LG announces world’s first TVs with DTS Virtual:X

By Becky Roberts
published

With LG's 2018 OLED and SUHD TVs supporting Dolby Atmos, its UHD models are backing another audio technology...

For the uninitiated, DTS Virtual:X is a post-processing audio technology designed to create the effect of an 11.1-channel (specifically 7.1.4) surround-sound set up through a 5.1 or even a stereo set-up.

We’ve heard (and been impressed by) the virtual surround sound technology in the Award-winning Yamaha YAS-207, and since then it’s been announced for selected Marantz and Denon AV receivers. But this marks the first time the technology has arrived in TVs.

MORE: LG 2018 TVs: 4K, OLED, LCD - everything you need to know

LG has so far confirmed DTS Virtual:X support for two models in its 2018 Ultra HD TV range: the UK7550PLA and UK6950PLA/B.

What does the technology mean for compatible TVs? In theory a more involving, psuedo-surround sound from their stereo speakers.

How effective that is in practice remains to be heard, but for now we’ll remain mildly sceptical that achieving a convincing virtual height and surround sound from a TV’s built-in speakers is possible.

Still, having also confirmed support for Dolby Atmos decoding across its 2018 OLED and SUHD ranges, LG seems commited to the audio side of TV - and who are we to argue with that?

MORE:

DTS:X - what is it? How can you get it?

8 of the best 4K HDR TVs 2018

The best TVs of CES 2018: LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony

Best TV deals - Smart, HD, 4K, OLED in March 2018

Dolby Atmos: what is it? How can you get it?

Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.