Audio format
The audio format produced by a sound projector is actually the largest number of individual audio channels supported by the device. Note that in this case we are talking about the number of real channels, that is, channels for each of which at least one speaker is allocated; Models that support virtual surround sound can give the listener the impression of more channels than there actually are (see below for more details).
The sound format is indicated by two or three numbers separated by a dot. The first indicates the number of main channels, the second - the number of subwoofers, the third - the number of additional vertical radiators. For example, 2.1 format corresponds to stereo sound (2.0) supplemented
by a subwoofer. And the conditional 3.1.2 format includes left, right and center channels, a subwoofer, left and right
vertical speakers.
Sound projectors that support a more advanced sound format than
3.1 are designated in our catalog as multi-channel. The classic
multichannel audio format is 5.1, but there are other options. In any case, a large number of real channels contributes to the fidelity of the reproduced sound and simplifies setup compared to virtual surround sound systems, but is also more expensive.
The most common sound formats are:
2.0,
2.1,
3.0,
3.1,
4.1,
5.1,
5.1.2,
7.1.
Rear acoustics
The rear speakers provide a more realistic and spacious soundbar sound, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of what is happening. Such sound system, often consisting of a pair of speakers, are installed behind the intended seating area of the listeners, complementing the sound of the main source.
Rated power
The total power rating of the sound projector speakers (including subwoofer, if present).
This parameter is often used to estimate the overall sound volume of the device, but this is not entirely true. The fact is that the actual sound volume is determined mainly by the power of the main speakers of the sound projector, and the total power is the sum of this power and the power of the subwoofer. Therefore, models with the same power rating can vary markedly in actual volume: for example, a 150-watt soundbar with a 50-watt subwoofer will be louder than a 100-watt projector with a subwoofer of the same power, although in both cases the rated power will be equal to 200 watts.
Summing up, we can say that it is possible to evaluate the volume by rated power only if the sound projector is not equipped with a subwoofer — in such models, the rated power is equal to the power of the main speakers. In other cases, it is worth focus on the power of the soundbar and the power of the subwoofer directly stated in the characteristics (see below for both).
Rear speaker power
The power rating of the rear speakers, which are usually responsible for surround sound effects. The higher the watt rating, the louder and richer the sound can be. Models with high power rear speakers are ideal for large rooms.
HDMI input
The number of
HDMI inputs in the design of the sound projector.
HDMI is the most popular modern interface for working with HD content, it allows you to transmit high-definition video simultaneously with multi-channel audio over a single cable. Having multiple inputs allows you to keep multiple signal sources connected to the projector at the same time and select the source from the remote without fiddling with reconnecting wires.
HDMI version
HDMI interface version supported by the soundbar.
See the interface itself for more details (“HDMI input”, “HDMI output”), and its versions differ primarily in bandwidth. Here are the current options:
— v 1.4. The earliest of the widespread versions, which, nevertheless, has quite decent features: in particular, it supports 4096x2160 video at 24 fps, and in Full HD the frame rate can reach 120 fps, which already allows you to work with 3D. It has two modifications — v.1.4a and v.1.4b — differing from the original mainly in slightly advanced capabilities for working with three-dimensional content.
-v 2.0. The version introduced back in 2013. The increased bandwidth allowed support for 4K video at frame rates up to 60 fps, as well as up to 32 channels of audio and up to 4 audio streams simultaneously. This version also has two extensions: HDR support was added in the v.2.0a update, and this feature was improved and expanded in v.2.0b.
— v 2.1. An update to the HDMI standard released in 2017. Of the main innovations, support for 8K and 10K video at speeds up to 120 fps has been added, and HDR capabilities have been improved. However it is worth considering that all these features are available only when using special HDMI Ultra High Speed cables.
Number of speakers
The total number of speakers installed in the sound projector housing (external subwoofer is not taken into account in this calculation).
Given the same audio format (see above), more speakers typically provide greater fidelity and more precise localization of individual sound sources. This is especially true for models with virtual surround sound.
Midrange speaker size
The diameter of the midrange drivers installed in the sound projector. An increase in the diameter of the speaker has a positive effect on its power (due to an increase in the usable area) and reduces the operating frequency range. Therefore, midrange heads can be noticeably larger than tweeters (see above). More detailed data on the diameter of the speakers can be found in special sources.
Woofer size (LF/MF)
The diameter of the woofers (or combined woofers, in two-way systems) of the speakers installed in the sound projector. For speakers in this range, large size is especially important - it is the cones of large diameter that work best at low frequencies, while providing good power. It is believed that for a head operating in the subwoofer format, a size of at least 200 mm is desirable. But the low-frequency speakers of the general range can be relatively small.
