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I guess they really want to collect data for Atmos development, because 1) always-on microphones in smart TVs seems like a bad idea and 2) Atmos isn't very comp

I guess they really want to collect data for Atmos development, because 1) always-on microphones in smart TVs seems like a bad idea and 2) Atmos isn't very compelling without overhead speakers. The overlap of sets of people who care about quality audio and the people who would buy Atmos in a TCL TV is probably pretty sparse. For instance, I have a modest 5.1.2 system, positioned according to my best understanding and calibrated with a flat response mic, and current Atmos content is still pretty underwhelming. I can only imagine bouncing audio off a popcorn ceiling with a fan in the way in an imbalanced room would not be an improvement. I guess the real test will be if FlexConnect works without internet or when opted out of ad services, or if it's only enabled for approved streaming apps.

gh02t 3y ago
> The overlap of sets of people who care about quality audio and the people who would buy Atmos in a TCL TV is probably pretty sparse. I used to think that too, but the proliferation of soundbars has shown that there is a market for better home theater experiences in the "middle" between bad TV speakers and higher end home theater setups. TCL's upper end range of TVs are really popular in a similar market segment (people who care about good picture/features but still want value) and generally perform very well, so it might be a feature that is popular especially if they start bundling in a kit for a good price. I've used the Sony equivalent with the TV acting as a center speaker in a larger setup and it sounded really good, so it can definitely work.
- hotnfresh 3y ago
  The soundbar market exists in part because tv speakers got a lot worse. 80s and 90s CRT tv speakers and early LCDs that still had forward-facing speaker grills and enough depth to fit decent-size speakers, were a lot better than what ship in almost all TVs now.
RetpolineDrama 3y ago
>Atmos isn't very compelling without overhead speakers. Why does this myth persist? ATMOS is substantially better than hardcoded channels even with a barebones 5.1 system. Obviously more is better, but object-based spatial audio is a major step up.
- washadjeffmad 3y ago
  Yes, it certainly can be, and it appears Dolby believes that this partnership with TCL will in some way ensure that that's true. The effect of Atmos is pretty marginal in cases of well-mixed audio. It doesn't automatically improve a bad mix, and it can be implemented poorly. The most noticeable differentiator is >180° audio, which in the majority of cases is overhead. Yes, it's cool. Is it like nothing we've ever experienced before? No, but I expect to change my opinion more favorably once it's at least up to the level of a 1990s PC game with A3D or EAX. The real myth is always the hype.

gh02t 3y ago

> The overlap of sets of people who care about quality audio and the people who would buy Atmos in a TCL TV is probably pretty sparse. I used to think that too, but the proliferation of soundbars has shown that there is a market for better home theater experiences in the "middle" between bad TV speakers and higher end home theater setups. TCL's upper end range of TVs are really popular in a similar market segment (people who care about good picture/features but still want value) and generally perform very well, so it might be a feature that is popular especially if they start bundling in a kit for a good price. I've used the Sony equivalent with the TV acting as a center speaker in a larger setup and it sounded really good, so it can definitely work.

hotnfresh 3y ago
The soundbar market exists in part because tv speakers got a lot worse. 80s and 90s CRT tv speakers and early LCDs that still had forward-facing speaker grills and enough depth to fit decent-size speakers, were a lot better than what ship in almost all TVs now.

RetpolineDrama 3y ago

>Atmos isn't very compelling without overhead speakers. Why does this myth persist? ATMOS is substantially better than hardcoded channels even with a barebones 5.1 system. Obviously more is better, but object-based spatial audio is a major step up.

washadjeffmad 3y ago
Yes, it certainly can be, and it appears Dolby believes that this partnership with TCL will in some way ensure that that's true. The effect of Atmos is pretty marginal in cases of well-mixed audio. It doesn't automatically improve a bad mix, and it can be implemented poorly. The most noticeable differentiator is >180° audio, which in the majority of cases is overhead. Yes, it's cool. Is it like nothing we've ever experienced before? No, but I expect to change my opinion more favorably once it's at least up to the level of a 1990s PC game with A3D or EAX. The real myth is always the hype.