Panasonic's new soundbar is first to support both DTS:X and DTS: Virtual X

Credit: DTS

Panasonic has launched the first-ever soundbar to support both DTS:X and DTS Virtual: X audio, meaning users will have the choice between object-based surround sound and virtual surround sound in one package. 

DTS:X is a type of cinema sound codec that uses object-based audio to position different sounds in a 3D space, much like its competitor, Dolby Atmos

Although it provides an immersive sound, DTS:X requires multiple speakers, including upward-firing tweeters. Of course, not everyone has the space for a full surround sound setup, which is why the inclusion of DTS Virtual: X in the Panasonic HT-SCB01 is so exciting.

Virtual sounds

Instead of physically assigning sound to different speakers, DTS Virtual: X electronically simulates the sound of a full surround sound speaker setup, without the need for multiple speakers. 

So, in theory, you can get the full cinematic sound experience by using your soundbar alone. 

The soundbar itself will initially only be available in Japan, with no word yet on pricing or an official release date. 

We have seen soundbars that feature DTS Virtual: X before; Yamaha released the MusicCast BAR 400, a $499 (£500 / AU$800) soundbar with Hi-Res Audio support up to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution, virtual DTS:X support and MusicCast multi-room audio functionality. 

TOPICS
Olivia Tambini

Olivia was previously TechRadar's Senior Editor - Home Entertainment, covering everything from headphones to TVs. Based in London, she's a popular music graduate who worked in the music industry before finding her calling in journalism. She's previously been interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on the subject of multi-room audio, chaired panel discussions on diversity in music festival lineups, and her bylines include T3, Stereoboard, What to Watch, Top Ten Reviews, Creative Bloq, and Croco Magazine. Olivia now has a career in PR.

Latest in Soundbars
The Sonos Arc Ultra in a living room, in front of plants and personal niknaks
Setting up the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar was one of the worst tech experiences of my life, but damn it sounds incredible
Bose Solo Soundbar 2 and remote
Owning a soundbar has been a game-changer for me – here are 5 cheap options I’d recommend
Sony HT-S2000 lowest price deal image
Get Dolby Atmos on a budget: the Sony HT-S2000 soundbar is back to its lowest ever price
Bose Smart soundbar on TV stand with TV showing The Batman
I'm amazed by the Bose Smart Soundbar’s features for the money, and am also impressed with its Dolby Atmos sound
Bose Solo Soundbar 2 against pink background with plant
It’s no dud, but this cheap Bose soundbar I reviewed felt a little outdated for this one reason
Sonos Arc Lowest Price 2024 deal image
The Sonos Arc is one of our favorite Dolby Atmos soundbars, and it's back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon
Latest in News
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature of macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Report: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one request
Google Gemini Calendar
Gemini is coming to Google Calendar, here’s how it will work and how to try it now
Lego Mario Kart – Mario & Standard Kart set on a shelf.
Lego just celebrated Mario Day in the best way possible, with an incredible Mario Kart set that's up for preorder now
TCL QM7K TV on orange background
TCL’s big, bright new mid-range mini-LED TVs have built-in Bang & Olufsen sound
Apple iPhone 16e
Which affordable phone wins the mid-range race: the iPhone 16e, Nothing 3a, or Samsung Galaxy A56? Our latest podcast tells all
An image of a Jackbox Games Party Pack
Jackbox games is coming to smart TVs in mid-2025, and I can’t wait to be reunited with one of my favorite party video games