World’s First 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Sound bar HT-Z9F with Virtual Three-Dimensional Surround Sound Powered by Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine

World’s
First 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Sound bar[1]
HT-Z9F with Virtual Three-Dimensional Surround Sound Powered by Sony’s Vertical
Surround Engine

Experience a new level
of impressive cinematic-audio environment with sound from every direction
without ceiling reflection or extra
speakers thanks to Sony’s unique Vertical Surround Engine

(SINGAPORE, 9
January 2018) – Sony Electronics announced today the world premiere of
Dolby Atmos supported sound bars, the HT–Z9F and HT–X9000F, all
designed to further an enhanced, connected, and compelling listening experience
for consumers. The premium HT-

Z9F Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X™ developed
through Sony’s unique virtual technology brings a new level of impressive
cinematic-audio environment to any home entertainment set up. The new Vertical
Surround Engine from Sony provides a breath-taking virtual three-dimensional
surround sound experience, without the need for ceiling reflection or up-firing
speakers.

Additionally, the HT-X9000F Sound Bar is offered in a
different design concept that matches the distinctive design of Sony BRAVIA
True 4K TVs. The 2.1ch bar brings cinematic surround sound features of Dolby
Atmos/DTS:X and Vertical Surround Engine. The HT-X9000F embraces the
sophistication of Sony BRAVIA TVs by enhancing entertainment and blending
effortlessly with the comfort of your home with natural texture and slimmer
bodies.

With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, the 3.1ch
sound bar HT-Z9F is capable of totally immersing its audience with
three-dimensional sound in its compact, yet proficient size. Measuring a sleek
100 cm × 6.4 cm × 9.9 cm (3.1 kg) for the bar speaker and a discreet 19 cm x
38.2 cm x 38.6 cm (8.1 kg) for the subwoofer, the HT-Z9F will fit nicely into
any chosen home décor.  

With the introduction of the Sony Vertical Surround
Engine in the Z9F sound bar, audiences will get a sense of helicopters whizzing
above and car chase action around you. Combined with the S-Force PRO Front
Surround technology that improves the existing surround sound now recreates the
feeling of being surrounded by speakers for a true home theatre environment.
Even without Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, virtual three-dimensional sound is
enjoyed thanks to “Vertical S.” button on remote that pushes the HT-Z9F to up
mix 2ch stereo content up to 7.1.2ch. If users wish to add on a pair of rear
speakers, the SA-Z9R[2] is
specially designed to go with the HT-Z9F and can extend the surround sound
experience for real surround sound set up.

The HT-Z9F and HT-X9000F supports 4K HDR and Dolby
Vision™ so that the original picture quality is passed through the bar directly
to the TV without any loss of quality, resulting in great colour clarity and
brightness. It supports high-resolution audio formats.

Music files can be enjoyed to near high-resolution
audio quality thanks to DSEE HX™ (digital sound enhancement engine feature).

Both sound bars are designed to match a selection of
the new Sony BRAVIA® TVs’ aesthetic for an elegant set-up. The sound
bars’ shape fits perfectly between the base of a Sony BRAVIA TV. Additionally,
the HT-X9000F has the edges chamfered off at an angle to fit against the legs
of a Sony TV stand, and specifically matches the design of the Sony X9000F TV.

Ideal for minimalist interiors, the slim design blends
seamlessly into any living space. The two sound bars give the option to go
cable-free via Bluetooth® connectivity[3] for added simplicity. The
Z9F also has Wi-Fi connectivity for access to music service from the Chromecast
built-in[4]. It
also works with Google Assistant [5]
so that you can enjoy a new voice-operated music experience. By talking
to a smart speaker such as Google Home, you can play music from streaming
services from the HT-Z9F, or use multi-room playback, which feeds the same
music simultaneously from corresponding audio equipment in the home network. A
refreshed and intuitive user interface makes it easier to set up and use with
Sony TVs. With up to 2 HDMI input and 1 output connectivity, multiple devices
can be connected to the sound bar. Both models also have USB connectivity in
addition to Bluetooth® technology.  

Sony’s new unique surround technology Vertical
Surround Engine makes it possible to reproduce “vertical” sound without needing
ceiling speakers nor Dolby Atmos Enabled

Speakers. No longer dependent on a room’s environment,
this unique surround sound technology allows HT-Z9F and HT-X9000F to give the
Atmos/DTS:X experience with a thin profile without using Dolby Atmos Enabled
Speakers and rear speakers, letting you enjoy sound from all directions with
7.1.2 surround sound. 

The HT-Z9F and HT-X9000F will be available in Singapore in the second
quarter of 2018.