Enhanced Surround Sound... New Feature for Frequency Range Adjustment
Winner of Design Awards Including 'IF Design Award'
LG Uplus announced on the 25th that it will launch the 'Soundbar Black2,' a soundbar form factor-based set-top box enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) and improved audio features.
In 2021, LG Uplus released a soundbar-type set-top box that simultaneously supports the video technology 'Dolby Vision' and audio technology 'Dolby Atmos' from the global video and audio entertainment company Dolby Laboratories.
The newly launched Soundbar Black2 is equipped with new features such as 'beamforming surround sound' technology that provides immersive audio, AI-based spatially customized sound, and a 'user equalizer' that adjusts frequency bands according to personal preferences. It also supports Dolby Atmos sound through Bluetooth-connected headsets and earphones.
The 'beamforming surround sound' technology, developed in collaboration with the global audio brand JBL, delivers rich immersive audio. By arranging speaker units in a linear array speaker system and applying immersive digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, it provides surround sound with a wide spatial feel without the need for separate speakers.
In addition to the Dolby Atmos audio technology of the previous Soundbar Black, the 'beamforming surround sound' technology focuses sound in specific directions to enhance clarity and spatial perception, offering grandiose immersive sound and engagement.
It is the only domestic telecom company to incorporate AI-based 'spatially customized sound' functionality. Using a built-in microphone, it analyzes the acoustic characteristics of the space and automatically tunes the surround sound optimized for the customer's viewing environment based on AI. For example, even if the device is moved, the AI adjusts the sound to the optimal setting.
The speaker system has also been strengthened. Utilizing neodymium magnets, a total of eight speakers deliver stronger output. Without a separate subwoofer, the combination of 'midrange speakers' that handle mid-to-low frequency bands and a 'reflex port' structure designed to minimize noise between floors while enhancing bass produces firmer low tones.
It also features a 'user equalizer' function that divides bass, midrange, and treble into seven levels each for personalized adjustment, and a 'Dolby Dialogue Enhancer' function that analyzes sound to make only the voices of characters clearly audible.
Soundbar Black2 introduces support for Dolby Atmos sound on all types of Bluetooth headsets and earphones.
The processing speed of the set-top box has also improved. RAM has been upgraded from 3GB to 4GB, resulting in more than a 20% improvement in service start time and app launch time.
The exterior has been reduced by more than 20% in width to 81 cm. The black exterior features a metallic silver decorative line, water-resistant touch buttons, an anodized upward-facing speaker grille, and premium fabric materials to enhance its premium image.
Soundbar Black2 received design awards at the 'IF Design Award 2024' in March and the 'Red Dot Design Award 2024' in April.
Soundbar Black2 is available to all U+tv subscribers. The equipment rental fee is 8,800 KRW per month (including VAT, based on a 3-year contract), and a wall-mount bracket for wall installation is also provided as standard.
Park Chan-seung, head of LG Uplus Home Universe Group, said, "We hope that through the Soundbar Black2, which offers enhanced sound and picture quality, customers can enjoy a more immersive content viewing experience."
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