DTS (a subsidiary of Xperi Inc.) has announced the expansion of DTS Play-Fi Home Theater to a maximum of 12 channels of wireless home theater immersion.
Originally launched in 2021 with support for 5.1 surround sound, this latest DTS Play-Fi update enables playback of immersive sound formats like DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced from DTS Play-Fi compatible TVs to discrete speaker layouts, up to 7.2.4.
DTS Play-Fi Home Theater eliminates the need for unsightly wiring, TV dongles, and AV receivers by re-using the Wi-Fi built into every smart TV.
From Dannie Lau, General Manager, of DTS Play-Fi: “Whether for movies or music, everyday consumers have had to settle for less than what today’s latest immersive audio formats fully have to offer, limited by the impracticality of wires, bulky electronics, and inconvenient speaker placement…DTS Play-Fi Home Theater brings high-fidelity immersive sound to the masses featuring wireless convenience, flexible speaker layouts, a range of in-market products, and enveloping sound with 12 discrete channels of audio. Play-Fi is the new benchmark for truly immersive wireless sound.”
DTS Play-Fi Home Theater is designed to support an immersive listening experience, with up to 12 discrete channels of audio, transmitted via standard Wi-Fi. Key features include:
- Configurations support basic systems such as a wireless soundbar connection, to fully immersive discrete speaker systems supporting channel layouts of up to 7.2.4
- Option to use the TV’s internal speakers as part of a DTS Play-Fi Home Theater system, such as using TV speakers for the center channel in a surround sound setup.
- Support for all immersive and surround sound formats including DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced
Tip: The audio portion of IMAX Enhanced is DTS:X based.
- Works with all TV video sources including wired inputs (HDMI), onboard streaming apps, and wireless streaming protocols like AirPlay and Chromecast
- The ability to mix and match DTS Play-Fi compatible soundbars, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers, regardless of brand
- Technology-agnostic streaming solution that works across various Smart TV operating systems and leading TV system-on-chip solutions
- Utilizes the same Wi-Fi capabilities already built into today’s smart TVs – no additional hardware is required.
Compatible Products
TPV will be the first partner to launch the latest DTS Play-Fi Home Theater enhancements on select 2023 Philips TVs for chosen markets, which are expected to be released in the coming year. All DTS Play-Fi compatible TVs offer an extensive array of whole-home capabilities including multi-room music and TV playback, portable and private listening, and compatibility with top music services from around the world via the DTS Play-Fi mobile app.
From Diederik Houtman, head of product management at TPV Europe: “Every great home theater system combines two things: the best possible picture quality and true-to-life sound…DTS Play-Fi’s industry-leading technology lets consumers do just that by wirelessly connecting Philips award-winning TVs with DTS Play-Fi compatible soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers to deliver the ultimate immersive home cinema experience.”
Market Implications
The quest for a true wireless home theater system solution has been ongoing and the competing company up to this point has been WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio Association). The WiSA system currently supports up to 8 channels of audio with Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 capability for home theater setups. The solution is easy to implement and use and can be integrated in soundbars, home theater speaker systems, and TVs. However, it looks like DTS Play-Fi is aggressively challenging WiSA’s dominance in this category.
Tip: Check out our Podcast with Tony Ostrom, President of WiSA.
With DTS Play-Fi and WiSA both carving out market share, this may actually turn out to be a benefit for both competing formats as consumers may become more aware that wireless home theater is actually practical and affordable. However, will these solutions eventually negate the need for complex wiring?
It will be interesting to see how this story plays out.
DTS Play-Fi will be showing the new 12-channel system option at both IFA (Sept 1-5) and the CEDIA EXPO (Sept. 7-9) 2023.
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