Dolby is officially getting into wireless TV audio with FlexConnect which will allow users to connect additional speakers to compatible TVs. TCL will be the first partner in 2024.

Like DTS Play-Fi and Roku's wireless audio platform, Dolby wants to make it easier to build out an audio system in the living room with Dolby Atmos. Compatible speakers will connect directly to the TV wirelessly so no soundbar, receiver or audio cables are required.

The system is called Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and it will be introduced for the first time next year with 2024 TV models.

- "Consumers shouldn’t have to move their furniture to experience better audio, but rather audio should adapt to them," said John Couling, Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is an entirely new category of experience that offers consumers the freedom and flexibility to choose how they want to arrange their devices while still getting a great immersive Dolby Atmos experience."


Auto-calibration for spatial audio
Dolby explained that FlexConnect includes a microphone in the TV that is used to locate each additional wireless speakers in the room for automatic audio calibration.

This provides more freedom to place speakers in the room without having to strictly adhere to the reference standards, said Dolby.


 Dolby's illustration of how Dolby Atmos FlexConnect works

Atmos with TV speakers?
At least that is the promise, but you will probably still want to have dedicated rear speakers. We also question the idea of using the built-in TV speakers rather than another main audio unit, as speakers integrated in TVs tend to be weak.

We reserve judgment but hope the system will provide a high level of flexibility.

Apple is using similar technology along with a microphone array to enable Dolby Atmos spatial audio on its HomePods that can connect wirelessly to Apple TV 4K.


TCL first partner from 2024
TCL was announced as the first partner to integrate Dolby FlexConnect into their TVs beginning in 2024.

In addition, TCL will sell a line of accessory wireless speakers that can connect to the TVs.

Dolby said that FlexConnect, which will be showcased at IFA, is currently powered by MediaTek's Pentonic chipset, meaning that it should also show up in TVs from other brands in the near future.

Hisense, Panasonic, Philips, Sony and other major brands also use MediaTek system chips in their Smart TVs and Google TVs.

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect
In Dolby's own words:

- Elevate an already immersive Dolby Atmos experience – Dolby Atmos takes entertainment to the next level, immersing audiences in astonishing, multi-dimensional sound. With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock the ability to add accessory wireless speakers to their Dolby Atmos-enabled TV to elevate their system’s audio performance one step further.

- Incredible audio with any speaker placement – Gain the flexibility to place speakers anywhere it's convenient and make the best use of room dimensions, power outlet locations, and furniture arrangements as desired without compromising audio quality.​

- Simple setup – Setup is simple and fast, requiring no additional equipment or cables. Dolby acoustic mapping leverages microphones in the TV to locate each wireless speaker in the room, calibrating the system automatically to ensure optimal audio performance.​​

- Dynamic audio balancing​ – Audio is intelligently spread from the TV speakers to each wireless speakers, dynamically optimizing the sound signal based on the capabilities and location of all available speakers. This allows the sound image to be adjusted to ensure listeners are always enjoying best-in-class performance.
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