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Sennheiser is trying to rejuvenate the highly specialized TV headphone market by introducing the popular earphone format true-wireless. So here are the Clear Set TVs, headphones made for exercise, but not only…
Unlike the markets for soundbars and mobile audio products, the world of TV headsets is advancing at a brisk pace. The acquisition of the consumer activities of Sennheiser (one of the only major manufacturers to have TV headset models in its catalog) by Sonova (hearing aid specialist) certainly inspired the two partners to revitalize the sector by differentiating themselves from the few remaining competitors.
A new pair of headphones true-wireless signed Sennheiser is therefore making its appearance this year: the Clear Set TVs which, as their name suggests, are intended above all for living room use, together with a television. The quality and clarity of vocal reproduction are still the key words here, but Clear Set TVs obviously intend to capitalize on the practical and discreet aspect of headphones. true-wireless. Regarding their design, this model has little to do with other headphones true-wireless resolutely nomadic from the German manufacturer, with an ovoid “teardrop” shape that seems particularly compact and light (6.9 g per earpiece), semi-auricular tips and very thin fin stabilizers to ensure the maintenance of the together.
A 6mm driver is housed in each earphone with an advertised frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, sensitivity of 100.5dB SPL (1kHz, 1mV) and harmonic distortion of less than 0. 5% (1kHz, 94dB SPL). © Sennheiser
For the primary use for which they are intended, the Clear Set TV headphones communicate directly with the television thanks to their very thin transmitter (6.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 cm) and an AirStream wireless protocol promising a latency very weak. The transmitter receives the audio stream (stereo PCM only) coming from the TV via its analogue/optical combo mini-jack input (Toslink). That said, Sennheiser’s headphones don’t stop there since they can also be connected via Bluetooth to any compatible device (smartphones, tablets, etc.) and are able to take calls thanks to their two beamforming microphones dedicated. Although they do not offer any active noise reduction function to isolate themselves as much as possible, the Clear Set TVs at least have an Ambient Awareness listening mode to remain aware of their surroundings.
The wireless transmitter must be powered via its micro-USB port to work. Sennheiser does not specify whether the two connection modes can be used in tandem (for example to take a call in the middle of a TV broadcast), or whether the headphones benefit from optimized latency reduction in Bluetooth. © Sennheiser
In terms of other features, the Clear Set TVs come with a companion app, different from the one compatible with other headphones. true-wireless from Sennheiser, which allows you to configure the touch controls and the sound reproduction of the headphones, or even to find them more easily. In this regard, five levels of “dialogue clarity” are offered for amplification up to 20 dB “high frequencies”. Nevertheless, the manufacturer does not seem to have integrated other specific options for the hearing impaired. In connection mode via the TV transmitter, the output volume control of the headphones can also be desynchronized from that of the TV so as not to disturb other users.
The Clear Set TVs would be able to operate for 15 hours with a charge in proprietary wireless connection, against 12 hours in Bluetooth. The charging case for the earphones would offer two additional recharges. The latter can be recharged via its USB-C port or by induction (Qi). © Sennheiser
The Clear Set TVs are, to our knowledge, the first attempt of their kind from a big name in audio in the TV headset sector. This particularity unfortunately comes at a high price: the model is launched at the price of 400 €.