There are many ways you can optimize your home entertainment experience with a soundbar, including proper device placement and utilizing auto-calibration.
A quality audio-visual experience is something that many people covet from the comfort of their own homes. Splurging on a good television with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a sizeable investment is the first step most people take. However, in this never-ending quest for picture quality, most people forget that audio matters just as much, if not more. You may have a high-end TV with state-of-the-art visuals, but experiencing any form of media on it will be lacking without a proper audio device that lends a ton of weight to the sounds and music that play in your favorite TV shows and movies.
TV speakers can only do so much before you’ll eventually find yourself wanting an external audio output device that augments your viewing experience. Soundbars are an excellent option for audiophiles, serving as an excellent aesthetic touch to your living room that doesn’t take up too much space while also improving the audio quality of your games, shows, and films considerably. If you’re convinced about getting a soundbar, then keeping the following helpful tips in mind will go a long way in making the most of this system.Placement is king
As obvious as this piece of advice may be, it’s entirely possible that you may place your new soundbar in an awkward position, which will hamper its audio output considerably. The first thing to keep in mind is whether to opt for a wall mount or to place the soundbar as is on a TV unit or something similar. Both options are viable, although it’s always recommended to keep a soundbar under the TV for the best audio experience. If the soundbar is kept on a TV unit, then it’s important to keep it on an even surface to prevent any audio issues that may stem from its imbalanced placement.
In both instances, any obstructions in front of the soundbar should be done away with. The last thing you’d want is for the audio to bounce off random surfaces. In the case of certain soundbars, close proximity to wireless devices can cause interference, leading to unwanted humming or buzzing sounds. Another thing to keep in mind is that, just like most other electronics, soundbars may be affected by excess heat. If your soundbar receives an overly generous amount of direct sunlight every day, then it’s recommended to keep it covered to prevent any adverse issues from arising.Get acquainted with the various sound modes
Most soundbars come with a bevy of sound modes that switch up the audio emanating from these devices to suit a variety of use cases. Standard mode is common across most soundbars and is a perfect all-rounder if you don’t want to fiddle around with these settings all the time. The self-explanatory cinema mode is great for movies and TV shows. If you like to play music on your television from time to time, then switching to music mode is highly recommended. Some soundbars come equipped with a sports mode to make roaring crowds and emotional commentaries sound all the more engaging. If you’re an avid gamer, then check your soundbar settings for a game mode that enhances immersion and reduces audio latency, the latter being a godsend for multiplayer gaming.
One of the most important sound modes in any soundbar is one that boosts dialogue volume. Many cinemaniacs have faced issues where the noise and music in their films and shows — especially ones with surround sound support — overpowers any spoken dialogue in certain scenes. Straining to hear what your favorite actor is saying is far from the best way to enjoy a movie, which is why a soundbar’s voice mode can go a long way in mitigating this issue.Dolby Atmos support is a game-changer
Replicating the theater experience in the comfort of your home makes movie nights all the more immersive, and Dolby Atmos technology accomplishes this in spades. It’s easy to see why almost every modern blockbuster utilizes Dolby Atmos to let viewers experience the magic of surround sound. Mapping audio in a 3D space as opposed to a 2D plane is a game-changer, and a good soundbar can replicate this effect in your living room. Upward-firing speakers are a must to replicate the surround sound effect, and many all-in-one soundbars integrate this to let you enjoy the impact of Dolby Atmos audio on a budget.
A decent chunk of high-end Dolby Atmos soundbars come with additional upward-firing speakers to unlock an authentic surround sound effect. With the addition of rear speakers, watching a movie with Dolby Atmos support becomes a magical experience. Action scenes feel more impactful and crunchier, while horror movies scare you out of your wits when the dreadful music crescendos from all corners of your room as the tension ramps up.Audio channels can make a world of difference
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of audio channels, it’s important to know what these numbers mean. A soundbar that advertises itself as a 7.1.2 channel device has a total of seven main speakers, one subwoofer, and two upward-firing speakers to make for a quality surround sound setup. Learning about how these audio channels work can help you make an informed purchase when it comes to a soundbar. Is your room small or your budget low? A competent 2.1 soundbar under $200 is more than adequate for your needs. If you have more wiggle room — both literally and financially — then a 3.
