As a reminder, the Q-Symphony 2.0 function consists in the presence of a connected Samsung Q-Series 2020/2021/2022 soundbar, taking advantage of the television speakers in addition to those of the soundbar to magnify the sound reproduction, its amplitude and its spatialization. And with the 2.0 version of this feature, all of the speakers on the TV are activated and no longer just those located at the bottom of the screen as with the Q-Symphony feature.
Samsung HW-Q990B, main developments
Another advantage of the Q-Symphony 2.0 label is wireless Dolby Atmos compatibility: a suitable soundtrack is therefore decoded and broadcast by the soundbar and the television without any wired connection. Similarly, the subwoofer benefits from Acoustic Lens technology for a wider distribution of low frequencies. Finally, on the menu of changes observed on the Samsung HW-Q990B compared to the Samsung HW-Q950A, a metal finish instead of a fabric one.
Samsung HW-Q990B, total 22 speakers
The Samsung HW-Q990B is supplied with a wireless surround speaker kit to recreate a real surround sound environment (see photo above). Namely, the total power delivered by the soundbar accompanied by its subwoofer and its surrounds (front + side HP + Up-Firing for each) displays 656 W for a total of 22 speakers. Each end of the soundbar has two speakers to further expand the sound space. The subwoofer is still a wireless specimen.
Samsung HW-Q990B, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit Sound+
As announced in the title of this news, the Samsung HW-Q990B soundbar is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Namely, the management of MP3, AAC, Wav, Ogg, Flac, AIFF and Alac files is ensured.
A "game" mode called Gaming Pro is on hand to make the most of your favorite games with powerful bass. For its part, the Adaptive Sound function, via a real-time analysis of the frequency of the signal, instantly optimizes the sound processing to best match the scene displayed on the screen.
The SpaceFit Sound+ feature is also available. In the presence of a Samsung 2020/2021/2022 TV, it sends a succession of sound messages and analyzes their frequency response, their echo and the return speed to indicate to the sound bar the optimum acoustic treatment to be applied in room function. Note, in 2022, a microphone is present in the subwoofer for precise calibration of the latter.
Similarly, Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility makes it possible to enjoy content from a suitable device via streaming and transform the Samsung HW-Q990B into a Hi-Fi system. Or even connect a suitable television wirelessly. Precision, it is also possible to connect TV and sound bar wirelessly through the Wi-Fi function. Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast (integrated) compatibilities are required.
Samsung HW-Q990B, connectivity
On the menu of connectors, there are two HDMI CEC 2.0a inputs/output to use HDR10+ and HDCP 2.2 certified for perfect compatibility with Ultra HD Blu-Ray discs plus an optical one. The HDMI output manages the eARC function. For owners of PS5 and Xbox Series X equipped with HDMI 2.1 outputs, you must therefore connect the console directly to the television and use the eARC function to enjoy the sound on the sound bar. Finally, equipped with a wall tie, the sound bar turns off and turns on automatically when the TV is turned on/off.
Samsung HW-Q990B, SmartThings and Bixby compatibility
You should also know that Samsung has reduced the height of the HW-Q990B to 69.5 mm, no more, in order to facilitate its integration under the brand's TVs of course, but also under most televisions on the market. Finally, the Samsung HW-Q990B, compatible with the SmartThings home application, can be easily integrated into a connected home installation. Likewise, the integration of the Bixby voice assistant allows voice control.
Available from April 14 in black finish. Indicative price: 1,499 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Samsung HW-Q990B:
• Type: soundbar
• System: 11.1.4
• Amplification: Class D
• Total power: 656 W
• Speaker(s): 22
• Subwoofer: external wireless
• Technology(ies): Q-Symphony 2.0
• eARC compatibility
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• HDR10+ compatibility
• CEC compatibility
• Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility
• eARC compatibility
• MP3 compatibility
• AAC
• Ogg compatibility
• Flac compatibility
• Alac compatibility
• AIFF compatibility
• Wav compatibility
• 4K Pass-Trought function
• Pro Game Mode function
• Bixby function
• SmartThings function
• Adaptive Sound function
• SpaceFit Sound+ function
• Input(s): 2 HDMI CEC 2.0b , 1 optical
• Output(s): 1 HDMI CEC 2.0b (with eARC function management)
• Other(s): wireless surround speakers
• Application: SmartThings
• Dolby Atmos decoder
• DTS:X decoder
• HDCP 2.2 certification
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 1,232 x 69.5 x 138 mm for sound bar, 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4 mm for the surrounds, 220 x 413 x 410 mm for the subwoofer
• Weight: 7.7 kg (bar) + 3.4 kg (surrounds ) + 11.7 kg (box)
