As we lamented before, one of the best modern features of Bluetooth is not being accepted by the tech world, but that is changing. Sennheiser has announced a new pair of wireless headphones and a transmitter designed for personal TV viewing, which use a Bluetooth feature called AuraCast. Like tuning to a radio station broadcasting from a tower, multiple headphones, earbuds, hearing aids and even speakers can tune to audio from the Sennheiser BTA1 digital transmitter without the hassles and limitations of pairing – if they are Auracast compatible.
Sennheiser’s $299.95 RS275 TV headphone bundle will be available for preorder starting February 3rd this year and is expected to ship shortly thereafter on February 17th. This includes the company’s new HDR275 TV headphones that feature breathable ear cushions and a 50-hour rechargeable battery that is user-replaceable.
The headphones also offer playback and volume control buttons on their ear cups and connect to Sennheiser’s Smart Control Plus app to make EQ adjustments. It does have a noise suppression feature, but it’s designed to reduce hiss and static from classic TV shows and movies, rather than silencing someone talking nearby.
Sennheiser’s BTA1 TV transmitter is also part of the bundle, but will be available alone for $129.95. The transmitter can connect and switch between multiple audio sources such as TVs and consoles via HDMI and even older hardware using a 3.5mm analog audio cable. There are several sound modes, including virtual surround sound and speech enhancement, but availability depends on which source you are connected to.
Using the Bluetooth connection to your phone, you can configure the transmitter’s settings such as video delay compensation to ensure audio syncs to the action on screen, or password protect AuraCast broadcasts so neighbors can’t tune in. You’ll just need to power it through the USB-A port from a nearby TV or from an adapter connected to an outlet.
Support for Bluetooth Auracast is not yet widespread, but it is slowly expanding. Headphones and earbuds from companies like JBL, Sony, and EarFun support it, as do some TV models from Samsung and LG. If your TV doesn’t do this, Sennheiser’s BTA1 TV transmitter could be an easy way to bring the benefits of Auracast to your home theater.
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