Sony debuts a soundbar equipped with 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos

Sony has introduced a new soundbar, the HT-A5000, with nine audio channelsthe unit offers to be compatible with Dolby Atmos technology.

There are two speakers on the top and two speakers on the sides, making for a total of 5.1.2 channels of sound output. A false sense of height and distance is formed when sound in the room bounces off the ceiling and walls, creating an illusion that the sound is coming from above and to the side. As a result, it can be used for surround sound without the need for additional speakers to be placed across the space. It is unclear how many speakers he owns, however, Sony has stated that the two subwoofers are built-in to the speaker system. With 450 watts of power, it will also be able to generate sufficient sound for relatively big (living) rooms, and optional independent speakers are also available. Among other things, it may be equipped with the SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 subwoofers, which have a power of 200 and 300 watts respectively, or with the SA-RS3S satellite speakers, which add an additional 100 watts of power to the system. The latter can be installed on a wall if necessary.

In addition, the HT-A5000 is capable of supporting Sony's DSEE Extreme and Edge AI algorithm suites. Thus, compressed files can be restored to their original audio quality by the soundbar. The 360 Reality Audio feature, which is compatible with Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Nugs.net, and Tidal, has also been included. A built-in Chromecast allows it to connect wireless devices through Bluetooth and WiFi while also supporting Apple AirPlay 2.

Regarding physical connections, it includes an HDMI input and output, which enable enhanced audio return channel (earc) and audio return channel (arc), respectively. It also has a USB 2.0 connector. If you use the HDMI connections as passthrough, Dolby Vision is supported, and you can also connect via s/pdif provided you have a compatible device. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, on the other hand, have not gone unnoticed. Starting in January, it will be available for purchase for a suggested retail price of roughly 900 euros.