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LG's new sound bar range for 2019 includes Dolby Atmos and Google Assistant

LG has unveiled its 2019 sound bar range with models that include Google's voice assistant and support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

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Ty Pendlebury is a journalism graduate of RMIT Melbourne, and has worked at CNET since 2006. He lives in New York City where he writes about streaming and home audio.
Expertise Ty has worked for radio, print, and online publications, and has been writing about home entertainment since 2004. He majored in Cinema Studies when studying at RMIT. He is an avid record collector and streaming music enthusiast. Credentials
  • Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
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lg-sl9yg-soundbar-001

The SL9 sound bar incorporates a gyroscope that configures sound when wall-mounted.

 LG

LG has announced its complete sound bar range for 2019, which includes three high-end models with support for both Google Assistant and Dolby Atmos onboard, plus three more only with Bluetooth. 

The high-end models will also include support for Atmos competitor DTS:X. 

  • 3.1.2-channel SL8YG ($799)
  • 4.1.2-channel SL9YG ($999)
  • 5.1.2-channel SL10YG ($1299)

Meanwhile, the entry- to mid-level models lack Wi-Fi connectivity and only offer DTS Virtual:X processing.

  • 2.1-channel SL5Y ($279)
  • 3.1-channel SL6Y ($399) 
  • 3.1-channel SL7Y ($499)

With built-in Google Assistant, the high-end sound bars should double as full-on Google smart speakers, allowing people to request songs or ask about the weather with their voice.

The sound bars shouldn't be lacking for audio quality, either: The three high-end models lean into LG's previously announced collaboration with high-end brand Meridian, which will contribute sound-enhancing technologies including Bass & Space, Image Elevation and Meridian Upmix for converting stereo content to multichannel.

All of the sound bars include the front channels only, but you can purchase an add-on Wireless Rear Speaker Kit for more immersive surround. Meanwhile all of the sound bars include wireless subwoofers.

The models follow the SK10Y from 2018, which was a decent Atmos sound bar, but cheaper models such as the Vizio SB36512 offer great competition. 

Samsung also announced two new sound bars this morning, though like the SL6Y and SL7Y they lack any kind of "smart" features like voice assistants or Wi-Fi music.

All sound bars except one are expected on April 14, while the SL9YG will come on May 27.

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