Panasonic adding aptX Bluetooth to TV range
New Panasonic TVs will receive high quality Bluetooth streaming tech to make connecting soundbars and surround sound systems simpler
Panasonic has just become the first TV manufacturer to sign up aptX for its upcoming range, meaning next year’s range will include high quality Bluetooth wireless streaming built right into the set.
AptX Bluetooth technology replicates the entire frequency of an audio stream, providing the best possible audio quality compared to other Bluetooth codecs where sound is downsampled or compressed. With aptX built in to future Panasonic TVs, the company will be able to sell soundbars, surround sound kits and multi-room speakers that pair up with a TV wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables. It’s currently unclear whether anyone buying a new Panasonic TV will be able to stream music from a smartphone or tablet out of the TV’s integrated speakers, however.
CSR, the company behind aptX, says its technology is already being used by over 250 manufacturers, with Panasonic itself already using it in several audio products inlcuding headphones, speakers and soundbars, but today marks the first time the tech has been signed up to appear in a TV.
“Panasonic exemplifies how high-end brands are adopting aptX to deliver the highest quality Bluetooth audio in both source devices and accessories,” CSR senior VP Anthony Murray said of the announcement. “Consumers want to enjoy a rich wireless audio listening experience wherever they are and whatever device they’re listening through. Brands are recognising this, which is why aptX continues to be integrated into new types of devices.”
Although neither company has said when we can expect the first Panasonic TVs with aptX built in to actually arrive in stores, Berlin’s IFA show is just around the corner so it could be a matter of months before we get to experience them for the first time.