Sony’s Shohei Toyoda talks about the change in the brand’s approach to soundbars, what’s in store for gamers with the Sony Bravia Theatre Quad, and more

Updated on 04-Jun-2024

Sony has established itself as one of the most well-known audio brands in India. This success of the brand can be attributed to its commitment towards building products that have ensured that the boundaries of innovation are always being pushed forward. The latest addition to their home audio systems product portfolio, the Sony Bravia Theatre Quad, is a testament to that drive for innovation.

The Bravia Theatre Quad is their flagship home audio system, with a standout form factor. Instead of going with a standard bar and subwoofer form factor, Sony switched things up and made the satellite speakers into panels, which are slated to blend in with the aesthetics of the space they are placed in. To ensure that the consumers do not miss out on the centre channel, the brand has integrated the Bravia Theatre Quad into their TV lineup, doubling up Bravia TV speakers as the centre channel. We experienced the soundbar at the Digit Test Centre and will put out our thoughts soon. But, to give you a sneak peek into what our thoughts are – it certainly is something special.

On the back of this launch, we got a chance to speak to Sony India’s Head of Audio Business, Mr Shohei Toyoda and quizzed him about the brand’s approach towards building such a product, their potential shift in approach towards home audio systems, and how the new Bravia Theatre Quad will serve the gamers. Here’s what we found out –

With the launch of the BRAVIA Theatre Quad, what changes are expected in Sony’s positioning in the soundbar market in India?

From this year onwards, all Sony premium soundbars will be launched under the BRAVIA Theatre umbrella, starting with latest launch BRAVIA Theatre Quad. With this we provide the best cinematic experience through BRAVIA Televisions and BRAVIA Theatres. This move reflects Sony’s dedication to providing a seamless, immersive cinematic experience across its entire entertainment ecosystem, spanning from BRAVIA Televisions to BRAVIA soundbars.

BRAVIA Theatre Quad caters to individuals who refuse to compromise on either sound performance or aesthetic appeal, setting a new standard in home audio excellence. Boasting state-of-the-art features such as Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced capabilities, alongside innovative 360 spatial sound mapping technology, it promises an audio journey like no other. With its fusion of cutting-edge technology and elegant design, it’s poised to captivate the hearts and minds of discerning consumers seeking the ultimate audio experience for their living spaces.

Having experienced the BRAVIA Theatre Quad in person, one thing that stood out was the form factor of the sound system. What was Sony’s philosophy behind giving the BRAVIA Theatre Quad this unique form factor?

The BRAVIA Theatre Quad is not just another sound system; it’s a blend of superior audio quality and elegant design. In today’s world, where people value both great sound and stylish living spaces, this soundbar stands out by seamlessly integrating into any room’s aesthetics.  Its sleek form factor is not just about looks; it’s packed with advanced Spatial Optimization Technology. This means that no matter where you are sitting in the room, you will experience immersive, detailed sound that fills every corner.

So, with the BRAVIA Theatre Quad, customers will get great audio and a sound system that elevates the entire entertainment experience while complementing the home decor.

We know that soundbars are a part of most people’s home entertainment systems, and consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 are also included. So, are there any special integrations or gaming-focused features in the BRAVIA Theatre Quad?

The BRAVIA Theatre Quad is a gaming powerhouse offering a host of cutting-edge features to elevate your gaming experience. With support for Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Dolby Vision, it delivers stunning visuals with lifelike colours and contrast, pulling you deeper into the game world. But it does not stop there.

The BRAVIA Theatre Quad’s compatibility with 8K HDR/4K 120FPS ensures that you are not just playing games; you are experiencing them in breath-taking detail and silky-smooth motion. For gamers who demand precision and responsiveness, the BRAVIA Theatre Quad includes Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), minimising input lag and screen tearing for a more immersive and fluid gaming experience.

With the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Quad and other products that we will see launching later, are there any India-specific features/tuning of the speakers that we will see implemented?

Understanding and catering to the needs of our customers is a top priority for us. We are committed to continually improving our products to align with the evolving demands of the Indian market. To achieve this, we conduct extensive customer research to gain deep insights into the audio preferences of Indian consumers.

Our team has carried out numerous studies focused specifically on the audio preferences of Indian customers. These studies are currently undergoing detailed analysis, and the insights gained will be integrated into our upcoming audio lineup. By listening to our customers and incorporating their feedback into our product development process, we are dedicated to delivering audio solutions that resonate with the unique tastes and preferences of Indian consumers.

Satvik Pandey

Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie.

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