HomePod HomePod mini.. surround sound?

[manwithashoe]

I can’t help but look at the new renders of the HomePod mini and think this may be a surround sound solution I’ve (we’ve?) been waiting for.

HomePods in stereo may still have hiccups.. but they have vastly improved.

You could have five of them for less than the two HomePods at *errr* retail price.


Thoughts?

 

[ruslan120]

Highly doubt it. It seems like Airplay is built to make an attempt at synchronized playback but doesn’t rely on live adjustments to synchronize the playback.

It’s probably too difficult technically difficult to keep two devices nearly perfectly in sync in a room wirelessly, let alone more than 2.

Perhaps Apple could engineer an audio feedback system to sync a surround sound system but the rumored S-series processors sound underpowered for that.

 

[waw74]

It’s probably too difficult technically difficult to keep two devices nearly perfectly in sync in a room wirelessly, let alone more than 2.

Sonos does it. And has been for years.

although they top out at 4 in a single surround group, since the front 2 or 3 channels are always handled by one device
In addition to the front, you've got 2 surrounds, and a sub.

no constant microphone feedback. although I believe it does adjust delay timings when you first tune the system

You can also add other rooms in your system, and they will play in sync
I can see my main TV from the kitchen, and regularly add the kitchen speaker to the living room. I can hear both at the same time, no echo.

 

[Apple_Robert]

At the alleged price of $99, I am not going to expect too much in the way of robust features. I expect to be a minimalist offering.

 

[manwithashoe]

Highly doubt it. It seems like Airplay is built to make an attempt at synchronized playback but doesn’t rely on live adjustments to synchronize the playback.

It’s probably too difficult technically difficult to keep two devices nearly perfectly in sync in a room wirelessly, let alone more than 2.

Perhaps Apple could engineer an audio feedback system to sync a surround sound system but the rumored S-series processors sound underpowered for that.

Oh, I agree the S5 is underpowered for that.. but an (a12^) Apple TV coordinating it?

 

[manwithashoe]

Sonos does it. And has been for years.

although they top out at 4 in a single surround group, since the front 2 or 3 channels are always handled by one device
In addition to the front, you've got 2 surrounds, and a sub.

no constant microphone feedback. although I believe it does adjust delay timings when you first tune the system

You can also add other rooms in your system, and they will play in sync
I can see my main TV from the kitchen, and regularly add the kitchen speaker to the living room. I can hear both at the same time, no echo.

Good point!

I like what Sonos is doing.. though the apple ecosystem synergy is all too enticing..

 

[Itinj24]

At the alleged price of $99, I am not going to expect too much in the way of robust features. I expect to be a minimalist offering.

I agree with your prediction. I’m thinking a slightly beefed up Echo Dot/Google Mini with an Apple tax. Would be nice if Apple gave them away like candy the way Google and Amazon do lol.

 

[TonyC28]

Since it is possible to play movie audio through a HomePod pair as Apple TV output and other HomePods at the same time does that mean it's at least technically/theoretically possible to do surround sound?

 

[unbendablestraw]

Since it is possible to play movie audio through a HomePod pair as Apple TV output and other HomePods at the same time does that mean it's at least technically/theoretically possible to do surround sound?

They're capable of dolby atmos as a stereo pair, I don't see why they can't make them a scalable home theater solution with assignable channels across homepods.

Oh I wish!!

 

[Itinj24]

They're capable of dolby atmos as a stereo pair, I don't see why they can't make them a scalable home theater solution with assignable channels across homepods.

Oh I wish!!

I think it’s a just a matter of time.