As a reminder, the Q-Symphony 2.0 function consisted, in the presence of a Samsung Q-Series 2020/2021/2022 soundbar, of 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 3.0 version of this feature, it's not only all of the speakers on the TV that are activated and no longer just those located at the bottom of the screen, as with the Q-Symphony function, but the sound bar takes advantage of the TV's significant processor resources to optimize calibration and sound reproduction.
Samsung HW-Q990C, main developments
In addition to the Q-Symphony 3.0 label, the Samsung HW-Q990C has a few other developments, for example the SpaceFit Sound Pro process and the Gaming Pro 2.0 mode. The first, in the presence of a Samsung TV 2020/2021/2022/2023, this sends a succession of sound messages and analyzes their frequency response, their echo and the return speed to indicate to the sound bar the treatment optimum acoustics to be applied depending on the room (a microphone is present in the subwoofer for precise calibration of the latter). The second allows you to make the most of your favorite games with powerful bass.
Samsung HW-Q990C, total 22 speakers
The Samsung HW-Q990C 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-Q990C, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Adaptive Sound
As announced in the title of this news, the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The management of MP3, AAC, Wav, Ogg, Flac, AIFF, Alac and Wav files is also ensured.
Dolby Atmos wireless compatibility is of course required: a suitable soundtrack is therefore decoded and broadcast through the soundbar and the TV without any wired connection. Likewise, the subwoofer benefits from Acoustic Lens technology for a wider distribution of low frequencies.
Similarly, Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility makes it possible to enjoy content from a suitable device via streaming and transform the Samsung HW-Q990C 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.
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.
Samsung HW-Q990C, connectivity
In the menu of connectors, there are two HDMI CEC 2.0a inputs/output to use HDR10, HDR10+ and HDR Dolby Vision Pass-Trough, HDCP 2.3 certified, for perfect compatibility with Ultra HD Blu-Ray discs more an optic. 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-Q990C, SmartThings compatibilities
You should also know that Samsung has reduced the height of the HW-Q990C 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. Of course, the Samsung HW-Q990C, compatible with the SmartThings home application, can be easily integrated into a connected home installation. Likewise, Works with Alexa, Works with Hey Google, and Works with Apple AirPlay certifications are on the menu. It is therefore possible to control the Samsung HW-Q990C by voice via Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, respectively with an Amazon Echo, Google Home or HomePod type speaker.
Immediate availability in black finish. Indicative price: 1,499 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Samsung HW-Q990C:
• Type: soundbar
• System: 11.1.4
• Amplification: Class D
• Total power power: 656 W
• Speakers: 22
• Subwoofer: external wireless
• Technology(s): Q-Symphony 3.0
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• HDR10 compatibility
• HDR10+ compatibility
• HDR Dolby Vision compatibility
• CEC compatibility
• Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility
• eARC compatibility
• eARC
• MP3 compatibility
• AAC compatibility
• Ogg compatibility
• Flac compatibility
• Alac compatibility
• AIFF compatibility
• Wav compatibility
• 4K Pass-Trought function
• SmartThings function
• Adaptive Sound function
• SpaceFit Sound Pro function
• Game Mode Pro 2.0 function
• Inputs : 2 HDMI CEC 2.0b, 1 optical
• Outputs: 1 HDMI CEC 2.0b (with eARC function management)
• Other(s): wireless surround speakers
• Application : SmartThings
• Dolby Atmos decoders, DTS:X
• Voice assistants Works with Alexa, Works with Hey Google, Works with Apple Homekit
• HDCP 2.3 certification
• Hi- Res Audio
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 1232 x 69.5 x 138 mm for soundbar, 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4 mm for surrounds, 220 x 413 x 410 mm for the subwoofer
• Weight: 7.7 kg (bar) + 3.4 kg (surrounds) + 11.7 kg (subwoofer)
