Panasonic comes with two soundbars that support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Panasonic has announced three new soundbars during an event in Frankfurt. Among them are two copies that support both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio format.

Panasonic reports that the HTB900 and the cheaper HTB700 also have drivers that direct the sound upwards in addition to the forward-facing drivers. This allows the sound to be reflected off the ceiling, giving listeners the impression that the sound is coming from above. According to the manufacturer, the HTB900 is the only one tuned by people from Panasonic’s own audio company Technics.

Both soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer and support 4k signal transmission and HDR passthrough. For this, Panasonic has provided the soundbars with two HDMI ports, Enhanced Audio Return Channel, also abbreviated with eARC, does not seem to be supported for the output. This means that it is not possible, for example, to play Dolby Atmos sound via an app on the television.

The HTB900 has a power of 505W, divided over six midrange speakers and two tweeters. The HTB700 has a power of 376W, divided over three midrange speakers. According to Panasonic, both soundbars are equipped with ‘new cabinets and cones’ and the low frequency range has been extended, which should result in a clear voice reproduction.

The manufacturer also comes with a third soundbar, the HTB510. This has to do with a total power of 240W, does not support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but does have a wireless subwoofer and a built-in Chromecast. The latter has also been implemented with the HTB900. Both this top model and the cheapest HTB510 have Google Assistant support and bluetooth is supported by all models.

The HTB900 will be released in June for 799 euros, after which Panasonic will launch the HTB700 in July with a price tag of 549 euros. The HTB510 will be available in May for 299 euros.

On the left the HTB510, followed by the largely identical-looking HTB700 and HTB900.