LG has unveiled an extensive line-up of soundbars for 2018, including three with Dolby Atmos support and several with Google Assistant and Chromecast. The flagship SK10Y and SK9Y are 5.1.2 channel soundbars that can reproduce overhead sound.
LG 2018 soundbars
We saw a few of them at CES 2018 and LG has now revealed the full line-up ranging from a compact SK1 to a powerful SK10Y.
Starting from the top, SK10Y and SK9Y are 5.1.2 channel speakers, with two up-firing channels for overhead effects. The main difference is that SK10Y has been developed in partnership with Meridian Audio and is slightly more powerful than SK9Y. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos.
SK10Y and SK9Y are both compatible with optional $179 wireless rear speakers (SPK8) that deliver 140W output. SK10Y can also be mounted as the base for some of the 2018 OLED and LCD models, as seen above.
LG will also launch a SK8 soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. However, it will be a 2.1 channel soundbar. Dolby argues that Atmos can improve everything from stereo to multi-channel systems but should probably opt for one of the higher-end models if it is Atmos that you are looking for in a soundbar.
Google Assistant, Chromecast, more
Next up is the 2.1-channel SK6, which swaps Dolby Atmos for DTS Virtual:X, designed to simulate a surround effect. The 4.1-channel SK5R comes with two wireless rear speakers, whereas the SK5 a 2.1-channel version. Both come with DTS Virtual:X.
Lastly, there is a compact 2-channel SK1 soundbar.
TV Sound Sync is LG’s system for wirelessly connecting soundbars to a TV via bluetooth, and it will be supported on all of the soundbars together with bluetooth. Google Assistant voice commands and Chromecast will be supported on SK6 and up. High-res audio (192 or 96kHz/24bit) will be supported on SK5 and up.
LG’s new soundbars for 2018 will start shipping in April. We have not received pricing details yet.
LG SK10Y Dolby Atmos soundbar - specifications
Channel:
5.1.2Ch (2 Up firing Speakers)
Output
550W
Sound
Dolby Atmos® (Overhead Volume Control)
Hi-Res Audio, Sound Upconverting (Up to 192kHz/24bit)
MERIDIAN Audio Partnership
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 2 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 1448 x 62 x 146
Convenience
Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in, 4K Pass-through,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
SPK8 compatible (optional) |
LG SK9Y - specifications
Channel
5.1.2Ch (2 Up firing Speakers)
Output
500W
Sound
Dolby Atmos
Hi-Res Audio, Sound Upconverting (Up to 192kHz/24bit)
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 1 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 1200 x 58 x 145
Convenience
Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in, 4K Pass-through,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
SPK8 compatible (optional) |
LG SK8 - specifications
Channel
2.1Ch
Output
360W
Sound
Dolby Atmos
Hi-Res Audio, Sound Upconverting (Up to 96kHz/24bit)
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 1 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 1060 x 57 x 87
Convenience
Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
LG SK6 - specifications
Channel
2.1Ch
Power
360W
Sound Effect
DTS Virtual:X,
Hi-Res Audio (96kHz/24bit)
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 1 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 1060 x 57 x 87
Convenience
Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
LG SK5R - specifications
Channel
4.1Ch
Power
480W
Sound Effect
DTS Virtual:X,
Hi-Res Audio (96kHz/24bit)
Rear Speaker Kit, Adaptive Sound Control
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 1 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 890 x 57 x 87
Convenience
Bluetooth |
LG SK5 - specifications
Channel
2.1Ch
Power
360W
Sound Effect
DTS Virtual:X,
Hi-Res Audio (96kHz/24bit)
Adaptive Sound Control
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, 1 HDMI In, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 890 x 57 x 87
Convenience
Bluetooth |
LG SK1 - specifications
Channel
2 Ch
Power
40W
Sound Effect
Dolby Digital, Bass Blast
TV Connection
TV Sound Sync, Optical
Size (WHD, mm): 650 x 77 x 89
Convenience
Bluetooth |
