Sony Electronics Broadens Availability of 360 Spatial Sound Experience with Upgrade to HT-A7000 and HT-A5000 Premium Soundbars

(KUALA LUMPUR, 1 December 2022) – Sony Electronics today announced a software upgrade for the premium HT-A7000 and HT-A5000 soundbars, which will add the customer-loved 360 Spatial Sound Mapping capabilities that first premiered in the HT-A9 home theatre system in 2021[i]. Customers can access this innovative feature when connecting their soundbar to Sony’s new SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers, launching April 2022, or the currently available SA-RS3S wireless rear speakers.

With Sony’s revolutionary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, customers can feel sound from every direction and distance. Using Sound Field Optimisation, the soundbar uses built-in microphones to ingeniously measure the relative height and position of the soundbar and rear speakers. 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology then creates multiple phantom speakers by synthesising sound waves based on positional information. Thanks to this technology, Sony’s wide spatial sound field fills every part of the living space, so everyone gets the same sound experience, wherever they are in the room.

Customers can enhance the experience further by pairing with a compatible BRAVIA™ XR television. Using the Acoustic Centre Sync[ii] feature, both a soundbar and BRAVIA XR TV become the centre speaker in the home cinema system as part of the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping setup^1,2, enabling sound to precisely match what’s on the screen for clearer dialogue and a more immersive experience.

Add SA-RS5 optional wireless rear speakers for a richer and more immersive 360 Spatial Sound experience

Sony’s new SA-RS5[iii] wireless rear speakers deliver optimal sound quality and wide directivity for 360 Spatial Sound in combination with a compatible soundbar. They feature up-firing speakers for richer and more immersive 360 Spatial Sound as well as built-in battery power[iv] for up to 10 hours of playtime.

SA-RS5 Wireless Rear Speakers’ Key Features:

• Create immersive and clear sound: Up-firing speakers reflect sound off the ceiling for more immersive overhead audio. Both wide directivity woofers and soft dome tweeters create a rich, expansive soundstage that offers exceptional clarity. Dual passive radiators enhance low-end tones, giving bass a boost.
• Long-lasting battery life[v]: With up to 10 hours of battery life when fully charged, the speakers offer flexible installation to fit any living room setup. They can be charged out of sight and easily powered up to automatically make a wireless connection with a compatible soundbar. It’s quick and easy with no need for messy cables. If in a hurry, just 10 minutes of charge will give 90 minutes of use[vi]. SA-RS5 rear speakers also feature AC power connections for dual use.
• One touch sound calibration: The SA-RS5 comes with OPTIMISE buttons and dual microphones in each speaker. Activate Sound Field Optimisation by pressing the OPTIMISE button on the unit and the speakers, combined with a compatible soundbar, will intelligently measure the distance between the speakers and ceiling using dual microphones.
• Easily integrated speaker design: These speakers are designed using an Omnidirectional Block concept to match Sony’s compatible soundbars. The cylindrical shape represents a single solid block and their flat rear surface fits perfectly against a wall.

Pricing and Availability

The HT-A5000 will be available in Malaysia from 12 December 2022.

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About Sony Malaysia

Sony (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. began operations in Malaysia on 31 October 1973. The company specializes in marketing, sales and services for a wide range of consumer electronics products as well as broadcast & professional products and solutions. There are in total of 2 Sony Stores and 35 Sony Centre outlets nationwide, which offering consumers the latest Sony products and services.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and  responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the vision of “continuing to deliver Kando and Anshin to people and society across the world through the pursuit of technology and new challenges,” Sony will create products and services in areas such as home entertainment & sound, imaging, and mobile communications. For more information, visit: www.sony.net.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Alvin Chan
Sony Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
T: + 019.3277536
E: Alvin.Chan@sony.com

[i] Compatible rear speakers (SA-RS3S, SA-RS5) and a software update on the soundbar are required to enjoy 360 Spatial Sound by 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. Software update available by Spring 2022. Soundbar OTA (Over-The-Air) software update available by Spring 2022. Network connection required for software updates.

[ii] BRAVIA Acoustic Centre Sync mode works with the following models: Z9K series, A95K series, A90K series, A80K series, A75K series, X95K series, X90K series, X90S series, X85K series, X80K series, Z9J series, A90J series, A80J series and X95J series. Product availability varies by country.

[iii] To use the SA-RS5, compatible soundbar (sold separately) is required: HT-A5000, HT-A7000

[iv] Built-in battery charging time will take about 4 hours (when using supplied AC adaptor). Actual charging time may vary from the time above due to the surrounding temperature and usage conditions.

[v] The battery life may differ from the stated time depending on usage conditions such as volume, type of sound source, connected model, ambient temperature of the device, etc.

[vi] When using supplied AC adaptor.