It was one of the most talked about new technologies at this year's CES, and now home theater fans can hear what it's all about for themselves, with LG's revolutionary new Dolby Atmos soundbar system. now available to buy.
The big calling card of the new S95QR audio system is its single center channel speaker, which cleverly uses sound reflections from the ceiling to make dialogue appear to come from the center of the screen.
In addition to offering a massive 810W and 9.1.5 channels of audio, the new sound bar also includes a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, eliminating the cable clutter that prevents many people from having a surround sound system.
Those rear speakers also have a 4.0.2 setup, with six audio channels instead of the four found on the company's previous flagship, thanks to two additional side drivers, which LG says allow for better sound dispersion behind of the viewer.
Meanwhile, LG says its AI Room Calibration room correction system should ensure that even the most oddly shaped living rooms get the full Atmos effect.
There's plenty for gamers to enjoy, with the S95QR offering Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) via its HDMI port, which will allow you to pass a 4K/120Hz signal from a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The S95QR is priced at €1799 in the US, €1699 in the UK, while home theater enthusiasts Down Under will have to shell out AUS$1999.
Analysis: Much to think about with LG's new soundbar
While there's nothing new about a soundbar bouncing its output off ceilings and walls to create a surround effect (Sonos' Arc and JBL's 9.1 Bar do the same), no one has gone as far with the concept as it has. LG with the S95QR.
Very few home theater fans will be willing to put in the effort, or even be able to afford ceiling-mounted speakers for what audio purists will say offers a true Dolby Atmos experience, but this center channel solution is likely to come close. enough to mimic the experience.
The big question is how close does this come? At €1,799, the S95QR's retail price rivals that of a high-end conventional Atmos setup, and many will have to weigh the comfort offered by the S95QR against its performance.