Ahead of this year’s CES 2023 in Las Vegas, LG unveiled three new soundbars, as well as rolling out a major feature update for older models, including the S95QR, its 2022 flagship all-in-one cinema system.
LG’s new 2023 range introduces the SC95 3.1.3 soundbar, designed to complement the C-series OLED TVs. The new model sits on a bracket that attaches to the back of any LG C-series TV. This makes the SC95 look like an integrated part of the display, while ensuring that the soundbar is in the right place for its upward-firing drivers to function as intended.
The slim 400W 3.1.3 model, dubbed the S77S, offers most of the features of the SC9S, but without integration with the C Series TV.
Rounding out the new lineup is the SE6S, a sleek 3.0 system that is the latest addition to LG’s Éclair range of compact soundbars.
No rear speakers are included with any of the new soundbars, but they do offer a number of interesting new features for LG’s sound systems.
At the top of the list is “Wow Orchestra”, which allows the soundbar to play in sync with the LG TV’s speakers, a feature that sounds remarkably similar to Samsung’s much-announced “Q-Symphony” feature.
The new models also feature an up-mixer that LG says can convert a standard two-channel stereo audio track into a 9.1.5-channel mix.
In the meantime, gamers will be most interested in all three models’ support for 4K 120Hz VRR passthrough, allowing you to connect your PS5 or Xbox Series X directly to the soundbar’s HDMI input without losing both consoles’ high frame rate capabilities.
Each soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and the SC95 is also IMAX Enhanced certified. All three models are expected to launch later this year, with pricing details yet to be confirmed.
The great news for owners of LG’s latest soundbars is that the key new features given to the new 2023 models will also be introduced to earlier models via a firmware update.
Last year’s flagship S95QR along with the S90QY, S80QR, S80QY and S75Q soundbars will be boosted with the addition of Wow Orchestra, as well as 4K/120Hz passthrough with a software update promised later in the year.
Analysis: Firmware update raises the bar for older LG soundbars
While LG’s new line of soundbars for 2023 looks particularly solid, we’re more impressed with the news of an upcoming update to LG’s legacy home theater lineup.
LG’s 2022 soundbars could only pass 4K video at 60Hz. This meant PS5 or Xbox Series X gamers would have to connect their consoles directly to the TV if they wanted to enjoy super-smooth 120Hz gameplay in 4K resolution. This often meant the cost-effectiveness of out-of-sync audio, by relying on all of the often fussy eARC technologies.
With 4K/120Hz bandwidth and VRR support, it breathes new life into an already impressive lineup of soundbars that can likely be picked up a bit cheaper than when they were originally launched last year.
Want to upgrade your home theater sound right now? Check out the best soundbars for 2023.