11 May Improving the sound quality of HDTV
“I bought a new, state-of-the-art flat screen HD TV, but the sound quality is like something out of the 1960s.” That’s a comment we hear from lots of people here at PAC NJ, northern New Jersey’s center for home theater equipment and advice. These people want to know why slim, new HD TVs have such poor sound quality, and if there is anything they can do about it.
First of all, the sound quality from speakers built into flat screen TVs is indeed poor. The fact is, as screens get thinner, there is less room left for speakers – The latest generations of flat panel HD TVs are less than one inch deep. For cosmetic reasons, most manufacturers choose to position the speakers in the rear of the TV chassis and let the sound bounce off the wall behind the TV. And the speakers are almost always small and generic. That means you get tinny audio that sounds like its run through an echo chamber from most flat screen TVs. But there are remedies, and the best solution is to attach an aftermarket speaker system to the bottom of your new TV. Several speaker options are available from a number of different manufacturers. I like the Leon company’s home theater speaker systems the best. They offer several quality levels, and even better, all of the speakers match the depth of new flat screen TVs. They also match the exact width of every TV size and brand currently available. Even the color will match perfectly. That means that once attached with the included mounting brackets, these home theater speakers look like they’re part of the TV. And best of all, the sound quality is nothing short of phenomenal.
Leon offers either basic two channel stereo models or units that have all three channels for viewers who want a home theater viewing experience. The basic two channel version requires a home stereo amplifier to drive the upgraded Leon speakers. Sixty watts per channel will be plenty of power to provide crisp and realistic sound in most rooms. For home theater surround sound, you should purchase a decent quality A/V receiver, surround speakers and a subwoofer. Most people already have a cable box and a Blu Ray player, so the additional A/V or stereo amplifier or receiver can be installed in the same location. The net result will be great sound to match the great picture delivered by your new high def, flat panel television.