Bravia Theater: Sony wants to put you at the heart of the action with its new home cinema systems

Alongside the announcement of its 2024 TVs, Sony also unveiled its new range of home cinema products: Bravia Theater. With this nickname, Sony reinforces the synergy between its TV and soundbar ranges to help consumers better navigate among the myriad of products offered. Under the nickname Bravia Theater are grouped all the high-end products from Sony capable of making you feel the thrill of a movie theater. There are two soundbar models (Bravia Theater Bar 9 and Bar 8), an all-in-one system (Bravia Theater Quad) and a neckband speaker: Bravia Theater U.

Bravia Theater Bar 9 & Bar 8: Upscale gets better

Replacing the HT-A7000 and HT-A5000 respectively, the Bravia Theater Bar 9 and Bar 8 top the Sony soundbar range. They stand out from their predecessors with a completely revised design, much more discreet than before. The Bar 9, the most premium model, has 13 speakers for a size of 130 x 6.4 x 11.3 cm while the Bar 8, a little more modest, is based on an architecture of 11 speakers to a template measuring 110 x 6.4 x 11.3 cm.

Both benefit from numerous onboard technologies, including 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, which allows the creation of a multitude of phantom speakers around the listening position to immerse the listener in the heart of the action. This technology is directly integrated into the bar on this range whereas previously it was necessary to add SA-RS3 satellite speakers to benefit from it.

We also find Sound Field Optimization technology, a calibration system which adapts the sound reproduction according to the listening room, Acoustic Center Sync, which allows the TV speakers to play at the same time as those of the the bar, and the Voice Zoom 3 functionality, which improves the clarity of dialogue. Many of these settings can be controlled through the Bravia Connect app, formerly called Home Entertainment Connect).

The Bravia Theater Bar 9 and Bar 8 are obviously Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, but also IMAX Enhanced. They benefit from Bluetooth and wifi connectivity and have an HDMI 2.1 input allowing you to enjoy your games in 4K/120 Hz.

Sony is not announcing any price at the moment, but the Bravia Theater Bar 9 and Bar 8 should display a price similar to the previous bars, namely €1,300 and €1,000. You will also have to wait until the end of May to see them hit the shelves.

Bravia Theater Quad: pedestals to position wherever you want

The Bravia Theater Quad is an all-in-one home theater system that replaces the old HT-A9. This system is based on four speakers that can be positioned wherever you want in your listening room. It relies on 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology to recreate an immersive soundstage; each speaker knows the position of the others to adapt its sound reproduction. Let us remember, however, that if each speaker communicates wirelessly with the others, they each need to be connected to the mains to operate.

Here too, the difference with the previous model is mainly in terms of design. Exit the studs of the HT-A9, the Bravia Theater Quad is based on flat speakers (28.9 x 27.5 x 5.5 cm) which are easier to hang on walls. Each speaker is also equipped with an additional driver compared to those of the HT-A9, bringing the set to 16 speakers in total.

In terms of functionality, the Bravia Theater Quad follows its use on the sound bars mentioned above. The system is therefore entitled to Sound Field Optimization, Acoustic Center Sync, Voice Zoom 3, Bluetooth/wifi, HDMI 2.1 port… No prices here either, but expect a price around €2000.

Bravia Theater U: a neck speaker so as not to wake the neighbors

Alongside these new home cinema solutions, Sony also unveiled the Bravia Theater U, a neckband speaker for enjoying a cinema experience without disturbing your neighbors. Compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it recreates a spacious soundstage thanks to 360 Spatial Sound technology. It is possible to connect up to two Bravia Theater U to the same TV and the neck speaker also has Bluetooth connectivity to pair your phone. Sony announces 12 hours of battery life and a featherweight of 268 g so as not to tire your shoulders during feature films.