Even if your flatscreen television has the best display quality and a high-definition screen, you will not be able to enjoy top-quality entertainment because most flatscreen televisions do not include equally amazing audio. Investing in a soundbar is one way to improve your audio. However, because there are so many options, it can be a difficult task. Here are some simple tips to help you choose the best soundbar.
Size and Placement
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The first thing you should consider when getting a soundbar is the size of the soundbar and where you intend to place it. When it comes to size, you will need to get the right soundbar that is relative to your television, or your monitor, so choose the right soundbar size for your screen. You can also consider your preference because some might want a soundbar that is the same width as their television, but others would want a bigger one. There are also brands that offer a specific soundbar model that pairs perfectly with their televisions, almost like a set. For example, you can get a Samsung soundbar that works great with one of their television models because it can connect easily and is the same width.
Most soundbars will not take up much space but if you have limited space near the base of your television, you might find it difficult to place the soundbar in that area. However, you can opt for a sound base type of soundbar, which will sit underneath your television or monitor. Just make sure that the size you’ve chosen can support your television.
Connections
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You won’t get any audio unless you make the proper connections, so make sure your soundbar can connect to your television. Many soundbars require specific inputs and outputs, so check that your television has all of the necessary sources and ports before purchasing the soundbar.
The most common connection for a soundbar today is HDMI, but since many televisions already include an HDMI source, the connection should be fine. There are also Bluetooth soundbars that can connect to your digital devices via Bluetooth. This is an excellent choice for those who use a computer or a mobile device. However, not all televisions have Bluetooth connectivity, so keep this in mind before purchasing the soundbar.
You can also get soundbars with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which will allow you to access online music streaming services like Spotify without the need for an app on your television. Some soundbars also have an Ethernet jack port for a wired connection to your internet network. Certain Wi-Fi soundbar models also provide access to video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, which is beneficial if you do not already have access to them via your television.
Channels
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The next part will be a little tricky for those who are not so well-versed in audio equipment, but you will need to understand it to choose the best soundbar for your home. When looking for a soundbar, you may come across labels with numbers such as ‘2.0’ or ‘5.1’. These are actually indicators of how many channels the soundbar has and whether it includes subwoofers. The first digit before the period indicates how many channels the soundbar has, while the digit after the period indicates whether or not there is a subwoofer. This means that a soundbar labelled ‘2.0’ will have two channels but no subwoofers.
These numbers may be more important to those looking for specific soundbar quality, but for the average user who simply wants to improve the sound of their television, a 2.1 soundbar will work nicely. Furthermore, if you want a more immersive audio experience, the more channels a soundbar has, the clearer the audio will be. There are soundbars with an additional period and a third number in the label, indicating that the soundbar supports the Dolby Atmos surround sound system. Most soundbars include more information about these number labels, so check the box the soundbar came in or the product website for more information.
Extras – Controls, Audio Features, Additional Features
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After you’ve learned about the soundbar’s specifications, you can move on to the optional features. Not everyone will use the soundbar for the same reason; some may use it to watch movies on their television, while others may use it to play games on their computer and monitor. As a result, any additional features on the soundbar will be entirely up to you. One of the most common features is a control panel from which you can configure and adjust any of the soundbar’s functions, such as the volume. Most brands include remotes with their soundbars, but some, like Sony soundbars, can be controlled via a downloadable app.
Some soundbars offer audio presets and custom equalizers, which allows you to adjust according to the audio you are listening to. This is especially important for who those are particular about their audio experience when using the soundbar. As mentioned before, some soundbars also come with built-in streaming apps for movies, shows, and music. This would be the best choice if your television does not offer such services.
