There are several new products, but the highlights from Samsung are the Music Frame and the new flagship soundbar, which for the first time features HDMI 2.1.
Soundbars remain popular solutions to replace built-in TV speakers, but alternative solutions are starting to emerge.
For example, there are wireless TV speakers such as the Apple HomePod, integrated design solutions like Canvas, and headphones with Dolby Atmos support such as Sonos Ace (review coming soon).
Samsungs Music Frame
Samsung is also launching an alternative solution this year in the form of Music Frame, which is designed to look like a picture frame. Besides being a music speaker, Music Frame can function as a wireless TV speaker with a 2024 Samsung TV – and later with 2023 TVs.
The Music Frame can act as TV rear speakers for surround sound, a bass speaker with the TV, and front speakers to expand the front perspective along with the TV's speakers. They can also be wirelessly connected to select Samsung soundbars.
They support Dolby Atmos as well as AirPlay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect for music. FlatpanelsHD will soon review Music Frame in combination with a 2024 Samsung QD-OLED TV.
Samsung's Music Frame connects wirelessly to 2024 Samsung TVs. Photo: FlatpanelsHD at CES 2024
The 2024 soundbars
Samsung is expanding its S-series of slim soundbars for TV audio. S800D (black) and S801D (white) are only 4 cm deep, while S700D (black) and S701D (white) match smaller TV sizes. They all come with a wireless subwoofer.
The new flagship soundbar is the Q990D. It is Samsung's most powerful 11.1.4-channel soundbar designed for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It comes with wireless up- and side-firing rear speakers and a subwoofer.
Also read: Guide to Dolby Atmos at home
Samsung HW-Q990D. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
HDMI 2.1 for PS5 and Xbox
For the first time, Q990D features HDMI 2.1 passthrough, allowing you to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X directly to the soundbar's HDMI input and still get 4K120 output to the TV. Flatpanels will soon test HW-Q990D.
According to Samsung, two other new features are:
Private Rear Sound plays TV audio through the rear speakers positioned closest to the viewer, so the rest of the family is not disturbed.
Sound Grouping synchronizes the soundbar and rear speakers for music. This ensures that the music sounds consistent no matter where you are in the room.
Samsung's 2024 audio products are now available. See the table for pricing and dealers.
Samsungs 2024 audio products
| Samsung HW-Q990D | 11.1.4 soundbar
Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
HDMI 2.1 | US
UK
DE |
| Samsung HW-S800D | 3.1.2 soundbar
Compact design
| US
UK
DE |
| Samsung HW-S700D | 3.1 soundbar
Compact design
| US
UK
DE |
| Samsung Music Frame | Wireless speakers
Picture frame
| US
UK
DE |
| Model | Features | Price |
|---|
FlatpanelsHD
