Verizon and Bang & Olufsen make soundbars collectively for the cord-cutters

Verizon already sells equipment like telephone circumstances and chargers, however along with electronics like digital image frames and tablets, there are additionally… soundbars. Verizon introduced in the present day that it’s releasing two new soundbars with a built-in Verizon Stream TV streaming field. The $399.99 Stream TV Soundbar and $999.99 Stream TV Soundbar Professional are each constructed by Bang & Olufsen, with the Professional mannequin sporting an identical housing to the much more costly Beosound Stage, however with 9 drivers inside as an alternative of 11.

The idea of a soundbar with streaming {hardware} hidden inside is nothing new, as Roku, JBL, and others have some choices to cut back the muddle in your leisure heart.

Since Verizon’s Stream TV system is a skinned Android TV that features Verizon’s companies, it additionally touts Google Assistant and all of the streaming companies you possibly can identify: HBO Max, Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, and extra. Verizon usually solely permits TV subscribers entry to the Stream TV field, however with these new soundbars, you don’t have to be a Verizon subscriber to test it out — making it fairly cord-cutter pleasant (although you have to to register with Verizon to make use of it).

Each of the soundbars stream 4K content material, output digital Dolby Atmos sound, and help HDMI 2.1 with a number of inputs — two on the cheaper mannequin and three on the Professional. Each additionally function Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Chromecast, however the Airplay 2 help that the Beosound Stage consists of isn’t accessible right here.

For those who select to just accept the post-cable front room that Verizon is constructing, then you possibly can order the brand new soundbars in the present day. Verizon additionally has a promotion to save lots of 30 to 40 p.c off gadgets like these soundbars if you are going to buy three, 4, or 5 eligible equipment which might be greater than $20.

I added each of the brand new Verizon soundbars (different manufacturers had been ineligible for the promotion) and three Verizon telephone charging equipment and obtained the costs of the Stream TV soundbars right down to $239.99 for the cheaper one and $599.99 for the Professional. It’s an uncommon path to a house theater improve and nonetheless dearer than the most affordable Atmos-compatible one-piece audio options. Nevertheless it might be a method so as to add Dolby Atmos sound processing and cut back muddle in the lounge whereas restocking on telephone chargers . It may additionally be a very good deal for TV subscribers turning into cord-cutters… Verizon doesn’t appear to thoughts.