The Sennheiser TV range of wireless headphones has been a stalwart in the German brand's portfolio for decades - one where Sennheiser has leveraged and sometimes pioneered the use of all the existing wireless audio technologies - from infrared to DECT, and from Kleer to Bluetooth. After all, the use case is simple and highly obvious to consumers, requiring simply a short-distance (usually in direct view) to the television display, while allowing privacy, convenience and freedom of movement. And converging with the Sennheiser audiology range of products, the concept allows for consumers with hearing loss to listen to TV and watch movies and home at required levels, without disturbing other family members or friends watching the same content.
Since Sonova acquired Sennheiser's consumer division and started releasing new Sennheiser products under license, the company launched the Sennheiser TV Clear solution for that exact same market. The first product to marry Sonova’s hearing aid technology with Sennheiser’s CE portfolio, the Sennheiser TV Clear uses an existing TWS earbud design (unfortunately still using only Bluetooth 4.2!) and limited in quality to the 120Hz – 7.3kHz range, since it was designed for users with hearing loss. Although this is a Bluetooth solution, the TV transmitter is basically the existing Sonova TV transmitter, a technology that the Swiss company sells for the over five years using an Airstream dedicated 2.4GHz wireless transmitter. Again, it works perfectly for the intended application - just not as a mainstream consumer design.
Now the company introduced the Sennheiser RS 120-W, which combine a very old-looking plastic wireless on-ear headphones with a transmitter charging "docking" station that connects to the TV output. The advantage of this very familiar approach is the long-lasting battery life, relative comfort while wearing (no in-ear pressure), and knowing that the headphones will be always ready to use when needed, right by the TV.
The real novelty in this new design is the use of Bluetooth LE Audio - the first time in a shipping product. To ensure an efficient sound transmission, the RS 120-W uses advanced LE audio, which enables audio streaming via Bluetooth Low Energy transmission technology with the new high-quality LC3 audio codec. This technology not only convinces listeners through its robust delivery of clear audio, but also offers a very low latency, which guarantees immersive entertainment sessions - ideal for TV applications. Depending on the preferred type of entertainment, users can choose between ‘Speech,’ ‘Music’ and ‘Neutral’ EQ/loudness sound modes to adjust the soundscape to their respective requirements.
"High-quality sound and an engaging televisual experience are essential for the Sennheiser brand," says Irene Strüber, Sennheiser Product Manager TV Listening. "The new RS 120-W is designed to make the sound experience even more individual and versatile. Users can tailor their sound settings according to their preferences, whether they like more bass or speech clarity. A pair of headphones should not be limited to one type of entertainment. That's exactly the philosophy we're putting into practice with the RS 120-W."
Meanwhile, the enhanced design of the RS 120-W makes controls even more intuitive. For example, users can now adjust the volume independently of the TV by using the control on the headphones’ earcup. The comfortable on-ear design with light earpads and a soft headband pressure contributes to an improved wearing comfort during extended periods of TV viewing. And still, the headphones support a battery able to provide listening sessions up to 20 hours.
With wireless transmission in a range of 60 meters (great for Bluetooth), the included RS 120-W transmitter serves as a charging station and transmission center in one. A new ‘Broadcast Mode’ that also leverages the latest Bluetooth LE Audio specifications, allows users to pair the transmitter with multiple sets of headphones, so that the sound can be enjoyed by several people at the same time. And those who like it loud can increase the volume up to 100dB, independently, without having a negative impact on their surroundings.
The Sennheiser RS 120-W will be available in Europe starting August 30, with an MSRP of €129.90. It will be available in North America from October 2022, and in other countries from Q1, 2023.
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