LG Raises the Bar for Home Theater Audio at CES 2019 with New AI-Enabled Soundbars

December 27 2018, 00:35
For CES 2019, LG Electronics (LG) is focusing on the home theater category with a new range of products that leverages the best selling speaker category in the segment - soundbars - and combines it with the latest "smart" technologies that are becoming essential for home integration. LG's latest range of soundbars expands on the collaboration with Meridian Audio for the electroacoustic design and adds Artificial Intelligence capabilities that the Korean brand has been developing now for all its consumer electronic products.
 

The new soundbar range - which includes two CES Innovation Award recipients (models SL9YG and SL10YG) - promises to deliver high-quality immersive sound and smart functionalities in a sleek, modern design. The obvious focus for soundbars, apart from amplifying and complementing the visual cinematic experience delivered by current generation displays, stands on its ability to deliver strong, multi-dimensional sound that fills every corner of a room. But contrary to home-theater systems of the past, which required careful setup every time users wanted to switch from a sports broadcast to a Hollywood movie, these new systems add the convenience of AI to automatically configure the whole experience, according to the source signals. 

Working closely with Meridian, LG continues to improve sound quality across its product portfolio, extending its evolving technology to this years' three soundbar models: SL10YG, SL9YG and SL8YG. The collaboration goes far beyond basic fine-tuning or the adoption of feature-sets, with both companies joining forces to engineer sound delivery for a truly unrivaled listening experience. Drawing on its 25 years of experience in electroacoustic design and digital signal processing, Meridian's Bass & Space technology improved the soundstage generated by these soundbars, while its Image Elevation technology, designed to lift the soundstage in a more lifelike way, increases the listeners' sense of immersion and creates a true cinematic surround experience.

Able to up-mix two-channel audio to multiple, distinct channels without generating any distortion, the Meridian Upmix technology also increases sound immersion by improving the sound field while upgrading the clarity of vocals and lead instruments. 

LG's 2019 lineup of three high-end soundbars support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and rendering. To bolster the already solid output and detailed soundscape of the soundbars in immersive sound setups, users can also add a new Wireless Rear Speaker Kit (model SPK 8, sold separately) to achieve a more cinema-like experience.
 

In addition to the superior sound, LG's new lineup of soundbars offers the convenience of AI smart connectivity and voice recognition with Google Assistant built-in. Users can control their LG soundbar and get content information with a simple command such as, "Hey Google, what artist is playing?" Compatibility with Google Assistant-enabled smart products also make it possible to control connected devices throughout the home via voice commands, without leaving the couch.

All 2019 LG soundbars have a sleek, understated design that perfectly matches the style of LG's latest OLED TVs. At only 57mm (2.25 in) deep, the LG SL9 can also be installed flush to the wall for a clean, streamlined appearance that saves space and makes a sophisticated statement. An integrated gyroscope sensor gauges the position of the product (fixed to a wall or on a flat surface), adjusting sound directionality to guarantee the optimal listening experience. With its distinctive form, LG's premium SL9 soundbar stands-out in its category and was already the recipient of the coveted Best of Innovation title at the 2019 CES Innovation Awards.
 

The new soundbar models will be demonstrated at LG's booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center (Central Hall #11100) during CES 2019.
www.LG.com
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