A soundbar is a single, slim, extended horizontal speaker system with one or more small speakers built in. Some systems are designed to deliver expanded stereo sound and have a built-in amplifier, meaning there’s no need to connect the soundbar to a receiver. Other systems create a surround sound esque experience. On-board digital processors decode incoming 5:1 tracks, processing the signal for the system to create virtual surround sound by using various delay, pitch and placement algorithms.
The system can also be mounted directly under or over a wall-mounted LCD without having to run wires to a receiver. This provides a much tidier look that works especially well in smaller rooms such as a bedroom.
A soundbar usually comes with a subwoofer allowing base frequencies. On many systems the woofer is wireless, allowing it to be neatly tucked away anywhere in the room. It doesn’t really matter where the woofer is placed, as the ear cannot locate the direction of extremely low frequencies, making them sound as if they are coming from “everywhere” no matter where you choose to hide it. Running audio cables to a woofer, on the other hand, can be very untidy and hazardous. You will, however need to plug the subwoofer into an A/C outlet, there’s no getting around that unfortunately.
It is a great space saving device, providing great sound quality at a fraction of the price of a full surround sound system. Most are also wireless negating the need for untidy wires which appear messy and in a small environment can be clumsy and even dangerous. Soundbars are starting to become more and more feature rich, some incorporating FM radio, wi-fi, DLNA and even ipod connectivity and blu-ray players themselves while still maintaining the slimline look and feel.
So if you are looking for a minimalist approach to the movie experience or lack the space for a full on 7:1 surround sound system with 50″ LCD TV (in other words you don’t live in an aircraft hanger), then a soundbar which is relatively new hardware might be the answer.
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