Tomasz Wadowski
If you were counting on full surround sound support in the new LG televisions from 2025, unfortunately, we have some bad news. As reported by Vincent Teoh from HDTVTest.co.uk on his X profile, this year's models, including the flagship LG G5, do not support DTS:X format. This information has been confirmed based on the technical data (EDID), and it appears that this applies to the whole series this year – both OLED and LCD.
Why DTS:X?
In short: if you use a home cinema, stream films from Disney+, or care about the best possible sound – the lack of DTS:X may be a problem. In the models we tested from 2024, LG offered support for basic DTS, and even for the DTS:X version. Unfortunately, now everything is going back to square one – LG is exclusively focusing on Dolby formats (Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, etc.).
And what about soundbars?
It gets a bit more interesting here. It seems that LG soundbars will still support DTS:X – so if you are using an external audio system, not everything is lost. You just need to connect the audio source (e.g. a console or Blu-ray player) directly to the soundbar or amplifier, not to the television – as it will no longer pass on the DTS sound.
Small step back… and hope for the future?
It is hard not to get the impression that this is a step back, especially since rivals – like Samsung – have already taken the same path. The reason? Probably licensing issues that manufacturers are trying to circumvent. On the other hand, there is also a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Google recently showcased a new audio standard called Eclipsa Audio, which worked, among others, on LG televisions from 2025 and beyond. This could be the future, but for now – it is just the beginning of the journey.
What to do?
If you care about DTS:X support and are considering purchasing an LG television, it is worth reaching for the models from 2024 before they disappear from stores – this usually happens around autumn. The models we have tested, LG C4 and G4, still support DTS and may prove to be a better choice for home cinema fans.
Source: Vincent Teoh, flatpanelshd.com
