A Closer Look at the World’s First 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar

Over the years, Samsung has delivered a broad range of high-fidelity audiosolutions for a variety of experiences and livingspace set-ups. In a time when consumers have access toan endlessrange of content,Samsung’sdevices,televisionsand viewingsolutions are playinga role in more and more facetsof people’slives.

Earlier this year, Samsung Electronics introduced the world’s first 11.1.4 channel soundbar,which helpsbring consumers right into themidst of theaction with rich, room-filling sound.And it has been Samsung’s relentless audio innovation over the years that has helped bring aboutthe high-endtechnology and consumer experienceswe enjoy today.This innovation isunderpinned by a focus on research and development and emerging content formats, as well as a willingness toadapt to consumer feedback and behavior.

In 2016, Samsung released its HW-K950 soundbar, which transformed static soundinto three-dimensional formatsto allow users toenjoy soundthat moves up and down and from left to right.Since then, Samsung has invested in expanding these features,which havenow been enhanced to deliver technologythatmeasuresroom acoustics and deliversricher auditory experiences and sleeker designs.Below,Samsung Newsroom takes acloser look at thecaptivating experiences delivered by the new soundbar’s upgrades and technologicalfeatures.

The Inaugural 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar

The newly-released HW-Q950A soundbar deliversa more advanced 11.1.4–channel setup toprovide a more vivid surround soundeffect in action–packed scenes likethose involving car chases andairplanes in flight.By using only four speakers (a main soundbar speaker, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers), Samsung’s 2021 HW-Q950Asoundbar producesa standard of high-quality sound that other premium AV receivers wouldneed double the power and number ofinputs tomatch.

Just a few years ago, only high-end, multi-component home theatersetups allowed for immersive sound experiences that produced 3D surround sound.But now, with the release ofSamsung’s HW-Q950A soundbar and its11.1.4–channel sound, users can enjoy realisticaudio with onlytheirsoundbar.

But what exactly do these channel numbers mean? A two-channel system consists ofa stereowith twospeakers on the left and right, whileathree-channel systemadds anadditional speakerto this two-channel setup for crisper audio output. 3.1–channelsetups featurean additional subwoofer (the .1 channel) for low frequency sounds, while5.1-channelsystemsadd rear speakers to deliverenhancedsound that extends behindviewers. The 5.1.4–channelsetup seen in soundbars includes two additional height channel speakers that produce three-dimensional surround soundto deliverthe sound of objectsmoving off-screen.

In 2016, Samsung launched the HW-K950 soundbar, whichwas the first to deliver a5.1.4–channelsetup and three-dimensional surround sound. Then, theHW-N950 model released in 2018 delivered 7.1.4–channel soundby adding a surround channel to the side of the soundbar.Today,the HW-Q950T model delivers a9.1.4–channel systemby adding a wide surround channelthat delivers soundfromthe front and sidesof theviewer for a 360-degreeaudio experience.

Improving Sound Through Calibration

In typical home viewing setups, depending on the size of the room, sounds oftenreflect off walls, ceilings and floors, whichcan causethe audio tosounddifferentthan intended. In order to reduce suchdisparities, Samsung has developedthe SpaceFit Sound feature,whichharmonizes audio levels andcontributes tosounds being delivered asthey were originally developed inproduction.

Recognizing thesize and reverberation characteristics of the room, select Samsung soundbars utilizethe built-in microphoneand DSP in QLED TVs todeliveroptimal sound. Thiscollaboration feature is available in soundbar models HW-Q700A and above and QLED TV models Q70A and abovefrom this year.

What’s more, the Samsung soundbar models above the HW-Q900Aalso include the Auto EQ feature, whichanalyzessurrounding spaceswitha built-in microphone mounted on the subwoofer instead of usingtheTV microphone. This offers optimized sound by calibrating excessively amplified low frequencies and sounds that areoffset by other audio. This feature doesn’trequire use ofan active TV microphone, is available across all TV models and is an ideal fitfor both older and newertelevisions.

S Series Soundbars Add Central Speaker for Room-filling Sound

The new S Series Soundbar includes a central speaker and now boasts five channels compared to the four-channel systems in existing models.

This series, which is popular with consumers for its minimalist design and smooth finishes, is the perfect addition to any living room. When groups of viewers watch TV without a central speaker, those sitting near the edges of the room can often only hear the sounds closest to them. Now, with the addition of the central speaker, consumers can enjoy room-filling, immersive audio that replicates a cinema-style environment.

Going forward, Samsung Electronics is also planning to incorporate its Q-Symphony technology in an increasing number of its products. This technology provides realistic 3D sound to allow consumers to enjoy even more immersive audio across a broad range of content.