April 2022 ertonline.co.uk


Polk Audio React soundbar


Voice-controlled TVs The majority of smart TVs now afford some level of compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. While buyers might rightly expect voice control on premium sets, it’s available on budget models too. One such is the Toshiba UK31 (above).


Available in 43-, 50-, 58-, and 65-inch screen sizes, this 4K LED HDR cheapie has been neatly integrated with Amazon Alexa, so you can ask the set for news and weather updates, as well as control basic functionality. Thanks to a far field microphone built into the


TV, you can use Alexa to switch the set on or off, change channel or source, and alter volume. Standard Alexa queries are visualised on screen. Alexa can be activated, even when the set is in Standby mode. Of course, premium LG and Samsung screens


also come with their own AI voice platforms, dubbed ThinQ and Bixby respectively. Although somewhat marginalised by Google and Amazon, they still have their own USPs.


“I think the advances in AI as it applies to


audio and video solutions are going to be astounding! My feeling is that 2022 will be a year of small revolutions that lead to one big evolution, something critical. Terms such as ‘technology integration’ will finally begin to realise their full potential.” Smart integration has never been more overt


than Polk’s Alexa-enabled React system. The Polk React is a home cinema soundbar with Alexa Built-in (or should that be vice versa?). The React can be used as a regular standalone soundbar, or paired with Polk Audio SR2 wireless rear surround speakers and a React Sub wireless subwoofer for a full 5.1 surround system (a handy upsell). It supports Alexa’s Communication feature,


which allows users to sync contacts in the Alexa app and use hands-free voice calling to friends and family from the sound bar. The soundbar should be able to respond to


Samsung’s “Hi Bixby” intelligent assistant can


detect all smart devices connected to the TV, for a personalised user experience. Bixby voice control can be used to change inputs, open apps and give weather updates. Similarly, “Hi LG” can be used to monitor and


control compatible smart devices (lights, robot vacuums) on the same network, as well as offer content curation. The likes of Bixby and Alexa are just the tip of a smart home iceberg, suggests Stijn Ooms, Director Product Strategy AV and Digital Workplace at smart home specialists Crestron. “We’re only now starting to see the full potential of Artificial Intelligence,” he says.


commands, even at loud volumes, thanks to four far-field microphones. Polk React owners can ask Alexa to play music, adjust volume, and control connected Alexa gear. The React also supports Alexa Multi-Room


Music (MRM); listeners can pair multiple Alexa- enabled speakers with the sound bar for a whole-home music system. A clever addition to the Alexa voice control


platform, the Alexa Multi-Room Music feature is an extension which allows users to choose a specific Alexa Built-in device to play music. A user might tell Alexa to play soft jazz in the


dining room, on multiple devices assigned to that particular space. MRM builds on the Named Device Targeting feature of the Alexa Voice Service (AVS), so that users can play music from a fleet of synchronized Alexa devices.


The JBL Bar 5.0 soundbar


25


Superior sound In addition to the Polk React soundbar, MRM is also built into JBL’s Bar 5.0. This compact sound system employs proprietary virtualisation technology to create a 3D audio sound field for movies, gaming and music, without the need for dedicated height or surround speakers. The Bar 5.0 soundbar uses advanced multibeam


technology to create an immersive listening experience through angled speaker drivers, ideal for those looking to create a big sound in a relatively small living space. Alexa voice support can even be found in the


Zuma Lumisonic speaker light. This smart LED lighting fixture responds to standard Alexa questions and commands, and features a series of Wellbeing modes that enable users to play soundtracks accompanied by sympathetic lighting. Applications may include bathrooms or lounges. The light has obvious appeal to those retailers


which now offer custom installation services. The Zuma supports Works with Alexa, as well as Wi- Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect over Bluetooth. Speaker power output per lamp is rated at an impressive 75W.


>>


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36