TCL & Dolby Revolutionize Home Audio: Atmos FlexConnect Arrives This Summer
Get ready to experience immersive audio like never before! TCL and Dolby are teaming up to bring Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to the US this summer, promising a hassle-free way to enjoy spatial audio in your home. This innovative technology eliminates the need for perfectly symmetrical speaker setups, adapting to your room's unique layout for optimal sound.
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, initially announced in 2023, is finally making its way to market. The first devices to support it will be select TCL TVs in the 2025 Precise Dimming Series, including the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K, as well as the new TCL Z100 smart speaker.
How does it work? FlexConnect allows you to place wireless speakers anywhere in your room without worrying about precise placement. The system automatically calibrates the audio based on the room's acoustics and speaker positions. This solves the problem of restrictive room sizes, outlet locations, and complicated cabling often associated with traditional surround-sound systems.
According to TCL up to four Z100 speakers can be connected to supporting FlexConnect TVs in the US. John Couling, Senior VP of Entertainment at Dolby Labs, emphasized the flexibility offered by the new technology. “With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock even more flexibility and adaptability in how they design their home entertainment systems, while removing the stress of whether their speakers are in the right location to get an incredible Dolby Atmos experience.”
The TCL Z100 speaker itself is a 1.1.1 audio configuration, featuring a forward-facing driver, a bass driver, and an upfiring driver. When combined with a compatible TV, it can produce something akin to virtual 7.1.2 audio. The speaker will be offered in gray, teal, and beige finishes.
While the Z100 launched in China for approximately $208, US pricing is yet to be confirmed. However, expect a price point close to €300, based on information provided by TCL's European arm.
One important point to note is the necessity of a compatible Dolby Atmos FlexConnect hub, which is currently limited to TCL's 2025 mini-LED TVs. While there's no built-in DTS support, TCL TVs support DTS:X and will process DTS sound for the virtual surround system.
The launch of FlexConnect is exciting, but the system currently lacks dedicated bass and that's been addressed with the promise of a subwoofer arriving in Summer 2025. Also the Z100 can also be used as bluetooth speakers, even as a stereo pair.
Are you ready to ditch the complicated surround sound setup and embrace the simplicity of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect? What speaker placement configuration would you use with this system? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below!
