TCL unveils its first Dolby Atmos soundbar

TCL launched its first soundbars earlier this year and the company is now moving upmarket with its first Dolby Atmos soundbars. The 'Ray-Danz' will cost around 400 Euro.

With side-firing units
It is a 3.1-channel soundbar with side-firing speaker drivers and a wireless subwoofer. There are no up-firing units but the system tries to simulate overhead sound to expand the soundstage, TCL said.

- "TCL Ray Danz features two sideways-firing speaker drivers that project sound towards a reflector on each side. The reflectors then bend the sound at a precise angle to create natural reverberation and a much wider perceived sound stage," the company said. "The subwoofer can be connected wirelessly to the Ray Danz unit to reproduce ground-shaking bass that completes the truly immersive experience."



FlatpanelsHD briefly heard the system in action at IFA. In a perfectly square demo room, the soundbar managed to create a fairly wide soundstage, with the subwoofer adding punch, but overall it lacked precision and the surround effects of more advanced Atmos systems.

TCL seems satisfied with that as it is not looking to compete at the high-end - at least not yet. The company's first soundbar will be priced at around 400 Euro when it launches some time in the near future. Many buyers would probably consider that affordable considering that a Sonos Beam without Atmos capabilities is listed for 450 Euro.