Better TV sound

Thin TVs have tiny speakers. Settings help; external speakers help more.

A flat-screen TV with a soundbar on a cabinet

Try the settings first

  • Turn on dialogue or voice enhancement if voices are hard to follow.
  • Use night mode to reduce loud explosions late at night.
  • Turn off virtual surround if it makes voices hollow.

Soundbars

A soundbar connected to the TV's HDMI ARC or eARC port lets one remote control the volume. A model with a separate subwoofer adds real bass; a centre channel keeps dialogue clear.

Placement

Put the soundbar directly below the screen, not inside a closed cabinet, so sound reaches you rather than the shelf.