Samsung Research America’s Audio Lab aims to provide TV fans with the best sound experience in the industry using Samsung audio technology. With the constant further development of TV sound technology, smart solutions such as the Q-Symphony and OTS (Object Tracking Sound) technologies have emerged.
The Ultra Slim Soundbars HW-S810B (available in black) and HW-S811B (available in white) were launched as a supplement for Samsung’s Premium TVs. These also fit perfectly with the S95B or The Frame. Samsung Newsroom spoke to Ema Souza Blanes from Samsung Research America’s Audio Lab. She is the expert behind the product validation and research process. That means she runs countless sound tests to optimize the sound for an immersive viewing experience.
Ema Souza Blanes, Samsung Research America Audio Lab
1. Hi Ema, tell us a bit about yourself and your role in the Samsung Audio Lab.
I’m a French audio engineer and have been working at Samsung Research America’s Audio Lab in Valencia, California, since graduating from the Arts et Métiers ParisTech (ENSAM) engineering school and Paris-Saclay University. My job in the audio lab is to do sound testing for product validation and general research purposes.
2. What are the new or current trends in the soundbar industry?
The immersive entertainment experience is a very important topic nowadays as more and more advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos are integrated into the home. Of course, soundbars have also followed the design trend for televisions, with the aim of fitting into the living environment with a slim and discreet design. Despite these new, sleek designs, sound quality and sonority remain at the heart of soundbar development.
3. Samsung recently introduced the Ultra Slim Soundbars HW-S810B and HW-S811B. What were some of the main goals in developing these models?
When developing the HW-S810B and HW-S811B, the aim was to combine the topics and trends mentioned above in one product. Our goal was to create a soundbar for our customers that would seamlessly fit into discrete screens like The Frame. Due to The Frame’s ultra-slim design, this presented us with a real challenge in terms of customization.
HW-S800B
4. The depth and height of the soundbar is 4 x 4 cm. A difficult size to accommodate all amplifiers and multi-channel speakers. What challenges did you face during the development process?
Many soundbars on the market that are meant to be slim or small usually have weaker integration of the subwoofer into the soundbar. The result is often a discolored sound, especially with voices. The challenge was to avoid this effect as much as possible and to ensure that the voices stay in the center of the sound field. This required bespoke soundbar transducers and a design that allowed a low crossover frequency to the subwoofer.
5. We noticed that the subwoofer looks different from previous models. Where does this difference come from?
Most subwoofers have an opening to improve bass response. Because the subwoofer of the HW-S810B and HW-S811B Ultra Slim Soundbars has a smaller enclosure that limits the size of the opening, we realized that this would create turbulent airflow, resulting in distortion and less bass. This limitation was solved by designing a passive radiator instead of an opening and a long throw 6.5 inch woofer that can displace as much air as a larger woofer.
6. Similar to other premium Samsung soundbars, this model also features a wireless connection between the soundbar and TV, as well as Dolby Atmos sound technology. What benefit do these features offer consumers?
Samsung’s 2022 soundbars feature Wireless Dolby Atmos connectivity, a wireless connection between the Smart TV and the soundbar. In this way, the TV speakers together with the soundbar speakers can deliver an impressive sound experience without any annoying cables. This reduction in the number of visible cables makes wall mounting easy. We live in a time when more and more consumers are looking for products that perfectly combine their sophisticated, personal style inside and outside the home with smart technology for a connected experience. I think our soundbars are a good example of how we’re responding to that need.
7. Samsung’s Q-Symphony sound technology has also improved even further over the past year. What’s new compared to the previous version?
In the 2021 TV models, Q-Symphony combined the power of top speakers and the soundbar. The new Q-Symphony improves the surround sound and immersive experience compared to the previous models through the so-called channel separation technology. It enables the soundbar and to work with all of the TV’s speakers, including the top, bottom and side speakers. This creates an expansive, powerful soundscape.
8. Is there anything else we should know about the Audio Lab and your work?
Sound testing is important to ensure the quality of our products. At Samsung, we work closely with our experienced listeners in various and rigorous listening tests, in which they give their opinion on our products, including the comparison between our previous models. The Ultra Slim Soundbars are no exception and showed convincing results, even when compared to larger soundbars.
