Soundbars have totally shaken up the modern audio industry. They’re easy to install, have a very small footprint, and sound totally perfect. This makes them great for those who might be totally new to home audio, as well as those who are a little more experienced.
But, much like many home technologies, soundbars are not perfect for absolutely everyone. Soundbars are so often advertised as the perfect sound system for enjoying film and TV shows. As a result, you may find yourself wondering whether they’re any good for other types of content.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’re wondering whether soundbars are appropriate for enjoying live TV. Can a soundbar help to truly replicate live sound? Can a soundbar make you feel like you’re right there yourself?
Using the knowledge of our Reliant tech experts, we’re going to take a look. To see whether soundbars are appropriate for live TV!
Are Soundbars Any Good For Watching Live TV?
It should come as no surprise to hear that soundbars are fantastic for enjoying live TV. Let’s take a look at some of the leading reasons why.
One reason soundbars are good for live TV is because of their overall quality. Despite coming in such a compact form, soundbars boast incredibly powerful audio. They’re fantastic for filling your living room with all of the sounds of live TV.
Soundbars are also specially designed to send audio in different directions. This is achieved by packing each soundbar with individual speakers, otherwise known as audio channels, that are angled differently. A truly powerful soundbar can thus create the sense that sound is surrounding you from all angles. When enjoying live sports, this can be particularly impactful. You’ll be able to hear the crowd all around you as if you were sitting amongst them.
Soundbars are perfect for live TV, as they help to strengthen a sense of immersion. A soundbar allows sound to surround you from all directions. This makes you feel like you’re in the crowd at some top events!
The multiple channels of a soundbar also help to ensure that sound doesn’t become muddled or unclear. This is great for live TV because it can help you to more easily parse what’s being said. Let’s say you were watching a live match of football. One audio channel would be dedicated to playing the commentary track. While another audio channel would be dedicated to the sound of the crowd. In turn, this makes it much easier to stay clued in. Sounds won’t blur together into an incomprehensible mess!
How Many Audio Channels Should A Soundbar Have?
When it comes time to grab your own soundbar, you’ll be met with a number of different options. The major way in which soundbar models will differ is in the number of audio channels they have. Some models might only have two audio channels, while another model might have up to seven audio channels. Because there’s so much choice, you might wonder what the best amount is. Ultimately, it depends on your own circumstances.
If you want a truly immense and powerful sound experience, then your best bet is to go for a soundbar with 7 audio channels. This is great for enjoying blockbuster films, and especially live TV. The only problem is the more audio channels a soundbar has, the bigger the unit is. If you don’t have appropriate space for a soundbar, then you are better off opting for a smaller model.
The more audio channels your soundbar has, the larger it will be. As such, if you have a TV on the smaller end of the scale, then a 2-channel soundbar would be your best option!
It’s also best to try and match the size of your new soundbar to the size of your TV. While they don’t need to be totally the same, it helps if they’re close. This ensures the power of the audio matches the scale of the image. After all, if you had an 85 inch TV, it would be a waste to only pair it with a 2-channel soundbar! Similarly, if you only need to improve the audio of a small TV, then a soundbar with fewer channels is again the best option.
Can A Soundbar Totally Replace TV Speakers?
If you find that your TV’s speakers are lacking in power or fidelity, then a soundbar is a great alternative. Soundbars are immensely high quality, and they’re a very convenient option. If you don’t want to struggle to find the space for a complicated surround sound system in your living room, then a soundbar is your best bet.
Soundbars are incredibly compact and can be stored directly above or below your TV. They’re easy to install, and they have a very small footprint!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Soundbars Good For Live TV?
If you enjoy live TV, then you can rest assured that a soundbar can provide the perfect audio experience. Soundbars are designed to emulate the audio experience of a full surround sound system. Thus, a soundbar can surround you with audio. This will help you to feel like you’re actually involved in the live TV event itself, and not just watching it!
Are Soundbars Better Than TV Speakers?
Soundbars are generally intended to be a simple solution to make up for subpar sound. If you find that your TV’s built-in speakers don’t have the power you want, then installing a soundbar is a great idea. However, it’s worth noting that some modern TVs have excellent built-in speakers, so in some cases, a soundbar may not be the better option!
Are Cheap Soundbars Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re on a very strict budget, but you want to improve the sound of your TV, then a soundbar is still a fantastic option. Even some of the most affordable soundbars still pack incredible audio power. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing audio quality just to access a smaller price tag.
