Atypical product but whose success, underground, has always been confirmed, the TV headset oscillates especially between different types of transmissions according to the models and brands, for lack of a universal standard. This may change with the upcoming arrival of Bluetooth LE Audio.
This protocol notably allows a single transmitter to send an audio stream to several (or even an infinity) of receivers. It is this technology that the new Sennheiser RS 120-W uses, a sort of laboratory for this future Bluetooth protocol.
The base and the future
Externally, the RS 120-W is a completely classic TV headset. This super-auricular wireless model (foam that rests on the ears) with a very sober look comes with a dedicated base that provides both charging and the sound hub function. It thus integrates an input connection to be connected to the TV or other (a priori jack and optical), and a transmitter that transmits this signal to the headphones.
The device has several sound modes suitable for different situations: Speech, Music and Neutral. The RS 120-W announces no less than 20 hours of battery life, for a fairly spectacular (and no doubt very optimistic) range of 60 meters.
But the real strength of the whole, and its most striking argument, is the integration of the new Bluetooth LE Audio wireless transmission standard. As a reminder, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy by integrating an audio profile, so it no longer relies on Bluetooth Classic as is the case for current devices.
In addition to bringing a new optimized codec (with adaptive bitrate), the LC3, this standard comes with the Broadcast function (called Auracast on smartphones). This allows the transmitter to be associated with several helmets at the same time. On paper, it will therefore be possible to use this base with several RS 120-W, or even with several other LE Audio compatible headphones.
Available from August 30, the Sennheiser RS 120-W is announced at 130 euros.
Source: Sennheiser press release
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