CES 2019

LG has announced plans to unveil three “advanced” soundbars at CES 2019, which opens Tuesday in Las Vegas.

The latest models under LG’s evolving collaboration with U.K.-based audio specialist Meridian Audio, support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound and join the Dolby Atmos-enabled SK10Y ($1,100) and other soundbars introduced last summer. Two of the three new models — the SL9YG and SL10YG — are CES 2019 Innovation Award recipients.

The new soundbars, which include the SL8YG, boast a sleek, wall-mountable form factor and draw on several Meridian technologies to deliver “strong, multi-dimensional sound.” Meridian’s Bass & Space and Image Elevation technologies are said to enhance listener envelopment and soundstage realism, while its Upmix processing creates a multi-channel experience from two-channel audio. LG said the upmix process “upgrades the clarity of vocals and lead instruments” and expands the sound field without disturbing tonal balance.

To further enhance listener immersion for a more cinema-like experience, LG will offer an optional wireless rear speaker kit.

The soundbars support high-resolution audio via an advanced processing algorithm that upscales conventional file formats to improve sound quality.

The new soundbars also draw on artificial intelligence (AI) for connectivity with LG smart-home products and incorporate Google Assistant for hands-free voice control, ranging from adjusting volume to getting details about music the system is playing.

The SL9YG, which was singled out for a CES 2019 Best of Innovation award, is only 2.25 inches deep and has a built-in gyroscope sensor that gauges the position of the soundbar (fixed to a wall or on a flat surface) and adjusts sound directionality for an optimal listening experience.