Samsung and Harman Kardon Collaborate on Premium Soundbar Lineup

Samsung Electronics has released two co-branded premium soundbars, the HW-N950 and HW-N850, in collaboration with Harman Kardon. Available from this Monday, the two soundbars which are both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-enabled will feature both Samsung and Harman Kardon’s logos to represent the new partnership.

Samsung acquired Harman International in March of last year, and the two companies have been working together on mobile products including AKG headphones bundled with certain Samsung mobile phones and tablets tuned by AKG. There is also a tie-in on professional cinema solutions, as in the Samsung Onyx LED wall. Samsung says that the joint venture on the soundbars is the first major collaboration in a ‘premium’ AV category.

“Our collaboration with Harman Kardon – an audio leader for 65 years – is a major leap forward as we continue to push the boundaries of premium sound and design for our consumers,” said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung’s market leading display technology and design paired with premium sound quality of Harman Kardon products is a winning combination for consumers.”

Samsung claims that consumers ‘will feel like they are in a theater without leaving home,’ courtesy of the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, and up- and side-firing speakers are included that ensure sound moves ‘naturally’ above an audience. The HW-N950 is equipped with a main unit, four speakers and two wireless surround sound speakers. With 7.1.4 channels – which Samsung says is the largest number of channels currently available in a soundbar – the HW-N950 also features a built-in wireless subwoofer and rear wireless speaker kit to round out the experience. The HW-N850 is a more simplified version of the HW-N950, and can achieve a 5.1.2 channel sound field incorporating a main unit speaker and woofer.

“Samsung is the world leader in soundbars and we are extremely proud that they are enlisting HARMAN to enhance their audio quality and play a key role in growing their premium soundbar business,” said Dave Rogers, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN. “Partnering with Samsung, one of the most admired brands in the world, will broaden the reach and appeal of Harman Kardon and help us build our business in other consumer and car audio branded solutions. Introducing the new co-branded Samsung Harman Kardon premium soundbars is a win for Samsung, HARMAN and consumers, who now will have the best of video, sound and design altogether in one striking package.”

For more information on Samsung and Harman Kardon audio products, please visit www.samsung.com.

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.

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