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FAQ
Do you definitely need a soundbar with a 4K TV?
Absolutely, maintains expert Paul Murray: “With a few, honourable exceptions (such as Sony, who have some very clever sound tech in their TVs), on most occasions a soundbar will give far superior audio than just a TV used on its own.”
What’s the best way to connect a soundbar to a TV?
“For the best sound quality, use the HDMI eARC connection (see definitions, below) to go from your TV to the soundbar. This will allow your soundbar to decode all of the different multi-channel audio codecs used these days. If you have a simple soundbar, we’d always suggest using the optical connection, as this is an ‘always on’ connection and is the simplest to set up.
“Some TVs have problems correctly passing through multi-channel audio from connected devices like Blu ray players to soundbars. If that’s an issue, look for soundbars fitted with additional HDMI ‘pass-though’ inputs (see below). These allow the direct playback of surround sound audio before sending high definition pictures on to your TV.”
What is HDMI 2.1?
HDMI ( High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a single-cable connection carrying digital video and audio signals between a TV and peripherals like soundbars. Version 2.0 was introduced a decade ago to handle 4K signals. Version 2.1 has an even greater bandwidth (48 gigabits per second vs 18gbps) and so leads to better pictures and sound. It incorporates a host of picture enhancement technologies that are of particular benefit to games console fans.
What is HDMI pass-through?
Like a regular HDMI connection, this allows digital video and audio signals to be sent from a source (e.g. games console) to a soundbar. However, its super-skill is that it then allows the soundbar to decode and play back the audio content, while simultaneously passing on the unaltered digital video signal to your TV.
What is eARC?
eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. All modern TVs have at least one ARC socket, carrying audio signals between your TV (and devices connected to it) and your soundbar via a single cable. eARC supports a far wider range of higher-resolution and immersive audio formats, as well incorporating useful features like automatic lip sync correction.
What is optical audio?
Also known as TOSLINK or S/PDIF, this uses a single fibreoptic cable to transfer audio signals from TV to soundbar. A good fall-back if you encounter HDMI connection problems, but it’s worth remembering it’s limited to carrying compressed 5.1-channel audio. So no Dolby Atmos.
What is Dolby Atmos?
A cinema surround sound technology that creates a more immersive surround effect than older 5.1-channel systems, by adding extra overhead channels (known as object-based audio). DTS:X is a similar system. Often combined with clever DSP (digital signal processing) to create virtual 3D surround sound effects.
What are drivers?
Speaker drivers turn electrical audio signals into sounds that we can hear. Soundbars can contain a variety of types: cheap ones usually have full-range drivers (which reproduce most of the audible frequencies) while better models have individual drivers to handle different frequencies (i.e. treble, midrange, bass, subwoofer etc)
What are upward-firing drivers for?
Generally fitted to Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars, they direct specific channels of sound up towards the ceiling from where they get reflected back down towards a seated listener. This helps create a more immersive experience when watching a movie with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack.
How does the soundbar numbering system work?
When shopping for soundbars, you’ll frequently see them described as 2.1 channel, 5.0 channel, 7.1.2-channel and so on. The first numeral denotes how many channels (speaker drivers) a soundbar has. The second tells you if it comes with a separate subwoofer for deep bass. A third numeral signifies that it also includes upward firing drivers, for Dolby Atmos soundtracks. More channels usually – but not always – means better. As with most things, it’s all about the execution.
What is DTS Play-Fi?
A popular app-based, multi-room audio technology platform. Devised as an alternative to streaming systems like AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Sonos, it’s licensed by manufacturers wanting to offer wireless audio products that offer similar functionality.
