How Dolby FlexConnect could change the game for speaker-loving gamers
Dolby’s new FlexConnect technology allows speakers to be placed anywhere in a room while delivering immersive surround sound wirelessly. For gamers who prefer speakers over headphones, this could mark a significant shift in how game audio is experienced at home
Let me begin this week’s column with an admission — I’m not a headphones guy when it comes to video games. I’ve always preferred speakers, and over time, surround sound systems. I like being immersed in the sound of the games I play. Despite my parents’ many staple complaints over the years — “Are you turning the house into a stadium?”, “Your room isn’t a warzone,” and “Why is the music from your game so catchy but so loud?” — I’ve continued to pair my PCs and consoles with a variety of speaker, soundbar, and home theatre setups.
I am aware that sound from such devices can be delayed by a millisecond or two, and if I were playing a high-stakes FPS game, I’d be at a disadvantage. But there’s just something about listening to game audio on a good set of speakers that immerses you in the moment like nothing else.
For example, games like God of War, Dragon Age, or even this year’s Clair Obscur are bewitching, to say the least, on a surround sound speaker setup. Some of you might agree, and for those who do, I’d like to direct your attention to last week’s announcement of Dolby’s new FlexConnect tech.
At the moment, this technology is available only on TCL’s new lineup of QD-Mini LED TVs from its “Precise Dimming” series. The tech is designed to allow speakers to be placed anywhere in a room and still create the best possible acoustic environment — regardless of the room’s size.
Sound is transmitted via Wi-Fi, with the TV functioning as the main control device. Impressively, all of this is accomplished wirelessly, as the television identifies speaker placement and adjusts the audio output accordingly by using microphones on both the TV and the speakers.
At first glance, this might seem like a minor development in the home theatre space. But if you’ve ever gone through the hassle of speaker placement, cable management, and hiding wires running through your house, then you’ll fully understand how significant this shift is.
Dolby’s Atmos technology, powered by FlexConnect, will be both mobile and adaptable to your needs. From a gaming perspective, this could be ideal for anyone buying a TV for their console. There’s no need to worry about whether the console itself supports Dolby’s technology.
Additionally, the flexibility in speaker configuration and room size means that whether you’re working with a simple single-monitor gaming setup or a complex multi-monitor station, the sound experience can still be immersive.
I’m genuinely excited and look forward to seeing how this technology is adopted by other manufacturers. That said, I’m still not entirely convinced it will get most gamers to part with their trusty headphones — but it certainly gives them something to think about.
