Amazon has finally started rolling out its updated Alexa Home Theater feature. This lets you use the latest Echo speakers as a complete multi-channel surround sound system for your Fire TV. This update comes after the debut of the new Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max earlier this year.
This is not just a simple stereo connection. The new system lets you pair up to five Echo-compatible speakers and an optional Echo Sub for a complete 5.1-style experience. I would say the biggest limitation right now is that you can never mix and match speaker models. If you buy a new Echo Studio, all five speakers must be Studios.
You also can’t use a few Echo Dot Max speakers for the rear channels. All paired Echos must be the exact same model.
To power this multi-speaker setup, you need one of the newer Echo models as well as a newer Fire TV device. The multi-speaker option is only supported on the Echo Studio (2nd generation) or Echo Dot Max. You also need a newer streaming device, like the 3rd generation Fire TV Cube or the 2nd generation 4K Sticks (Max and Standard editions).
Amazon has a long list of specific Fire TV models that don’t support this feature, including the latest 4-Series, Omni QLED, and Omni Mini-LED TVs. If you have an older Echo device, you can still use the Alexa Home Theater feature, but you’re limited to just two speakers and a subwoofer.
The setup process is surprisingly straightforward, taking about five minutes if all of your devices have the latest firmware installed. You won’t handle this configuration in the Alexa mobile app. Alternatively, you can go to the Fire TV settings menu under Display & Sounds, then select Alexa Home Theater. Once your speakers are selected, the system goes through an automatic calibration step.
This is a great feature because it uses the built-in microphones in the new Echo models to analyze the acoustics in your specific room. This allows the system to analyze the unique design of your room. It automatically calibrates sound to handle challenging environments, such as rooms with vaulted ceilings or open floor plans, ensuring sound is not lost in dead space.
Another big annoyance is how the system handles music playback. You can still connect your phone via Bluetooth to an individual Echo speaker, but you can’t connect your phone to your entire home theater set to play tunes. If you want to use all five speakers, you’ll have to stream music through Fire TV apps or ask Alexa to play music.
This is frustrating if you prefer to control your queue from your phone or if you want to play music without having to turn on the TV. The Fire TV platform is missing some key apps, like Apple Music, which means you’ll have to rely on the Alexa skill instead.
You’ll need a lot of Echos to make this work at full capacity, but if you have spare speakers, it’s a definite win.
source: AFTV News