Vizio's most advanced 5.1.4-channel soundbar for 2020 has rotating upfiring units for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It can also be docked to Vizio's new OLED TV.

Vizio soundbar with rotating units
The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a 5.1.4-channel system while the new M-Series 5.1, M-Series 5.1.2, M-Series All-in One, and V-Series 5.1 soundbars are more affordable mid-range and low-end options.

To deliver a more immersive sound stage, the Vizio Elevate has units that can rotate into position for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals. The units remain front-facing for stereo and 5.1 audio sources without height information.



- "The design’s unique pair of patent-pending, high-performance upfiring channels in the bar remain front-facing to maximize sound quality for stereo and 5.1 content, but automatically rotate upward for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals, delivering an unmatched audiophile experience in either position," the company explained.

Vizio said that the Elevate soundbar includes "high-performance two-way left, center and right front speakers that utilize a separate tweeter for more clarity, along with dual-midbass drivers and passive radiators for improved low frequency impact".



The Elevate soundbar also has a 8-inch subwoofer (down to 30Hz), two rear speakers, four upfiring units in total, HDMI eARC, two HDMI inputs with 4K HDR passthrough, and support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Like other new entrants, Vizio has high hopes for its first OLED TV, evidenced by how the new soundbar can "dock seamlessly" with it. This gives buyers of its high-end TVs a reason to pair the two products rather than look to competitors who are also implementing support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in their soundbars. Some TVs even come with built-in Dolby Atmos soundbars or audio systems today.



M-Series and V-Series soundbars
The mid-range M-Series soundbar will come in two configurations; a 5.1-channel solution and a 5.1.2-channel option with two upfiring units in the soundbar. These also support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as well as HDMi eARC. The M-Series All-in-One is an integrated system while the V-Series 2.1 soundbar with stereo output is the cheapest option.

Vizio added that it has redesigned the remote to add backlit buttons in premium models and improved menu navigation. 

- "Vizio isn’t resting on its industry leadership in audio; instead we’re making bold steps forward to continue to elevate the industry and improve the listening experience across the board. Today, we’re announcing the most competitive and immersive sound bar series we’ve ever launched," said Bill Baxter, CTO, Vizio. "Not only do our sound bars bring a design and finish that stands out from the rest of the market, but we’re providing new levels of audio performance and ease-of-use to every price point."

The new soundbars from Vizio will be available later this year. Pricing was not announced at CES 2020.

Vizio 2020 soundbars - specifications
Vizio Elevate soundbar
18 Total Drivers 
107 SPL 
Auto-Rotating Drivers 
Dolby Atmos 
DTS:X 
DTS Virtual:X 
2 HDMI Input/HDMI (eARC) 
4K HDR Pass-through 
Voice Assistant Input 
Chromecast Built-in

Vizio M-Series soundbar
Up to 6 Total Drivers 
Up to 103 SPL 
Dolby Atmos 
DTS:X 
DTS Virtual:X 
HDMI Input/HDMI (eARC) 
4K HDR Pass-through 
Voice Assistant Input 
Front Surround Mode (M51a only) 
Dual Stereo Mode

Vizio M-Series All-in-One soundbar
6 Total Drivers 
100 SPL 
DTS Virtual:X 
HDMI Input/HDMI (ARC) 
4K Pass-through 
Voice Assistant Input

Vizio V-Series soundbar
Up to 6 Total Drivers 
Up to 96 SPL 
DTS Virtual:X 
HDMI (ARC) 
Voice Assistant Input 
Front Surround Mode (V51 only) 
Dual Stereo Mode (V51 only)