TCL Brings Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs

Rhea-AI Summary

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) and TCL announced that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will be integrated into TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TV lineup, including the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K models. This innovative feature allows users to place wireless speakers anywhere in a room while optimizing sound quality for any configuration. TCL will launch the Z100 smart panoramic sound speaker, compatible with FlexConnect-enabled TVs, allowing connection of up to four speakers. The technology addresses common room constraints and speaker placement challenges, automatically optimizing Dolby Atmos rendering for the best possible experience. Dolby Atmos has seen widespread adoption across entertainment platforms, with 98% of top box office films, major streaming services, 93% of Billboard's top artists, sports broadcasts, and gaming platforms supporting the technology.

Positive

• New Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology provides greater flexibility and adaptability for home entertainment systems
• Partnership with TCL expands Dolby's market reach through integration with premium TV lineup
• Strong market presence of Dolby Atmos across multiple entertainment segments (movies, streaming, music, sports, gaming)
• Launch of compatible TCL Z100 speaker system creates additional revenue opportunities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Audio Technology Analyst

Dolby expands its immersive audio ecosystem through strategic TCL partnership, strengthening market position in premium home entertainment.

This partnership represents a significant expansion of Dolby's audio technology ecosystem. The integration of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect across TCL's premium QD-Mini LED lineup (QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K series) creates substantial new distribution channels for Dolby's proprietary audio technology.

The strategic value of this deal lies in how it addresses a critical consumer pain point. Traditional surround sound systems require precise speaker placement that many living spaces can't accommodate. FlexConnect's ability to optimize audio regardless of speaker position removes this adoption barrier, potentially increasing both hardware sales and content consumption.

TCL's commitment extends beyond just embedding the technology - they're launching companion Z100 speakers specifically designed for FlexConnect, creating an additional revenue stream tied directly to Dolby's technology. This suggests a comprehensive ecosystem strategy rather than merely a feature addition.

The press release strategically emphasizes Dolby's content ecosystem dominance with specific metrics: 98% of top box office films, 93% of Billboard top artists, and availability across 100+ streaming services. This demonstrates that Dolby has effectively secured the content side of the audio market, and is now strengthening the hardware side through partnerships like this.

For Dolby, this partnership follows their established business model of licensing proprietary technology rather than manufacturing hardware directly, allowing them to scale across multiple manufacturers while maintaining higher margins than hardware producers typically achieve.

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect to power forthcoming wireless speaker through
the company's premium TV lineup

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dolby Laboratories, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, and TCL, one of the world's best-selling TV brands, announced that support for Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is coming to TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs in its Precise Dimming Series, including the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is a new feature that unlocks the ability to place speakers anywhere you choose, while optimizing the sound experience to fit any room layout or speaker configuration. It provides a customized Dolby Atmos experience where any seat will feel like the best seat in the house.

TCL will also introduce the Z100 smart, panoramic sound speaker, designed to pair with TCL's lineup of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled TVs. Starting this summer, customers can connect up to four Z100 speakers working alongside the TV speakers to create a tailored Dolby Atmos experience.

"The launch of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect across TCL's Precise Dimming Series marks a new chapter of personalized home audio experiences," said John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. "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."

"TCL and Dolby share a long history of redefining home entertainment – TCL's entire 2025 4K TV lineup sport Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, all of our full feature sound bars use Dolby Atmos, and soon we'll have Dolby Atmos FlexConnect," said Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President at TCL North America. "Dolby Atmos FlexConnect empowers customers to enjoy a premium immersive audio experience that's tailored to their unique preferences and spaces."

Consumers seek the best audio from their sound systems, but room constraints often make optimal speaker placement a challenge. Whether due to room size, outlet locations, or balancing sound performance with aesthetics, positioning speakers can be frustrating. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect unlocks the freedom to place one or more wireless speakers anywhere in a room without having to worry whether they are placed perfectly. The solution 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.

The launch of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect in the United States follows the explosive growth of Dolby Atmos content around the globe, which is the leading and only immersive audio experience spanning all your favorite entertainment – from film to streaming, music, sports, gaming, and beyond.

• Movies: 98 of the top 100 box office titles from the past five years were in Dolby Atmos with all major Hollywood studios releasing their latest films in Dolby Atmos for both theatrical and home distribution.
• Streaming: Dolby Atmos is supported across the major global streamers, including 100+ streaming and PayTV services worldwide, which continue to release their most watched movies and shows in Dolby Atmos.
• Music: 93% of Billboard's 2024 Year End Top 100 Artists have released music in Dolby Atmos with all three major record labels and thousands of independent artists delivering tracks to 20+ enabled music streaming services worldwide.
• Sports: Fans can watch sports weekly in Dolby Atmos, including the most watched games of the year like the Big Game.
• Gaming: Gamers can enjoy their favorite games in Dolby Atmos, across two of the world's most popular game consoles.

About Dolby
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) is a world leader in immersive entertainment. From movies and TV, to music, sports, gaming, and beyond, Dolby transforms the science of sight and sound into spectacular experiences for billions of people worldwide across all their favorite devices. We partner with artists, storytellers, and the brands you love to transform entertainment and digital experiences through groundbreaking innovations like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, Dolby Cinema, and Dolby OptiView.

About TCL
TCL Electronics specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world's largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For additional product information, please visit www.tcl.com for the full portfolio.

Media Contacts:
Dolby
Cairon "Jamie" Armstrong
Cairon.Armstrong@Dolby.com

Andrea Villarreal
Andrea.Villarreal@dolby.com

TCL
Rachelle Parks
Rachelle.Parks@tcl.com

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SOURCE Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

FAQ

What is Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and how will it work with TCL's 2025 TVs?

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is a new feature that allows users to place wireless speakers anywhere in a room while automatically optimizing sound quality. It will be integrated into TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TV lineup (QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K models) and can connect up to four Z100 speakers alongside TV speakers.

When will TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled TVs be available?

TCL's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled TVs will be available in 2025, with the Z100 speaker system launching in summer 2025.

How widespread is Dolby Atmos adoption in entertainment?

Dolby Atmos has extensive adoption across entertainment: 98 of top 100 box office films, 100+ streaming services, 93% of Billboard's 2024 Top 100 Artists, weekly sports broadcasts, and major gaming consoles support the technology.

What models of TCL TVs will feature Dolby Atmos FlexConnect?

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will be available on TCL's 2025 QD-Mini LED TVs in the Precise Dimming Series, specifically the QM8K, QM7K, and QM6K models.

How many Z100 speakers can be connected to TCL's FlexConnect-enabled TVs?

Users can connect up to four Z100 smart panoramic sound speakers to work alongside the TV speakers with TCL's FlexConnect-enabled TVs.