The Atmos Enabled Sound Bar: A Key Feature of the Xbox Series X
When it comes to home entertainment systems, there's one feature that stands out from the rest: support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For those who want to fully experience their favorite games and movies in all their glory, a sound bar with Atmos capabilities is essential. I opted to pair my Xbox Series X with an Atmos-enabled sound bar, which allowed me to take full advantage of this exciting technology.
The Sound Bar: A 5.1 or 7.1 Uncompressed Experience
In terms of audio output, I wanted to go with 5.1 uncompressed at least, and possibly 7.1 depending on what my capabilities were. Unfortunately, the Xbox Series X doesn't allow me to select this option as it requires specific information about the surround sound system hooked up, which it simply can't get. However, I imagine that if you had a compatible setup, you could make this selection.
Another feature that caught my attention was headset audio, which allows you to use Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, or DTS Headphone:X with a set of headphones via HDMI. This is really cool and opens up new possibilities for gaming and entertainment. However, it requires that you turn off any enhancement on the headset itself before doing so.
The Xbox Series X: Blazing Speed and Quick Start
One thing that impresses me most about this console is its blazing speed from startup to starting a game. Everything is just so much faster than it used to be, especially when playing games like Forza Horizon 4. I remember being able to press the start game button, go make myself a sandwich, and still not have the game started on older consoles. It's incredible how quickly this console can get up and running.
The Quick Start feature is also another highlight of the Xbox Series X. This allows you to switch between games without having to wait for them to load, and they're essentially waiting in a queue for you to join again. This is a huge improvement over older consoles and makes playing games on this system a breeze.
Can the Xbox Series X Replace Other Entertainment Devices?
One question I had going into this was whether or not the Xbox Series X could replace other devices in my entertainment system. Could it be a one-stop shop for all things entertainment? In my opinion, the answer is yes. It's not as smooth as a Roku experience, but it's certainly serviceable.
I still think it's funny that you have to go into an app in order to play a Blu-ray disc on this console. That's how it works on Xbox, and despite its retro aesthetic, it functions just like most other Blu-ray players out there. However, one major advantage of the Xbox Series X is its ability to display HDR 10 and Dolby Vision, which is fantastic.
The Entertainment Apps: A Mixed Experience
One complaint I have about the Xbox Series X is that you have to go and find all your entertainment apps, download them, and then they're not neatly organized in one place on your home screen. You've got to kind of use whatever app you used most recently or visit your section where you can look at all your apps and pick one from there.
Ultra HD Blu-ray Player: No Longer a Source of Trouble
When the console and TV first came out, folks were having some trouble like with raised blacks and significantly crushed blacks in some instances. However, both Microsoft and LG have issued firmware updates that largely solve these problems. As for gameplay experience, it's been fantastic so far, even with the new textured controller bringing a lot of joy to playing games on this system.
The Picture Quality: Absolutely Luscious
For me, the picture quality is what I'm really here for on this LG C10 OLED. It's absolutely luscious, with deep blacks that aren't overly darkened. Some first-person shooters may be a little dim for some folks, but generally speaking, I've been enjoying it. The bright highlights for HDR have been fantastic against those perfect blacks, and the color is fantastic as well.
The Downside: Limited Games
One downside to the Xbox Series X is that it came out without a bunch of games built specifically for the new hardware. While you can go back and play some games that have been optimized for the platform, there's not a lot of exciting new stuff to play right out of the gate.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Premium Price?
So, is this combo worth the premium price? In my opinion, the answer is an absolute yes. I love everything about it - the new controller, the speed of the Xbox, the HDR highlights, and the gaming it's very smooth. The variable refresh rate availability up to 4K 120 is pretty fantastic. If you want to get the absolute most out of the Xbox Series X and get the most seamless experience across the board, I definitely recommend this combo.
Note: Additional notes were not included as they were not part of the original transcription.