December 2024 / January 2025
ertonline.co.uk
Left: Leica, co-creating the Cine Play 1. Below: The Samsung LPU9D
The WiSA standard (Wireless Speaker and Audio) is designed to simplify the setup of high- quality, multi-channel audio systems. There’s no need to run cable, and the procedure is as easy as pairing a smartphone to a Bluetooth speaker. The difference is that WiSA can support up to eight channels of uncompressed 24-bit/96kHz audio, with a low latency of around 5.2 milliseconds.
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The Samsung LPU9D is aimed at the higher end of the market. Priced at £4,999, it utilises a triple laser-powered engine capable of 3,450 lumens, for vivid daytime viewing, integrated Dolby Atmos sound, and uses the Tizen TV platform. Meanwhile, in addition to its own range of Laser TVs, Hisense is continuing its partnership with optical giant Leica, co-creating the Cine Play 1 (below). This premium short-throw projector, priced at £2,950, boasts a (trans)portable form factor, ideal for casual and dedicated setups alike, and can be upsold with a £335 floor stand, that’s both stylish and practical for living room use.
An update on Sony’s HT-A9 speaker package, the Bravia Theatre Quad uses Soundfield Optimisation and Monopole Synthesis to create an immersive listening environment from just four, relatively unassuming speakers. Each speaker cabinet houses four drivers: a tweeter, midrange cone, X-balanced woofer and X-balanced up-firing height driver. With two speakers on the front, and two on the rear, the system relies on phantom speakers required for an immersive Dolby Atmos listening experience. The system doesn’t ship with a subwoofer, although Sony offers compatible wireless models, specifically the SA-SW3 and the SA- SW5, as optional extras. Elsewhere, Lithe Audio’s WiSA-enabled
Wireless Cinema Hub (above right) is another home cinema innovation that broadens the appeal of home theatre. It’s capable of 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and is scalable for multi-room audio. The system comprises the Cinema Hub, six WiSA iO1 on- wall speakers, two WiSA-enabled PRO Ceiling speakers and the Lithe Audio Cinema Subwoofer. Speakers are paired to the Hub using either a Pairing button on the enclosure, or via software on the accompanying setup app.
Sound takes centre stage Soundbars may have reached saturation, but advanced audio systems continue to elevate the game. Sony’s £1,999 Bravia Theatre Quad 360 Spatial Sound Mapping system delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience from a quartet of compact speakers, with minimal installation fuss. Easy to use, versatile, and powerful, it’s a tempting alternative to traditional AV setups.
Sony’s HT-A9 Home Cinema System
It’s also interoperable. WiSA-certified
products from other brands (LG, Bang & Olufsen, Harman) all work seamlessly together. Setup is uncomplicated, and should suit those electrical retailers who have already branched out into custom installation. “Screen and sound tech have made huge advances in the past year,” Amit Ravat, MD of Lithe Audio, tells ERT. “Our home cinema system, which delivers awesome surround sound without complicated wiring or the need for a separate cinema room, is a good example of this. As home cinema systems become more accessible, both in terms of installation and price, we believe that retailers can reap several rewards by stocking products like this, primarily attracting tech-savvy shoppers looking for the latest in home entertainment who are prepared to invest in the latest high quality and easy-to-install systems.” >>
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