you’ll wish to consider carefully about speaker place should you use it steadily.
Flexin’
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
Not like soundbars and AV receivers, which usually override a TV’s inner audio system, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect incorporates them, channeling content material and frequencies in a means that works with the remainder of the audio system within the system. Presumably, most of that content material shall be middle channel (dialog, key sound results), with the wi-fi audio system filling in as wanted.