Polk, Definitive Technology Refresh Soundbars With Bluetooth Connectivity, Rear-Channel Streaming

Sound United brands Polk Audio and Definitive Technology announced Bluetooth updates for their wireless speaker lines Monday in a pre-CES news release. Both brands have added wireless rear streaming capabilities and added Amazon Prime Music via the DTS PlayFi platform. Polk debuted the Omni SB1 Plus soundbar ($699), a refresh of the SB1, with Bluetooth connectivity allowing consumers to connect devices directly to the Omni SB1 Plus via a 3.5mm jack and re-stream audio content to other Omni wireless speakers in the home, the company said. The SB1 Plus, with a wireless subwoofer, has Polk VoiceAdjust technology consumers can use to isolate and adjust the voice channel when watching TV. The subwoofer supports wireless surround sound via two Omni S2 or S2R speakers, or a single Omni S6 speaker, the company said. The Polk Audio Omni S2R speaker ($249) also added Bluetooth connectivity. The battery-powered indoor/outdoor speaker, with DTS Play-Fi multi-room streaming, can operate for up to eight hours on a charge, said Polk. Definitive Technology's W Studio Micro soundbar will support wireless rear surround speakers beginning spring, said Definitive. The software update allows the Wireless Collection W7 and W9 speakers to pair with the soundbar and act as left and right rear channels within a home theater setup, the company said. Sound United President Kevin Duffy said the new home theater additions were in response to customer requests for features that take speakers’ role “beyond simply listening to music.”