A soundbar is a small speaker system designed to improve the sound quality of your TV. It has an elongated form, so it can be placed directly under the screen or hung on the wall.
Unlike classic home theater sets, it does not take up much space and at the same time can provide strong, spacious sound.
Many modern soundbars are equipped with subwoofers – wired or wireless – that are responsible for clear and deep low tones.
Some models also support surround sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, giving the effect of sound surrounding the listener from all sides.
What makes soundbars special?
Soundbars differ significantly in their functions, sound quality and technologies used. What should you pay attention to?
The most advanced sound systems can offer up to a dozen channels, as in the case of some JBL or Samsung models with 11.1.4 configuration.
To get a cinema-like experience, you should pay attention to the following systems:
It is necessary to remember about sound technology. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X is a solution that provides three-dimensional, spatial sound.
It is also worth paying attention to the Q-Symphony technologies in Samsung soundbars and WOW Orchestra in LG soundbars. These solutions allow you to use the TV speakers and soundbar at the same time, making the sound fuller and more spacious.
this is an equally important element of every soundbar. The device should have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In this way, we can benefit from playing songs from streaming applications directly on the device.
HDMI ARC / eARC guarantees high sound quality and support for formats such as Dolby Atmos. The optical TOSLINK audio connector is an alternative to HDMI ARC. Newer soundbars do not even require such a connection, and they connect to the TV wirelessly, using the same Wi-Fi network.
How to connect a soundbar to a TV?
Connecting the soundbar to the TV can be done in several ways.
The best sound quality is provided by a wired connection via HDMI ARC or eARC, which supports surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, but an optical cable can also be an alternative.
The soundbar can also be connected wirelessly – via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – eliminating the need for cables.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is crucial to correctly set the sound output on the TV and select the appropriate signal source on the soundbar.
What should you pay attention to when buying a soundbar?
A soundbar is a great solution for people who want to improve the sound quality while watching movies or series, playing console games or listening to music. The choice of connection method – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC or optical cable – depends on individual preferences and the technical capabilities of the TV and soundbar.
Regardless of the method you choose, the right setup will allow you to achieve a cinematic experience in your own home.
When purchasing, it is worth making sure that the soundbar supports technologies available on the TV, such as HDMI ARC or Dolby Atmos.
It is also important to select the right number of channels – both for the size of the room and the expectations regarding sound quality.
Modern soundbars offer wireless connectivity, but it’s better to make sure you connect it without cables.
You cannot forget about the subwoofer – models equipped with this element provide a deeper and more dynamic sound.