The TV screen that’s also the speaker

Sound comes directly from the section of screen where action or dialogue is happening.

Imagine if the sound from your TV came directly from the picture itself. A character's voice coming exactly from their mouth on screen, or a car zooming with sound following perfectly. It sounds a bit sci-fi, but Sony's revolutionary Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology does exactly that.

The screens on Sony's Bravia OLED TVs double as speakers

How does it work?

In most TVs, speakers are hidden at the bottom or back of the unit, creating a very slight disconnect between visuals and audio. Sony has addressed this problem by transforming the entire screen into a speaker.

This innovation has been incorporated into most new BRAVIA TVs with OLED screens. Instead of conventional speakers, these TVs use multiple vibrating actuators positioned behind different areas of the screen. These create microscopic vibrations that allow various parts of the screen to produce different sounds simultaneously.

These tiny devices effectively turn the OLED screen into one large speaker membrane.

How does it do this? The latest Sony OLEDs, like the Bravia 8 and Bravia 9 models, use the XR processor to analyse sound position to match audio precisely to on-screen objects. When someone speaks from the left side, that's where the sound originates. When an explosion rocks the right corner, you'll hear it from precisely there, creating a more immersive experience than you get with conventional TV audio systems.

To complement the sound, Sony incorporates a dedicated subwoofer in the TV's frame to deliver deep bass. This works with the screen vibrations to deliver a full range of sound from whisper-quiet dialogue to sofa-shaking explosions.

Why isn’t it in QLED or LED models?

Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is only available in OLED TVs because the panels are significantly thinner and more flexible than Ultra HD LED or QLED displays, making them ideal for the surface vibration technique. The ultra-thin panels also allow sound vibrations to travel more effectively without distortion.

As a premium feature, Acoustic Surface Audio+ complements the other high-end tech found in OLED screens, like true black contrast, fast response times, Dolby Vision support and advanced image processing.

Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ in Bravia OLED TVs turns the screen into a speaker

You may find the screen's speakers sufficient for viewing in an average-sized room

Do you still need a soundbar?

With standard TV audio systems, a soundbar typically provides better sound. Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ significantly narrows this gap, though.

For viewing in average-sized rooms, you might find the built-in audio is all you need. The system delivers clearer dialogue and more immersive sound than conventional TV speakers, you might find that hearing sounds from their exact on-screen location creates a more engaging experience than you get with some basic soundbars.

If you want the full home theatre experience with Dolby Atmos and surround sound, a quality soundbar or an AV receiver with separate speakers can add immersive depth and detail to your audio. Sony's BRAVIA Theatre soundbars are designed to complement their TVs, working together with the screen speakers rather than replacing them.

The benefits beyond sound quality

Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology has a few other advantages, besides the sound itself:

Super streamlined

Without needing space for conventional speakers, Sony TVs with Acoustic Surface Audio+ have almost bezel-free designs with clean lines.

Clearer voice command

Because sound comes directly from the screen, your voice commands are less likely to be drowned out by background audio, helping Google TV hear you more clearly and respond more accurately.

Great for gaming

Gamers benefit from directional sound that helps pinpoint enemy locations and deepens immersion in story-driven games, whether using PlayStation, Xbox, or another gaming platform.

Flexible setup

Unlike conventional TVs where speaker placement can be affected by walls or furniture, Acoustic Surface Audio+ delivers consistent sound quality regardless of how or where you position your TV.

How does it compare to other premium TVs?

While other brands like Samsung and LG have TVs with picture quality on par with Sony’s, only Bravia OLED screens have this unique audio system.

Most competing premium TVs use conventional speaker setups, which can't create the same spatial accuracy where sound and picture perfectly align. Many rely on digital processing to simulate directional audio, but it's not the same as producing sound from the exact on-screen location.

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Plus, we can usually have it in your living room by the next day (Mon-Fri) when it's in stock. If you need some pointers on getting the best TV or home theatre system for your household, read our TV Buying Guide, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500 or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.

Oli Kitchingman

Oli is Appliances Online's editor and blogger, with almost two decades of lifestyle-related writing and editing to his name. With a mission to help you buy better and live smarter, his brand loyalty will forever belong to the appliance manufacturer that develops a self-emptying dishwasher.