Starting in early May, LG will roll out a firmware update to bring 2023 features such as 4K 120Hz passthrough and 'Wow Orchestra' to 2022 soundbars such as S80QY, S90QY and S95QR.
Update 5.5.2023: LG Korea confirms that 4K 120Hz support is limited to SDR 8-bit 4:2:0, so it will not support 120Hz HDR games from PS5 and Xbox Series X. Full answer from LG Korea below:
"LG always wants to give our customers flexibility. We wanted to give gamers the maximum options possible with their Sound Bar and were glad to expand those options to support up to 4K 120Hz YCbCr 4:2:0 at 8 Bits.
This gives gamers the option to prioritize what they value most in gaming be it resolution, color, refresh rate, and bit rate. So for example, the gamer that values resolution now has the ability to game at 4K 60Hz RGB 4:4:4 8 bits or YCbCr 4:4:4 at 10 bits.For the gamer that values refresh rate, they now have the ability to play games at 1080P 120Hz RGB 4:4:4 10 bits.
These choices are now possible on supported Sound Bars with the new firmware that we are providing updates upon."
Several of LG's 2022 soundbar models have carried over into 2023 including the flagship 9.1.5-channel S95QR. LG will instead expand the line-up with the 3.1.3ch SC95 designed to match the 2023 C3 OLED TV, the 3.1.3ch S77S slim soundbar, and the 3.0ch SE6S compact soundbar (new version of LG Eclair).
LG's 9.1.5ch S95QR will remain the flagship in 2023 and get the 2023 features
As announced at CES 2023 in January, the new soundbar features for 2023 will also come to many of the 2022 models. You can learn more about the 2023 features here.
- "Starting early to mid next month we will start rolling out firmware updates that consumers will be able to receive," LG Korea said in a written statement to FlatpanelsHD.
The firmware will roll out in stages so it may take some time for it to show up on your soundbar model.
Here is what to expect from the firmware update:
LG 2022 soundbar firmware update
| Feature | Models Supported |
|---|
| AI Room Calibration Pro | S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| 4K 120Hz Passthrough | S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| MQA Support for Tidal | S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| Triple layer Spatial Sound | S75RQ/R/C, GX, G1, S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| Wow Orchestra | S75RQ/R/C, GX, G1, S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| Smart Up-mixer | SP7R, S75RQ/R/C, GX, G1, S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| Clear Voice Pro | SP7R, S75RQ/R/C, GX, G1, S80QY and above 2022 Models |
| Wow Interface | All 2022 Sound Bar Models |
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