VIZIO Introduces Dolby Atmos Sound Bars

VIZIO, Inc. has announced a series of sound bar-based Home Theater Sound Systems with Dolby Atmos, designed to bring immersive audio into the living room. With up to 10 channels of audio, including four upward-firing speakers, the company promises ‘extraordinary cinematic sound from every angle.’ The new packages will be available in three configurations, the VIZIO 46″ 5.1.4, 46″ 3.1.2 and 36″ 5.1.2, and will begin rolling out on VIZIO.com and via other retailer sites later this summer, according to the company, although there is no information on pricing at this juncture.

Each system will include front left and right channels, a separate center channel for dialogue, while wireless subwoofers will guarantee ‘room-shaking’ bass. A pair of rear surround speakers complete the system, while the added upward-firing speakers wrap the entire viewing environment with sound. The systems boast a simple plug-and-play installation process – negating the need for additional components such as receivers, amplifiers or other cables. The three configuration options are designed to complement a variety of television and room sizes and, according to VIZIO, their ‘sleek, industrial’ profiles maintain a clutter-free atmosphere and aesthetic.

“VIZIO is continuously engineering ways to improve the home-entertainment experience for consumers, and this next iteration of audio solutions proves just that,” said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “By integrating Dolby Atmos into our all-new home theater sound bar systems, we’re able to bring premium, multidimensional cinema-quality audio into the home. Our flagship 46″ 5.1.4 system features four upward-firing speakers that allow sound to reflect off the ceiling, encapsulating listeners and wrapping the entire viewing area with sound.”

“Dolby’s mission is to enable experiences that transcend expectations, fully immersing viewers into the story exactly as the creatives intended,” said Giles Baker, Senior Vice President, Consumer Entertainment Group, Dolby Laboratories. “Through VIZIO’s integration of Dolby Atmos into its new home theater sound systems, we are enabling more ways for consumers to bring spectacular audio into their living rooms.”

The VIZIO Home Theater Sound Systems with Dolby Atmos feature Google Chromecast built-in, which also allows users to stream music from any Chromecast-enabled audio app, including Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio and Google Play Music. By tapping the Cast button or by downloading the free SmartCast Mobile™ app, users can transform mobile devices into a touchscreen remote to stream music directly to their VIZIO home theater sound system or sound bar. The latest audio offerings ship with a remote to control basic functions.

The latest VIZIO sound bar systems also feature smart home capabilities. With voice-control support for Google Assistant, users can control their sound bars using only their voice. While Bluetooth® is integrated into all VIZIO audio products, streaming over a WiFi connection allows listeners to control audio over a greater range compared to Bluetooth, in addition to experiencing higher quality audio without interruptions from texts or phone calls.

VIZIO claims it is America’s #1 sound bar company, and judging by some of our threads here, the Irvine-based outfit has some loyal fans. What are your experiences with VIZIO audio products? Good bet for a second media room or bedroom? Comments welcome below as always…

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

Post Disclaimer

Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.

Share this post:

Most Popular