IT Blog | Mr. HiTech Tech Blog

SoundbarOne of the easiest upgrades for your home theater experience is adding better audio. No matter how much you spent (or saved) on a new flat screen, it simply doesn’t have a lot of room inside to move air around and produce sound worthy of the Ultra HD display. In the space between settling for thin TV speaker audio and shelling out for $100-per-inch unicorn hair speaker wire, I have a few suggestions.Opting for a soundbar can help you save space and money, and Vizio offers a slew of value-priced options that fit almost any living room or budget. The 2017-era SB3651-E6 setup that I have at home is on sale now for about $150, pairing a soundbar with a true center channel — important for clear dialogue — and a small wireless subwoofer that connects to a couple of surround speakers.A slightly more expensive but easier-to-live-with option is the SB36312-G6. At $250, it uses software and upward-firing speakers for the effect of Dolby Atmos sound that surrounds you from behind and above. With just a soundbar and a slim wireless subwoofer, you won’t be able to see where the sounds are coming from — or have to keep an eye out for annoying wires running across the room — you’ll just hear them. If you don’t mind the inconvenience or spending a little more money, however, the best option might be Vizio’s SB36512-F6. It has the larger subwoofer, plus Dolby Atmos audio and some rear surround speakers to make sure everything is in the right place — better yet, it’s on sale for just $300.Roku is a relative newcomer to the space, but its soundbar combines a streaming box and an audio upgrade all-in-one. Your new TV probably comes in apps, but if you’re still waiting to upgrade or just want something that’s easier to use, it adds everything you’re looking for in one $150 swoop. You can also add a wireless subwoofer later for another $150, or save $60 by purchasing both now.Another option is Yamaha’s $299 YAS-209. It supports Spotify Connect, it’s ready to respond to your voice commands for Amazon Alexa (so you don’t need an Echo speaker in the living room) and it comes with a wireless subwoofer. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Harman Kardon HW-Q60R soundbar simulates 5.1 surround audio, and it ties in with Samsung TVs Game Mode to make sure your sound is synced up with the action. It’s currently on sale for $278.Buy Vizio SB3651-E6 on Amazon – $150Buy Vizio SB36312 on Amazon – $249.99Buy Vizio SB36512-F6 on Best Buy – $299.99Buy Roku Smart Soundbar on Best Buy – $150Buy Samsung HW-Q60R on Best Buy – $278Universal remoteRemote control technology hasn’t advanced quite as much as the rest of home theater tech over the years, despite the proliferation of HDMI-CEC and devices that you can operate via apps. Still, if you’re hoping for a one-wand-that-rules-them-all experience, Harmony’s Companion is your best bet.It can tie-in with home automation setups to make adjusting for movie night
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