Home Theater Knowledge Base

Question I want to keep my home theater simple, so I'm opting for a sound bar rather than surround sound. I thought I had all the questions answered but I'm stumped on whether I want a sound bar with a built-in amp.   Answer Most models have built-in amplification. As a result, they don't require a separate home theater receiver -- you just connect your audio components, and you're all set. Some virtual surround and Left-Right-Center sound bars don't have built-in amplification. You need to connect these passive models to a separate home theater receiver. Passive sound bars are a good option if you already have a home theater receiver you'd like to use. Plus, a separate receiver can provide cleaner power and more sophisticated audio processing, so you might enjoy higher-quality sound. So like every other question, the answer is it all depends.  

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Question What's the best way to connect up a sound bar in a home theater? Answer The answer depends on the kind of sound bar you have. Stereo sound bars If you're just connecting components for stereo sound, use the red and white stereo RCA jacks. Many sound bars even include a stereo cable in the box. This makes it easy to connect the sound bar to your TV's stereo output for better television sound. If your TV doesn't have audio outputs, you can also use the outputs on your DVD player, cable box, satellite receiver, or other gear. Virtual surround sound models Sound bars with virtual surround sound generally offer digital audio inputs. This connection will deliver the best, most detailed sound and most convincing surround effects from DVD players and other components with digital audio outputs. Most virtual surround sound models offer one or more types of digital audio connections, including HDMI, as well as optical and coaxial digital audio. Passive sound bars Hooking up a passive sound bar to your receiver is also very straightforward — it basically connects just like any other speaker. These sound bars include positive and negative terminals for each of the audio channels they play — five for virtual surround models, three for LCR models (the other two channels connect to separate surround speakers). You'll just need to connect each pair of terminals to the corresponding outputs on your receiver. Speaker wire is usually included. Powered subwoofers Connecting a powered sub is simple. Sound bars with built-in amplifiers give you a dedicated subwoofer output. You'll just need to run a cable from the sound bar to the subwoofer. We recommend using a subwoofer cable instead of regular audio patch cables when making this connection since it's specifically designed to carry low bass frequencies. You won't need to make this connection if you choose a system that includes a wireless subwoofer, but you will still need to plug the sub into a wall outlet.

Find out about the common types of cables for your home theater.

Learn the questions to answer to select your best for multi-room sound system!   

Learn the main things to consider when selecting TV size

Symptoms I have a new HDTV and was expecting it to rock my world, but the picture quality isn't so great. Is there anything I can do myself to improve the picture?   Diagnosis Walking yourself through some simple troubleshooting tips can help you discover a basic solution before you take your unit in for repair or spend your day on the phone with technical support. Solution Basics The exact terms and settings may differ depending on the make and model of your television. However, most of the problems that arise and the ways to remedy them are universal. Keep your TV away from air vents that can expose it overly hot or cold temperatures. Also keep it away from excessive moisture. If it starts to overheat or if the power indicator starts blinking, turn the TV off, unplug it and plug it into a different outlet. If you see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen or on the sides, adjust the aspect ratio, either to 4:3 for standard TV or 16:9 for widescreen. If you turn on the TV but no picture shows, or if the picture looks fuzzy and unclear, first check the connections. See that the cables are connected securely and to the input for the component you wish to view, and have the TV set to that input. Turn the TV to the correct channel, usually 3 or 4. Turn off or move any electrical devices that may cause interference with the picture. Switch between component inputs (cable and DVD, for example) to see if there's a noticeable difference. If so, the problem may be with that component. Settings HDTVs feature a number of adjustable video settings. They're a good place to start if the picture quality isn't what you want. Use the remote control to access the various menus. Set the picture resolution to 1080i to get optimal video from HD channels. These settings may differ between standard and HD channels, and between different components (cable/satellite and DVD). The components may have their own settings to adjust as well. Also use the menu features to adjust the sharpness, brightness and contrast to improve the picture. Some TVs may have other options as well, such as digital noise reduction to cut down on interference. Sound If you have video but no audio or if the audio is too low, double-check the cable connections. Make sure that "Mute" hasn't been activated, either on the TV or video component you're viewing. Adjust the volume, either manually or with the remote control, on both the TV and video component to see if it changes. Go into the menu. Different brands of TVs have different audio settings, such as "Mono" and "Stereo," or "Analog" and "Digital." See that audio is on the correct setting and enabled for that particular input. Change the channel or try a different component input---is there a substantial difference? Support If the issue or issues persist after you try these steps, your TV may need service. Before you call a professional, consult the owner's manual and visit the TV manufacturer's website support page for more troubleshooting tips. The support page will also provide terms and settings for your specific model, updates, accessories and customer and technical support.

Question I want to keep my home theater simple, so I'm opting for a sound bar rather than surround sound. I thought I had all the questions answered, but I'm stumped on whether I want a sound bar with a built-in amp.   Answer Most models have built-in amplification. As a result, they don't require a separate home theater receiver -- you just connect your audio components, and you're all set. Some virtual surround and Left-Right-Center sound bars don't have built-in amplification. These are called passive sound bars and you need to connect them to a separate home theater receiver. Passive sound bars are a good option if you already have a home theater receiver you'd like to use. Plus, a separate receiver can provide cleaner power and more sophisticated audio processing, so you might enjoy higher-quality sound. So like every other question, the answer is it all depends.

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