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

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.

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:

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Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.