LG unveils eco-friendly soundbars with AI for superior audio

LG Electronics (LG) has embarked on a worldwide rollout of the 2021 LG Soundbar lineup, designed to deliver a premium audio experience, versatility and convenience for the consumer, and is good for the environment.  

The latest innovation in the LG audio experience raises the bar for eco-conscious designs and packaging. Besides high-quality audio, easy connectivity, smart functionality and stylish aesthetics, the soundbar is designed to complement LG TVs while fusing with a variety of interior décor.

LG 2021 Soundbar has also received coveted eco-certification for its environmentally friendly design involving use of recyclable materials, in addition to innovative packaging to minimize harmful impact of waste.   

The new soundbars also work perfectly in synch with the AI Sound Pro feature on LG TVs. Audio from the television is played through the soundbar via TV Sound Mode Share. The advanced speakers of the new soundbars are capable of delivering the superior audio processing power of AI Sound Pro.  

“This means LG’s soundbars now offer all the sound modes available on its latest TVs, allowing users to easily switch between the soundbar and TV using the television remote,” said LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director, Sa Nyoung Kim.

The 2021 LG Soundbar is compatible with multiple voice assistants including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri. ¹ It is now easier than ever for consumers to control devices and play their favorite music using compatible device and services. With support for Apple AirPlay 2, customers can stream, control, and share their favorite music and other content directly from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

LG’s 2021 soundbars inherit the performance capabilities of their predecessors, integrating features like Meridian Audio tuning and Meridian technology, when in Music Mode for an exceptionally authentic listening experience. A new feature, Meridian Horizon technology, has been developed through a partnership between LG and Meridian Audio, is available on the SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA,SP7Y and SPD7Y soundbar models.

Meridian Horizon up-mixes two-channel stereo content into immersive, multichannel audio to provide audiences with a truly enriching listening experience regardless of where they are in the room.

The new soundbars also support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for dynamic three-dimensional audio. They have Dolby Vision compatibility via 4K pass-through, ensuring picture and sound quality for genuinely cinematic home viewing. By combining up-firing front height channels with wireless rear up-firing height channels, they envelop the room in lush, textured sound.

Many of the new models are Hi-Res Audio certified, giving lossless playback at 24bit/96kHz with all the vibrancy and nuance of the original studio recording. Upgraded user convenience and easy connectivity are built into the 2021 LG Soundbar lineup with HDMI eARC support enabling a higher bitrate, high resolution content and uncompressed Dolby Atmos^® audio with just one cable.

The USB playback and Bluetooth streaming offer users more convenience to enjoy their favorite audio content. on the latest models. LG’s sophisticated AI features further elevate the user experience. AI Room Calibration steams optimal sound in any environment, using spatial awareness technology to measure a room’s dimensions then customizes the soundbar’s audio settings to suit specific characteristics of the space.

Also, AI Sound Pro relies on adaptive sound control to automatically adjust frequency range and sound field extension depending on which genre of content the user is watching – news, music or cinema.

While the importance of home entertainment has grown in the era of social distancing, so has concern for the environment and consumer support for companies and products that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. From production processes to the materials and packaging used, LG’s latest soundbars are designed with the health of the planet in mind.

“In its effort toward a sustainable future, LG is taking a more eco-minded approach to product development, packaging and shipping of its 2021 soundbars, the first audio products in the industry to receive SGS Eco Product Certification,” said LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director, Sa Nyoung Kim.

For many soundbar model cases LG replaced materials used in previous models with recycled materials. One model, SP7Y, features a jersey fabric made of recycled PET bottles.

Certified as Global Recycled Standard-compliant and UL environmental claim validated, each SP7Y soundbar means seven fewer plastic bottles occupying landfills. To reduce environmental impact and waste even further, LG adopted friendlier packaging for its entire soundbar lineup.

Using mainly recycled molded pulp and far less EPS foam and plastic, the packaging has earned Eco Product certification from Geneva-based global testing and inspecting firm, Generale de Surveillance (SGS).  

To receive this designation, the soundbars were recognized for having minimal environmental impact as they emit less air pollutants, contain few hazardous substances and provide a high degree of recyclability. Moreover, the L-shape design packaging means more units can fit in fewer trucks, translating into lower CO₂ emissions, crucial part to achieving environmental sustainability.

New LG Soundbar models including SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y and SPD7Y will begin rolling out starting this month in key markets in Europe and North America, with additional models coming later this year.

About The Author