LG S90TY soundbar 5.1.3, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth

In a 5.1.3 layout the first number stands for the main channels at ear level, the second for the bass channel and the third for the height channels. Three height channels matter for Dolby Atmos: they carry sounds that should come from overhead, such as rain, an aircraft or a helicopter. The result is a more spacious sound field around the listener than ordinary stereo or a 3.1 system can create.

Dolby Atmos is the audio format used by many films and series on streaming services and on Blu-ray discs. Unlike conventional surround sound, Atmos also places sounds in height, and that is exactly what the three height channels in the S90TY layout are for. Atmos content plays without a separate AV receiver, which keeps the living room setup simple.

Among the five main channels is a centre channel, which places dialogue in the middle of the screen and keeps speech clear even under loud music and effects. The dedicated bass channel gives depth to explosions, music and sport that slim TV speakers cannot. Altogether this means you do not have to keep turning the volume up and down during a film.

Over Bluetooth you can connect a phone, tablet or laptop and play music straight through the soundbar. There is also one USB port. The supplier data does not list TV connections such as HDMI eARC or an optical input, so check them in the official LG product information and compare them with the ports on your TV before choosing.

The LG S90TY suits people who want home-cinema-style surround sound with height channels in the living room, without an AV receiver and a set of separate speakers. 5.1.3 channels and Dolby Atmos are aimed mainly at films and series, while Bluetooth adds everyday music listening. It has no radio and no karaoke.