Image Credit: Natural-Sound
Why Your New TV Needs More Than Just a Great Picture: The Case for External Speakers
Buying a new TV can be an exciting upgrade to your home entertainment system. However, if you’ve noticed that the sound quality of your sleek new smart TV doesn’t quite match its stunning visuals, you’re not alone. The truth is, as TVs have gotten thinner, their sound has gotten worse.
This trend means that if you want an all-around awesome viewing experience, you’ll need to budget for an external speaker system, or at least a soundbar. Let’s dive into why modern TVs sound awful and explore the best options for enhancing your TV’s audio with wireless connections.
Why Do Modern TVs Sound So Bad?
Modern televisions have evolved dramatically over the years, becoming thinner, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing. While these design improvements have revolutionized home entertainment, they’ve come at the cost of audio quality.
The reason is simple: there’s just not enough space inside these ultra-slim frames to fit large, high-quality speakers. As a result, TV manufacturers are forced to use smaller, less powerful speakers that struggle to produce rich, full sound.
Lack of Space: Thin TVs leave little room for large, powerful speakers, leading to compromised sound quality.
Downward or Rear-Facing Speakers: Many TVs have speakers that face downward or backward, directing sound away from the viewer and making it less immersive.
Limited Bass and Volume: Due to size constraints, TV speakers often lack the depth and power needed to deliver impactful bass and clear dialogue.
Even the most advanced smart TVs with incredible displays can be underwhelming when it comes to sound. That’s why adding an external speaker system, such as a soundbar, bookshelf speakers, or a full home theater system, can significantly enhance your viewing experience. And with the convenience of wireless connections, integrating these systems into your setup has never been easier.
Why You Should Budget for External Speakers
To truly enjoy movies, sports, and shows the way they’re meant to be experienced, you’ll need a sound setup that matches your TV’s visual capabilities. External speakers or soundbars provide:
Enhanced Sound Quality: Enjoy richer bass, clearer dialogue, and a more immersive sound experience.
Better Volume Control: External speakers can fill your room with sound, eliminating the need to constantly adjust volume levels.
Improved Aesthetics: Modern soundbars and speaker systems are designed to complement your TV setup, offering a seamless look and feel.
Wireless Connection Options for External Speakers
One of the great advantages of today’s technology is the ability to connect external speakers to your TV wirelessly, reducing clutter and making setup easy. Here are some popular wireless connection options:
- Bluetooth:
Pros: Easy to set up, no need for additional cables, compatible with many soundbars and speaker systems.
Cons: May experience audio lag, limited range, and potential interference from other Bluetooth devices.
- Wi-Fi (Wireless Home Network):
Pros: Offers higher audio quality than Bluetooth, less prone to lag, can integrate into smart home setups, and allows for multi-room audio with compatible speakers.
Cons: More complex to set up compared to Bluetooth, requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) with Wireless Transmitters:
Pros: Delivers high-quality sound with no lag, often supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, can be controlled via the TV’s remote.
Cons: Requires a compatible soundbar or speaker system, setup may require additional components like wireless transmitters.
- Optical Audio with Wireless Adapters:
Pros: Provides excellent sound quality, easy to set up with the right adapters, works well for TVs with optical outputs.
Cons: Limited to stereo or compressed surround sound, not all wireless adapters support optical inputs.
The evolution of TVs towards thinner and more visually appealing designs has unfortunately led to a decline in built-in sound quality. To ensure that your viewing experience isn’t marred by lackluster audio, it’s wise to invest in an external speaker system or soundbar. With several wireless options available, enhancing your TV’s sound has never been more convenient. So next time you budget for a new TV, don’t forget to include a sound upgrade—you’ll be glad you did!
