Skip to main content

Definitive Technology launches two new high-end, Chromecast-enabled soundbars

High-end loudspeaker manufacturer Definitive Technology has announced the launch of two new soundbars, aiming to capture the hard-earned dollars of consumers who want great home theater sound, but don’t have the space (or desire) for a bigger-footprint surround sound system in their living room.

Called the Studio Advance and Studio Slim, the two new models both boast custom-tuned subwoofers to go alongside the soundbars. Those who are after a more immersive digital surround experience will likely be more interested in the Studio Advance model, which offers simulated 5.1 surround sound. The smaller Studio Slim offers more typical 3.1 (center, right, and left channel) sound.

Both new soundbars feature 4K and high dynamic range (HDR) pass through, as well as HDMI ARC, which allows those with smart TVs to pass audio from their TV to the soundbar when using streaming apps that are built into their TV’s software.

The two new products are the result of the company’s extensive efforts to engage with consumers regarding what they’d like to see the company design and manufacture.

“Definitive Technology has produced several award-winning audio products over the past several years. However, we’re not resting on our laurels and have tuned into customer feedback to produce two new sound bars that we believe will surprise and delight consumers all over the globe,” said Skylar Gray, Definitive Technology’s global brand director, in a press release. “We built the Studio Advance and Studio slim sound barsto address sound, technology and design needs from the audiophile as well as TV, movie, music and sports enthusiasts. The addition of HDMI ARC, Chromecast and 4K pass through, paired with Definitive Technology’s ultra-accurate, room-filling sound, make these soundbars an easy choice for anyone serious about quality content.”

Both new models feature advanced audio technology like discrete transducers and amplifiers, and three aluminum dome tweeters for crisp high-end reproduction, in addition to the company’s hyper-advanced digital signal processing, which allows for extreme control of the sound profile.

Such great sound doesn’t come cheap: The Studio Slim will retail for $899 and the Studio Advance will retail for $1,299.

For more information about the new soundbars, we recommend checking out the Definitive Technology website. As usual, if you’re looking to buy a new soundbar, we also highly encourage you to check out our list of the best options available on the market right now.

Parker Hall
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…
There’s a rare deal on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones today
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones seen in black.

The massively popular Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones rarely appear in headphone deals, so if you've had your eye on them for quite a while, you're in luck because they're currently $51 off on Walmart. From their original price of $400, you'll only have to pay $349, but only if you hurry because we don't expect stocks to last long. You're going to miss out on the offer if you take too long, so don't hesitate -- add the wireless headphones to your cart and check out as fast as you can.

Why you should buy the Sony WH-1000XM5
The best headphones that you can buy right now are the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, and it's not even close. At the heart is their outstanding wireless sound, supported by top-quality active noise cancellation that uses two processors and eight microphones to block all unwanted sound, as well as crystal-clear hands-free calling using four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing. The wireless headphones also offer Bluetooth multipoint connection so that you can quickly switch between different devices, touch controls for functions like adjusting volume and calling your digital assistant, and Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention features to stop your music and let ambient sound in without having to take them off.

Read more
Sony’s premium soundbars will finally get support for VRR, ALLM
Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos soundbar close-up of top panel.

It's been a long time coming, but the wait is almost over. Sony's premium home theater soundbars are set to receive a software update that will add support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low-latency mode (ALLM), two HDMI 2.1 gaming features that have been absent since these products launched.

The soundbars in question are the Sony HT-A5000, HT-A7000, and the multi-wireless speaker HT-A9 system. All three are scheduled to receive the update this fall, but Sony has declined to share specific timing, saying only that there will be more information closer to the rollout date.

Read more
What is Roku? The streaming platform explained
A roku powered TV hanging on a wall running Roku OS 12.

How do you get your Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Prime Video fix? Chances are it's through a streaming device or smart TV, and there's a good chance that it's through a Roku device or one running its pioneering streaming operating system. At this point, cord-cutting is old news, and Roku was one of the earliest companies to drive the adoption of web-based streaming with its self-contained, app-driven devices.

Today, watching something "on Roku" is standard parlance and the company's popular platform can be found baked into some of the biggest TV brands in the world as well as in its own lineup of streaming devices sticks, and set-top boxes. Even so, that doesn't mean you totally get what a Roku actually is. What is Roku? How does Roku work? Do you need a subscription to use it? Is it just a device you buy, or is it software?

Read more