Latest news with #FlexConnect
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is one of the coolest bits of tech I've seen in years, and it's finally coming in a speaker you can buy
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The first speaker that works with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, the TCL Z100, has finally been unveiled – though as with most announcements in these days of regularly changing tariffs, there's no exact price or release date yet. Announced back in 2023, the idea with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is that you don't need to think about where you're placing the speakers to get home theater sound – you don't even need to have pairs of them placed symmetrically. Put one next to the TV, one on the shelf to your right, one directly behind you – whatever's convenient for your space is fine. The system will then map the placement acoustically and will adjust the speaker output to give the best version of Dolby Atmos-powered surround sound that it can from those positions. You can have up to four of the TCL Z100 speakers in one configuration, and each speaker is a 1.1.1 audio configuration on its own (a forward-facing driver, a bass driver, and an upfiring driver) – though when combined, they can produce something akin to virtual 7.1.2 audio, according to TCL. That includes a compatible TV providing two channels, including the center channel. Speaking of which, the speakers must be connected to a suitable Dolby Atmos FlexConnect hub, which can handle the mapping and processing. Right now, that means getting one of TCL's 2025 mini-LED TVs. TCL is the only company offering products for the launch of FlexConnect, though other companies have pledged support in the future – and it should also be possible for one of the best soundbars to be the FlexConnect hub in the future. They also support playing music over Bluetooth – two can work in a stereo pair to play music from your phone. As you might expect for a Dolby-specific product, there's no built-in DTS support. However, the TCL TVs that are necessary to make the system work all support DTS:X, and the idea is that they'll decode the DTS sound (including DTS:X), process it in 7.1.2 channels, and then convert it for the virtual surround system for your configuration, so you should get something close to full-fat DTS. Although there's no price, we've been told by TCL's European arm to expect a price approaching €300 – and usually Euro and US Dollar prices convert very closely, though the final amount will depend on the latest tariffs. UK prices will be close to the Euro price. I've seen this technology in action a few times since its announcement in 2023, and it's very impressive – though the speakers I saw it demoed with were more elaborate than the TCL Z100 have turned out to be. Those had side-firing drivers as well as forward and up-firing drivers, potentially giving them more control over the steering of virtual sound. It was amazing in my demos how two speakers – one at the front to the right of the TV, and one behind and to the left of me – could create a broadly immersive sound with steering of sounds in basically all directions. Whether the Z100 can do this as well remains to be seen, and either way, the system isn't going to match just having speakers in all the right places – but that's just not possible for everyone. I think there's real value in having speakers that can be placed not just imperfectly, but in totally odd places, and still get something more immersive than TV sound alone from them. The one other thing missing from this announcement, though, is bass. I've been told that the FlexConnect system can support a subwoofer, but there's no sign of one here – hopefully that will come before too long. Update: Dolby and TCL have informed me that a subwoofer that's compatible with the system is coming in summer 2025, which also gives us an indication of when to expect these speakers to launch. Loewe unveils a wireless Dolby Atmos TV speaker system that's half the price of Sony's Bravia Quad, and I'm tempted Dali's mega-powerful 16-inch ported subwoofer wants to shake your home theater to bits, in a good way I've been watching the latest 4K Blu-rays with a flagship OLED TV and soundbar setup for six months – here are my 7 favorites so far
Engadget
3 days ago
- Engadget
TCL's newest TVs will automatically calibrate wireless speakers
Dolby's automatic speaker calibration tech FlexConnect finally comes to market via TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs. The company had originally announced the technology back in 2023, and was set to debut it with TCL's 2024 TV lineup. FlexConnect lets users place wireless speakers anywhere in a room without worrying about perfect configuration. The surround sound will then be optimized automatically based on the layout of the room and the position of the speakers. The first audio device to support this tech will be TCL's Z100 smart speaker, which is designed to pair with TCL's FlexConnect-enabled TVs. TCL's Precise Dimming Series, which includes the QM6K , QM7K and the newly announced QM8K , will all be FlexConnect-compatible. Users will be able to pair up to four Z100 speakers with their TCL TVs, which will work in concert with the TV's built-in speakers to deliver intelligently calibrated Dolby Atmos sound. This innovation allows for immersive spatial sound without the need for a perfectly symmetrical speaker setup. In today's joint press release , John Couling, Senior VP of Entertainment at Dolby Labs, said 'With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock even more flexibility and adaptability in how they design their home entertainment systems, while removing the stress of whether their speakers are in the right location to get an incredible Dolby Atmos experience.' In the same release , TCL said the Z100 speakers are expected this summer. The Z100 and the TCL Precise Dimming Series represent the first FlexConnect products launched in the United States. Along with the QM8K launch, TCL also announced its first model of party speakers, as well as the Q65H, its latest Dolby Atmos soundbar.
The Verge
4 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
TCL TVs and speakers will support Dolby FlexConnect this summer
A Dolby Atmos feature that makes it easier to create a spatial audio setup is coming to select TCL TVs and speakers. TCL is adding support for Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to QD-Mini LED TVs in its 2025 Precise Dimming Series, including the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K, as well as launching its new Z100 smart speaker to pair with the feature. FlexConnect allows users to connect their TV with specialized external speakers that can be placed anywhere in a room, providing Atmos-enabled audio without requiring a symmetrical setup. The feature aims to provide an alternative solution to installing a traditional surround-sound system, which can be restricted by room size, outlet locations, and mounting or cabling requirements. The TCL TVs and wireless speaker are the first devices with FlexConnect support to be announced for the US, with the Z100 having already launched in China for CN¥1,499 (about $208). US pricing has not been confirmed yet. TCL says that up to four Z100 speakers can be connected to supporting FlexConnect TVs in the US 'starting this summer.' The concept is similar to other wireless Dolby Atmos products like the $2,500 Sony Bravia Theater Quad, but it should be considerably more affordable. Also, while the Theater Quad is only available in gray, the Z100 comes in gray, teal, and beige finishes, which may be easier to coordinate with your home decor.
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
Dolby's soundbar alternative arrives this summer on select TCL TVs
It's been almost two years since Dolby announced its Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology — a system that lets you place a series of speakers anywhere in your room, all wirelessly connected to your TV, for a full Dolby Atmos experience, no soundbar or AV receiver required. At the time, Dolby said it would partner with TCL to bring Atmos FlexConnect to the market, but despite some demos at the Consumer Electronics Show, there's been little movement toward that goal. Today, however, Dolby and TCL say they're almost ready to deliver. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is coming to TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs in its Precise Dimming Series this summer, including the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K. The companies haven't given exact timing for the update (which we assume will be enabled by an over-the-air firmware upgrade). TCL says that it will also launch the Z100 smart, panoramic sound speaker, which can be used with the FlexConnect system. Up to four Z100 speakers can be used (alongside the TV speakers) to create a Dolby Atmos experience. Recommended Videos We don't know how much the Z100 will cost when it arrives, or whether it can be used as a standalone speaker for music or other functions. What we do know is that it connects to TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs via Wi-Fi, and that the four-speaker limit is the result of the TV's onboard processor's limitations, not a limitation of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect as a technology. To create a customized Atmos experience, FlexConnect relies on microphones for room calibration. These can be located on the speakers, however in TCL's implementation, it uses the TV's onboard mics. A subwoofer can also be added, but TCL notes it must be the dedicated subwoofer that TCL makes — we're still waiting for details on that product. Dolby describes FlexConnect as a solution that 'is easily adaptable as more devices are added no matter where they are placed, intelligently optimizing the Dolby Atmos rendering of each speaker and the TV to create the best possible experience available that's tailored to the room.' 'With Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, consumers can unlock even more flexibility and adaptability in how they design their home entertainment systems, while removing the stress of whether their speakers are in the right location to get an incredible Dolby Atmos experience,' said Dolby Laboratories' senior vice president of entertainment, John Couling. Since Dolby's announcement of Atmos FlexConnect, Fraunhofer IIS — the entity that developed the MP3 file format — has announced its own multi-speaker immersive sound technology known as Fraunhofer UpHear Flexible Rendering. We expect to see the first TVs and soundbars with Fraunhofer's system this year, though we may not see it marketed under Fraunhofer's label. The company has very relaxed rules around marketing, letting its licensees call it whatever they like.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CABO Q1 Earnings Call: New Product Trials and Dividend Suspension Signal Strategic Shift
Internet, cable TV, and phone provider Cable One (NYSE:CABO) fell short of the market's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales falling 5.9% year on year to $380.6 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $12.58 per share was 3.1% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy CABO? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $380.6 million vs analyst estimates of $386.3 million (5.9% year-on-year decline, 1.5% miss) Adjusted EPS: $12.58 vs analyst estimates of $12.21 (3.1% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $202.7 million vs analyst estimates of $206.2 million (53.3% margin, 1.7% miss) Operating Margin: 25.1%, down from 29.6% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 11.9%, down from 24.5% in the same quarter last year Residential Data Subscribers: 1.04 million, down 21,700 year on year Market Capitalization: $926.9 million Cable One's first quarter results reflected management's focus on stabilizing subscriber trends in a more competitive landscape, as CEO Julia Laulis highlighted efforts to rebuild customer growth engines and recover from a decline in residential broadband subscribers. She attributed the quarter's performance to lower-than-expected new customer additions and unusual churn events, such as disruptions from billing system migration and the shutdown of unprofitable fixed wireless towers, but noted that churn rates have since reverted to historically low levels. The company is now emphasizing a multiyear plan centered on new products, customer retention, and operational enhancements. Looking forward, management outlined confidence in returning to broadband revenue growth in 2025, driven by an expanded product portfolio targeting value-conscious and underserved customers. Laulis emphasized the anticipated rollout of FlexConnect and Internet Lift offerings, along with a data-driven, disciplined approach to marketing and infrastructure investments. She also addressed the company's decision to suspend its dividend, citing a need to accelerate debt reduction and reinvest in organic growth initiatives, while CFO Todd Koetje assured stakeholders that this move was not driven by debt covenant or liquidity concerns. Cable One's management addressed the drivers behind the first quarter's performance and set the stage for a strategic transformation. The main deviations from analyst expectations were attributed to subscriber losses and revenue headwinds, offset partially by emerging product successes and disciplined cost management. Churn and Connect Trends: Management reported customer losses tied to lower-than-expected new connects and several one-time churn events, including systems migration and weather disruptions. Churn rates have since returned to historically low levels, supported by an AI-driven churn propensity model. FlexConnect Launch: The pilot of FlexConnect, aimed at value-seeking customers as an alternative to cellphone internet, showed positive trends in both customer acquisition and average revenue per user. Aggressive marketing and expanded rollout are expected in the coming months. Internet Lift Pilot: Internet Lift, a new offering targeting income-eligible customers, is being piloted with early signs of incremental broadband revenue and minimal risk of cannibalization. Broader rollout is planned for upcoming quarters. Business Data Resilience: While residential revenues declined, the business data segment grew modestly. Carrier and enterprise fiber operations posted strong contract wins, expanding network reach and recurring revenue. Dividend Suspension and Capital Allocation: The company suspended its dividend to prioritize debt reduction and funding for organic growth. Management emphasized this was not due to financial distress, but a proactive strategy to strengthen the balance sheet and support future investments. Management expects future performance to hinge on product innovation, customer acquisition improvements, and disciplined capital management as competition intensifies. New Product Rollouts: Expansion of FlexConnect and Internet Lift is anticipated to attract new customer segments and boost broadband revenue, with targeted marketing designed to minimize churn and maximize ARPU. Retention and Experience Investments: Enhanced retention strategies, including AI tools and personalized engagement, are expected to maintain historically low churn and support customer satisfaction. Balance Sheet Focus: The dividend suspension reallocates capital to debt repayment and growth investments, with management aiming to keep leverage below four times and maintain flexibility for future refinancing or share repurchases. Frank Louthan (Raymond James): Asked if the dividend cut was due to financial distress or debt covenants. CFO Todd Koetje stated it was a strategic move, not related to liquidity or covenants, to accelerate debt reduction and support growth initiatives. Frank Louthan (Raymond James): Followed up on timing for returning to broadband subscriber growth. CEO Julia Laulis said improvements are underway but did not specify a target date, expressing confidence that both subscriber and revenue growth would be achieved in 2025. Sebastiano Petti (JPMorgan): Sought specifics on the unusual churn events and confidence in revenue growth despite recent subscriber and ARPU declines. Management attributed churn to billing migration, fixed wireless tower shutdowns, and weather, but stressed that retention and new product trials underpin their outlook. Brandon Nispel (KeyBanc): Requested details on ARPU for FlexConnect and Lift, as well as competitive overlap from fiber and fixed wireless. Management explained that pricing for FlexConnect would change in mass rollout and noted that over 50% of the footprint faces fiber competition, with nearly all markets exposed to mobile broadband competition. Brandon Nispel (KeyBanc): Asked about the competitive environment and market overlap. Management confirmed that competitive dynamics are driving product innovation and targeted marketing efforts. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the effectiveness of FlexConnect and Internet Lift in attracting new broadband customers, (2) whether churn rates remain at historically low levels following operational changes, and (3) the impact of the dividend suspension on debt reduction and capital allocation. Progress on business data contract wins and execution of infrastructure investments will also be important indicators of Cable One's ability to deliver on its long-term growth objectives. Cable One currently trades at a forward EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.1×. In the wake of earnings, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
