Samsung could be heading in a brand-new direction with insiders claiming that the Korean Company is seriously exploring the concept of new technology that will result in third party soundbar and soundbase manufacturers forced to pay a license fee to Samsung to connect to one of their TV’s.
Excluded will be Samsung, Harman Kardon and JVC soundbars following the completion by Samsung of Harman International this weekend.
The consumer electronics Company, who are fast earning a reputation for high quality networked sound gear is believed to be exploring proprietary technology that will deliver superior sound from their TV’s when proprietary soundbars and new soundbases made by Samsung or Harman are attached.
ChannelNews was told that the technology could be extended to third party products subject to those Companies paying a licence fee like what Apple does with attach devices to their eco system.
In November 2016, Samsung announced the purchase of Harman International Industries; for approximately US $8 billion, this led to the Korean Company getting hold of several consumer sound brands that included Harman Kardon and JVC.
This weekend the acquisition was concluded with both operations set to make several announcements in coming months.
The acquisition was the largest ever made by Samsung with the company now deciding on a strategy for the Infinity, JBL, Mark Levinson and Lexicon sound brands.
Young Sohn, the President and CSO (Chief Strategy Officer) of Samsung Electronics said that; the closing of this deal opens a new door to create growth opportunities; along with the potential to deliver major benefits for Samsung customers worldwide.
He said that Harman will continue to operate as a Samsung subsidiary.
Samsung will retain Harman’s staff, its headquarters and all its consumer and professional audio brands.
Insiders claim that the current Samsung sound development labs based in the USA could be merged into the Harman R&D operations.
An Asian source in Hong Kong, said that several sound Companies in China who make soundbars have been made aware of the move which could push up the price of third party soundbars and soundbases.