You’ve got the big screen. You’ve got the 4K picture. But when the movie starts, does the sound feel just as impressive?

A good soundbar can transform your everyday TV experience — from making dialogue easier to hear, to adding deeper bass and creating a more immersive soundstage for movies, music and games.

But with soundbars labelled 2.1ch, 3.1.2ch, 3.1.3ch, 5.1ch and 9.1.5ch, how do you know which one is right for you?

Let’s break down what you need to know before choosing your next soundbar.

What Do Those Numbers Mean?

The numbers on a soundbar tell you about its audio channel configuration.

Generally, they can be read as:

Main Audio Channels . Subwoofer Channel . Height Channels

For example, a 3.1.2ch soundbar has:

3 → Main audio channels
1 → Subwoofer/bass channel
2 → Height channels

Why Does a Subwoofer Matter?

Ever noticed how a movie feels different when you can feel the explosion rather than simply hear it?

That's where the subwoofer comes in.

A subwoofer is designed to handle the lower frequencies, giving you deeper and more powerful bass.

It can make a difference when you're watching:

• Explosive action scenes
• Bass-heavy music
• Gaming
• Racing and sports
• Blockbuster movies

If you're someone who enjoys movies, music or gaming, don't overlook the importance of bass when choosing your soundbar.

Want More Immersive Sound? Look Out for Dolby Atmos

Sound isn't only about left and right.

Dolby Atmos is designed to create a more three-dimensional audio experience, giving compatible content a greater sense of space and height.

Imagine hearing:

• An aircraft seemingly flying overhead
• Rain falling around you
• Action moving across the room
• Music filling the space around you

Soundbars with configurations such as 3.1.2ch, 3.1.3ch and 9.1.5ch can use dedicated height channels to help create this more immersive experience.

Your Room Can Make a Difference

The best soundbar isn't necessarily the one with the most channels — it's the one that works well with your space.

1. Small Room

If you're watching TV in a bedroom, study or smaller living space, a simpler setup such as 2.1ch may already provide a significant improvement.

2. Medium-Sized Living Room

For a typical living room, configurations such as 3.1.2ch, 3.1.3ch or 5.1ch can provide a more expansive and immersive experience.

3. Larger Space / Home Cinema

If you have a larger entertainment area and want to create a more cinematic experience, a higher-end configuration such as 9.1.5ch may be worth considering.

Don't forget to consider your room layout, ceiling height and furniture placement, especially if you're interested in height effects.

Your TV brings the picture to life.

Let your soundbar bring the scene to life, too. 

Explore the range of soundbars available at ESH and find the sound that fits your home.