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Definition: soundbar


A TV or home theater speaker system in a single cabinet. Soundbar speakers are designed for apartments or venues where discrete speakers are not desired throughout the room. Self powered, soundbars often support a wireless subwoofer for maximum bass response, which can be conveniently located anywhere in the room. In the more sophisticated systems, "virtual surround sound" is produced by psychoacoustic effects that adjust the timing and volume of the various speakers. Some units bounce the sound off side and back walls, which can be effective in small rooms, while others do not rely on precise placement.

The Soundbase
A soundbase is a soundbar that is deeper and flat so the TV stand can be placed on it. See home theater, home theater speakers and home theater in a box.




Polk's SurroundBar
Designed to work with a subwoofer, Polk Audio's five-channel soundbar systems do not depend on room acoustics or critical placement in the room. Using Polk's patented Stereo Dimensional Array (SDA) technology, which stems from the late 1980s, surround sound is simulated by a combination of "acoustical engineering, psychoacoustic principles and a little magic" according to the vendor. (Image courtesy of Polk Audio.)