3 cool things you probably didn’t know your soundbar could do

Looking for a way to upgrade your TV audio system without installing bulky speakers? A soundbar offers a stylish alternative. In addition to improving your audio experience when watching TV, a soundbar can offer a range of features you didn’t know about. Familiarizing yourself with all the capabilities of your soundbar can help you realize its full potential.

Be aware that different soundbars offer different features. Not all items listed here may apply to your specific model. That said, this is a general overview of the features that many soundbars offer, even if they are limited in capacity. As always, the best way to ensure you get a soundbar that meets your needs and expectations is to conduct thorough research on the subject. You can start by checking out the rankings of some of the best soundbars currently on the market. If you already own a soundbar, exploring these features may be key to realizing the full value of your purchase.

Most people who buy soundbars probably do so with the goal of improving the sound on their TV. However, it’s important to remember that a soundbar can connect to other devices. This is just one reason why many soundbars have multiple HDMI ports.

Depending on your model, you may be able to connect a soundbar to a karaoke machine. You can also pair the soundbar with a karaoke app via Bluetooth connectivity. In either case, a soundbar will provide greater amplification than you could get from a karaoke machine or small Bluetooth speaker alone.

This “hidden feature” of a soundbar highlights a general point worth keeping in mind when investing in one of these devices: a soundbar can amplify much more than just the sound from your TV. For example, in addition to using a soundbar to host a karaoke party that your guests will love, you can also use it for more practical purposes, like improving the audio in a home office during a video conference.

While hearing issues aren’t the only reason Gen Z likes subtitles when watching movies and TV, it’s likely a factor in at least some cases. Maybe you can understand. If you’re having trouble hearing dialogue during critical scenes, a soundbar can potentially solve the problem.

Exploring different sound modes is one of the most basic tips and tricks for getting the most out of your soundbar. In doing so, you may find that your soundbar offers a “Dialogue” mode, sometimes called “Voice” mode. As the name suggests, this mode is specifically intended to improve the volume and clarity of dialogue. Such a mode can be especially useful when watching an action movie or similar movie or show with loud sound effects, music, and other audio elements that might otherwise drown out what the actors are saying on screen.

Again, Dialogue mode is just one of the special modes your soundbar may offer. Experiment with all the others to determine the best modes for different purposes.

A soundbar is an improvement over a TV’s limited audio system, in part because it has more powerful speakers. That’s not to say that your TV’s speakers can’t play any role in optimizing the audio experience when using a soundbar. Although it’s a feature that isn’t available on all models, some soundbars offer a mode (like LG’s WOW Orchestra feature) that syncs the soundbar’s speakers with those on the TV. The result is an expanded soundstage that allows for an even more impressive experience.

The main takeaway from all of this is that a soundbar isn’t just something you plug into your TV, set up, and then leave in place. Again, while specifics vary from model to model, soundbars generally offer a range of features that may not be immediately apparent when you buy one. These are just a few examples of ways you could take yours to the next level.