Sound Bar

[lisa jones]

What is it and why would anyone want it for Christmas?

[Super Nova]

What is it and why would anyone want it for Christmas?

They are pretty cool speakers, small and slick looking. I think they are now all the rage. I think they are to enhance the sound from TV.

Struggling to hear your favourite show? A good sound bar can make all the difference to your TV's sound. Our experts will guide you through the essential features to look out for when buying a sound bar.

[lisa jones]

Hey Super Nova, the small pic I have of one, well it looks like a long metal bar. Just that, a metal bar. Soooo, consequently, I don't get how they work.

Also, are they wireless? Is that the cool thing about these things? Or is it that they are uniquely shaped like a metal bar? What do they replace? Just speakers?

Apologies for asking so many questions. Just trying to understand this latest piece of technology and why I am being told to get it.

[Super Nova]

Hey Super Nova, the small pic I have of one, well it looks like a long metal bar. Just that, a metal bar. Soooo, consequently, I don't get how they work.

Also, are they wireless? Is that the cool thing about these things? Or is it that they are uniquely shaped like a metal bar? What do they replace? Just speakers?

Apologies for asking so many questions. Just trying to understand this latest piece of technology and why I am being told to get it.

I am no expert but found this on a quick search.

It looks like the answer is... it depends on the model and which option you choose.

Method “A”

Method “A” uses HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). It’s found in many name-brand HDTVs. Simply stated, it turns one to the HDMI inputs on the TV into an HDMI audio output. For example, if you have four HDMI jacks on your television, and one is labeled ARC, that is the one you would use to run an HDMI cable from the TV to your soundbar. It is a digital connection and can provide up to 5.1 Dolby Digital to a soundbar. Well, 5.1 if the TV is able to output it, and the soundbar can handle it (not all can, more on this in a moment). In addition, all the switching is performed by the TV via its own remote control. For example, choose HDMI input 2 and that source’s audio (such as a cable box) will be sent automatically to your soundbar.

The one stumbling block is the number channels the TV can output through the HDMI ARC connection. For example, current Samsung TVs send only digital stereo (2.0) via ARC, while 2013 Sony and Panasonic TVs can pass up to Dolby Digital 5.1. If your soundbar is stereo-only, this isn’t an issue. If the soundbar (or surround sound system) is capable handling additional channels, it might only get 2.0 from certain TVs.

If a soundbar has an HDMI input, the TV’s HDMI ARC-labeled HDMI jack will behave as an audio output when connected. The downside is you give up an HDMI input on the TV (so 4 becomes 3 HDMI inputs and 3 becomes 2). For more on ARC, read our article HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) for your HDTV Explained.

Method “B”

A number of soundbars (and surround sound systems) have HDMI inputs and outputs. These can be connected to your source box(es) and process the audio (the number of channels it can handle depends on the source and the sound systems capabilities). When the soundbar has multiple HDMI inputs, you can use it to switch sources. These soundbars are also equipped with an HDMI output, with which you send video to your HDTV.

Method “C”

Many soundbars are equipped with a digital audio input. Today most use an optical input called Toslink. Most brand name TVs have digital audio optical “Toslink” outputs. All Toslink-equipped HDTVs will output digital signals up to Dolby Digital 5.1 that originate from the display’s built-in tuner and Internet streaming functions (if they are part of the display’s feature set).

Many HDTVs will also send digital audio from a connected HDMI source, but this feature is not universal. Check with the manufacturer to learn if it permits audio from connected sources to be fed through its Toslink output.

There can be a coaxial digital output on the TV and input on the soundbar, which is an RCA-type jack. These have fallen out of favor by most TV and soundbar manufacturers. If your soundbar has only a coaxial digital audio input and the TV only has an optical Toslink digital audio output, converters like this one can be used to convert optical to coaxial digital.

Method “D”

Good old analog audio, using two RCA-type jacks found on almost every HDTV connected to two RCA type jacks on the soundbar. This is stereo only, and is the lowest quality source. Generally, this is what you will find on inexpensive, entry level soundbars. We don’t recommend this type of connection if you can help it. Depending on the TV manufacturer, you may find the analog output will only pass audio from the display’s built-in tuner.

http://hdguru.com/connecting-a-soundbar-to-your-hdtv/

[lisa jones]

Ok. Fair enough. The answer isn't so straightforward. Bugger!

From the info you've kindly provided, it appears I'll need to work out tv & sound bar brand compatibility for optimum use/output. Might start off with the 4 tvs we have atm and see which best fits the optimal scenario you've outlined.

Thanks for your help. It's been greatly appreciated

[Super Nova]

Ok. Fair enough. The answer isn't so straightforward. Bugger!

From the info you've kindly provided, it appears I'll need to work out tv & sound bar brand compatibility for optimum use/output. Might start off with the 4 tvs we have atm and see which best fits the optimal scenario you've outlined.

Thanks for your help. It's been greatly appreciated

My pleasure.

I think many are optioned up so any or the connections will work.

I would just go for the HDMI interface if I was you. (I assume you have a modern TV).

The simplest interface and the highest quality for sound. Just run a cable to it. Done.