As we’ve previously lamented, one of Bluetooth’s best modern features isn’t being embraced by the tech world, but that’s changing. Sennheiser has announced a new pair of wireless headphones and a transmitter designed for private TV watching that both use a Bluetooth feature called Auracast. Like tuning into a radio station broadcast from a tower, multiple headphones, earbuds, hearing aids, and even speakers can tune into audio from the Sennheiser BTA1 digital transmitter without the hassles and limitations of pairing — if they’re Auracast compatible.
Sennheiser’s $299.95 RS 275 TV Headphones bundle will be available for preorder starting this year on February 3rd and is expected to ship soon after on February 17th. It includes the company’s new HDR 275 TV Headphones featuring breathable ear cushions and a 50-hour rechargeable battery that are both user-replaceable.
The headphones also offer playback and volume control buttons on their ear cups and connect to Sennheiser’s Smart Control Plus app for making EQ adjustments. There’s a noise suppression feature, but it’s designed to reduce hiss and static from classic TV shows and movies, instead of silencing someone talking nearby.
Sennheiser’s BTA1 TV Transmitter is also part of the bundle, but will be available on its own for $129.95. The transmitter can connect to, and switch between, multiple audio sources like TVs and consoles through HDMI and even older hardware using a 3.5mm analog audio cable. There are multiple sound modes including virtual surround sound and speech enhancement, but availability is dependent on what source you’re connected to.
Using a Bluetooth connection to your phone, you can configure the transmitter’s settings like video delay compensation to ensure audio syncs to the action on screen, or password protect the Auracast broadcast so neighbors can’t tune in. You’ll just need to feed it power through a USB-A port either from a nearby TV, or an adapter connected to an outlet.
Support for Bluetooth Auracast isn’t widespread yet, but it’s slowly expanding. Headphones and earbuds from companies like JBL, Sony, and EarFun support it, as do certain TV models from Samsung and LG. If your TV doesn’t, Sennheiser’s BTA1 TV Transmitter could be an easy way to bring the benefits of Auracast to your home theater.