TV manufacturers are striving to offer consumers increasingly thin screens that provide high-quality images with a wide range of adjustments. At the same time, the sound quality in modern models stands still just because of the compactness of the case, which does not allow the use of devices for surround polyphonic acoustics. Only external equipment, presented on the market in a huge assortment, will help to solve this problem. When deciding which acoustics to choose for a TV, you should take into account the main characteristics of the sound, and do not forget about the opportunities that the latest technologies open up.
Speaker stand or soundbar?
It is generally accepted that the soundbar is the easiest and most convenient way to implement a modern audio system. From the point of view of equipping the TV, there is a more worthy option - an acoustic TV stand. In this case, the equipment is installed directly on the speaker, the dimensions of which correspond to standard TV stands. Today, such models are produced by LG, Maxell, Panasonic, Denon, etc. Such acoustics for a TV reveal sound well, and the viewer has a feeling that the signal is coming from the center, and not from below. True, there are drawbacks to this form factor. Still, the soundbar in the form of a stand is not able to cover a wide range of sound scenes - for example, a decrease in bass can be observed. Full-fledged soundbar models win in terms of sound quality, but their design is not designed to complement exactly TVs. Therefore, one has to choose between acoustic characteristics and the rational configuration of the equipment installation.
Power selection
For a small room, it is worth providing power at 50 watts. This will be enough, for example, for a TV, which is located in a room of 20 m2. If you plan to equip a living room of 30 m2, then acoustics are suitable for TV, the power potential of which is about 100 watts. Next, you should already focus on 150 watts and above. In addition to the size of the room itself, much depends on the characteristics of the TV, which will broadcast sound through a stand or a separate set of soundbars. So, for a home theater with a large diagonal, audio systems are sometimes used, the total output power of which is at the level of 500 watts.
Means of connection - what to consider?
Models of televisions that have entered the market in recent 5 years, for the most part, have an HDMI connector. Today, with its help, the best image transmission is provided. Not so often this input is supplied with speakers for the TV, but its presence, of course, is a plus. And the advantages of such a connection are not only in high-quality sound. In the most advanced versions, HDMI is complemented by a returnable ARC audio channel. This means that the user is able to control the volume through the TV remote. In particular, this technology is used in some LG TVs.
In addition, the presence of the ARC function expands the ability to broadcast audio from other sources connected to the TV. It can be a satellite tuner, game console or BD-player - with the help of the HDMI connector, the acoustics for the TV can automatically reproduce the sound from these devices. But there is also a minus at such an entrance. The fact is that when processing via HDMI and switching to the soundbar, the multi-channel audio signal is converted to two-channel. True, there are exceptions - for example, in some models of Sony TVs, the high-tech port does not limit the sound capabilities.
Wireless equipment
If you plan to use the soundbar away from the TV, then it makes sense to pay attention to equipping the equipment with a Bluetooth receiver. At the same time, you should not think that the quality of such a connection will seriously differ from the wired one. By using the aptX audio codec, the manufacturer provides sound close to CD-Audio specifications. At the same time, wireless TV speakers are endowed with all the shortcomings of other systems of this type. First of all, signal stability will be dependent on external factors. Also, synchronization of sound with TV without using a wired connection method still does not allow to fully reveal the advantages of configurations 5.1 and 7.2. Perhaps in the future these heights will be subject to the same Bluetooth module.
Overview of manufacturers and models
If you plan to maximize the use of acoustic potential, then you should pay attention to the HTL9100 system from Philips. This complex includes a soundbar and subwoofer, which provide excellent sound and decorate the interior with its own look. A feature of the model is sharpening for a calm but clear signal processing, which allows you to comfortably watch movies at night. In the stand segment, there is also a decent selection of speakers for the TV, from the same Philips developers. For example, the HTL5120 model, which is focused on providing a natural and comfortable sound, is noteworthy. Thanks to the addition in the form of a small subwoofer, the system also works well with low frequencies. Especially for those who do not want to go far from focused listening to music, it is worth recommending the Roth Oli and Ruark MR1 audio systems with a classic layout.
Conclusion
With the development of television equipment, the possibilities for providing appropriate acoustics also improve. We can say that the manufacturers of TVs transferred the function of the audio system to the shoulders of the creators of soundbars. This is partly a logical process, as a flat screen practically does not combine with technology that should process and broadcast surround sound. Against this background, acoustics for the TV, which has its own design features, have become in demand. However, the consumer has only one fundamental choice - to purchase a compact stand for the screen, which practically does not take up too much space, or to give preference to a traditional soundbar with surround and multi-channel sound. It is also worth considering the orientation of the systems to interact specifically with television technology. The same HDMI port provides many advantages, which are expressed in clear sound, and in the ease of use of the system.