You just bought a shiny new LG OLED TV and are realizing the sound from those impossibly thin built-in speakers is rather anemic. A soundbar seems like an easy audio upgrade – but shelf-rattling sound quality comes at a cost.
Should you invest in a LG soundbar with premium Dolby Atmos surround sound? I‘ll walk you through everything to consider before pulling the trigger.
Let Me Introduce Myself
I‘m Mike, a home theater equipment analyst here at History Computer. I track the latest A/V trends and gadget releases, compiling in-depth research to cut through marketing hype with real-world facts.
I‘ve reviewed hundreds of soundbars and understand this market inside and out. My goal is to translate complex audio jargon into practical buying advice on the best soundbar for your needs and budget.
Consider me your friendly expert guide through this overview of LG‘s popular Dolby Atmos soundbar lineup!
First, What is Dolby Atmos and Why Do You Want It?
Dolby Atmos is an object-based surround sound format introduced in movie theaters in 2012. It adds a height dimension that allows for ultra-precise sound placement in a 3D space versus conventional surround sound.
This means helicopter audio effects can pan directly overhead rather than vague side surround speakers. Atmos creates immersive atmospherics that pull you into the on-screen action, fully engaging your senses.
According to sales figures from analyst group Futuresource Consulting, Dolby Atmos adoption has grown exponentially in recent years:
| Year | Atmos Hardware Sales | Year-Over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 million units | +100% |
| 2019 | 4 million units | +300% |
| 2020 | 8 million units | +100% |
LG has emerged as a top manufacturer of Dolby Atmos soundbars bringing cinema-quality audio into homes. But are they the right choice over rival brands?
LG Dolby Soundbars – A Brief History
Based in Seoul, LG Electronics has been producing audio equipment since 1958. But they came late to the soundbar game only releasing their first model in 2013.
Competitor Samsung beat them to market by 5 years, establishing an early lead in the category. But slow and steady can win the race too…
While Samsung offered buggy first-generation Atmos integration, LG took the time to perfect the technology before releasing their inaugural Dolby Atmos soundbar – the SJ9 – in mid-2017 to rave reviews.
"LG has hit a home run with the SJ9. It‘s an all-around upgrade for your home theater." – CNET
Since then, LG has expanded their Atmos lineup to over 10 models ranging from budget-friendly to luxury-tier.
Meanwhile Samsung continues to dominate overall market share in the soundbar category across all price bands:
Soundbar Market Share by Vendor (Source: NPD Group, Jan. 2021 – Dec. 2021)
But LG matches their much larger Korean rival by targeting an audio "sweet spot" – the mid-range price segment where most consumer demand lies.
Can LG‘s focused Dolby Atmos soundbar offering compete with the breadth of options from category leader Samsung? Let‘s break it down…
LG Dolby Soundbars: What‘s Included
All LG…