Samsung Unveils HDMI 2.1-Equipped Q990D Soundbar at CES 2024

Samsung has addressed the main concern from last year’s HW-Q990C review by introducing the HW-Q990D soundbar with HDMI 2.1 at CES 2024. The new model offers 4K/120 passthrough, making it a more competitive option in the market. The design remains the same, but the soundbar continues to support wireless Dolby Atmos with an 11.1.4-channel sonic setup.

Samsung has added new features to the Q990D, including a Private Listening mode that turns off all front-firing drivers and uses only the rear speakers. A new Party Play mode creates a balanced sound across the soundbar and rear speakers. These new modes will also be available in the Q910D, Q800D, and Q730D. The entire Q-Series still works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby, and supports Chromecast and AirPlay.

When connected to a compatible Samsung TV, the Q990D’s sound can be analyzed by the display’s NPU processor to smooth out sharp notes and bass tones for optimal results. Q-Symphony is back, adding the speakers from a Samsung TV to the Q990D and some of the company’s other soundbars to provide a more robust living room audio setup. The Q990D also supports Roon, a high-resolution music streaming service.

Samsung has updated its ultra-slim S-Series lineup with a new 35-inch-wide S700D model designed to fit better with TVs sized 55 inches and smaller. The company promises the same “impressive sound quality” as the 46-inch S800D and S810D. All of these ultra-slim soundbars are meant to be used with low-profile displays or in cases where customers don’t want the imposing stature of something like the Q990D. They’re about a third of the depth of a typical soundbar and offer wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, and other premium features, but they top out at 3.1.2-channel setups. The S800D now has HDMI eARC.

No pricing or availability information is available yet for the Q990D or any of the other new models. The Q990C arrived in the spring last year and was originally priced at $1,900, including two wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The top-of-the-line ultra-slim model, the S800B, was $900 at launch and included a wireless subwoofer. We’re likely to get pricing info from Samsung closer to the shipping date for all of the 2024 items.

Samsung is reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.