Dolby Atmos FlexConnect combines TV speakers with separate ones

Dolby introduces its Atmos FlexConnect technology. This allows a TV’s built-in speakers to be combined with separate, wireless speakers for Atmos surround sound. The technology will initially be added to TCL’s 2024 TVs.

With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect the speakers of compatible televisions can be combined with accessory wireless speakers to jointly produce Atmos sound. The speakers are then calibrated with microphones in the television that can determine the position of the connected speakers.

According to Dolby, FlexConnect allows users to position speakers flexibly for surround sound. Users can use the calibration step to place their speakers ‘anywhere in a room’. According to Dolby, they can base the position of their speakers on places that are convenient, for example close to electrical outlets. The calibration system also adjusts the sound based on the ‘capabilities’ of speakers.

The function only works in combination with compatible televisions. TCL is the first manufacturer to support FlexConnect. The company does that with its 2024 lineup of televisions. Dolby and TCL will give a first demo of the technology later this month during the IFA fair in Berlin.

TCL will also release accompanying accessory speakers upon release, which can be combined with a compatible FlexConnect television. Other manufacturers will probably also release televisions and speakers that support the technology later, although Dolby has not yet shared any concrete details about this.