DTS is poised to make the surround sound system buying process easier on your wallet – and more convenient – with the introduction of DTS Play-Fi Home Theater. The technology, announced Wednesday, allows you to use your TV as the center of your surround sound system by pairing it with any other DTS Play-Fi compatible speaker. The only catch here is that your TV needs to be compatible with the DTS Play-Fi home theater system, and those won't be released for a few months. The advantage is that once you have a DTS Play-Fi home theater TV, you can wirelessly sync it with a Play-Fi compatible sound bar or Play-Fi compatible front-facing speakers, as well as up to two Play-Fi compatible speakers. Fi. Fi-compatible subwoofers. The entire system can then be grouped together and synchronized to enhance the audio playback of your favorite shows or movies.
Review: DTS Play-Fi Home Theater System Is Like Sonos, But Built Into Your TV
The heart of the new technology is the desire to create a surround sound system using a TV and a set of DTS speakers; That's why DTS developed DTS Play-Fi Home Theater. Once deployed everywhere, the technology will allow more people to get a home theater up and running by buying one or two speakers at a time rather than an entire system, and will eliminate the need to move speakers around. Cables from an AV receiver to speakers, which is something that can scare any newcomer to the world of hi-fi home theater setups. In a way, this is a lot like what Sonos does with its line of speakers, allowing you to create a multi-room setup for several years, and has been very successful with this strategy. That said, the difference is that Sonos typically makes its own speakers, while DTS licenses the technology to other manufacturers. Regardless, DTS's intent seems to be focused on giving consumers a convenient way to dip their toes into surround sound without having to worry about wasting a single component. On paper, at least, this all sounds like a great idea.- Would you rather buy a great soundbar? Check out our guide to the best sound bars.