Copyright Gizmodo
TV speakers have been universally terrible for decades and they force anyone who cares about audio quality to invest in external sound systems. The problem is that premium soundbars from Bose or Sonos start at $500 and easily climb past $1,000 for their entry-level models which puts decent TV audio out of reach for most people. But the good news is that Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar just hit $99 on Amazon, down from its usual $119 price, and while that’s already absurdly cheap, the real story is what you’re getting at this all-time low. This 2.0-channel soundbar delivers DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio processing, Bluetooth connectivity, and seamless Fire TV integration for less than what competitors charge for shipping. See at Amazon Audio Technology That Punches Above Its Price The Fire TV Soundbar comes with a 2.0 speaker design which provides audio in two channels with no subwoofer. The soundbar’s design measures 24 inches, with both full-range channels in place by Amazon from the midrange area of the sound frequencies right down into the lowest sound frequencies. The audio processing side of the equation that stands out is DTS Virtual:X. DTS Virtual:X is a audio processing technology that uses standard stereo or surround sound audio and then analyzes it so it can create a three-dimensional sound environment. It replicates the effect of additional audio channels by giving the impression of sound coming from above or from all around you. While it’s not the same as Dolby Atmos (which uses actual audio speakers in the ceiling), it is definitely an improvement from standard stereo audio. Dolby Audio compatibility is also guaranteed: The soundbar will work with almost all streaming media. The audio of most streaming channels on Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+, among others, is Dolby Digital formatted. The soundbar can decode Dolby Digital audio effectively and offers the desired audio mix. It will definitely help viewers hear dialogues more clearly. The setup is amazingly easy and takes only two minutes from unboxing. The eARC or ARC port on your TV’s HDMI side gets connected using an HDMI cable provided by Amazon. eARC stands for enhanced Audio Return Channel. eARC or standard ‘ARC’ features audio transmission from your TV to soundbars via an HDMI cable. The audio from anything playing on your TV, including streaming services or others connected through different HDMI jacks, gets automatically channeled into the soundbar. The small size enables this sound bar to be accommodated in a place where other sound bars won’t: The sound bar measures only 24 inches in length, which is only 2.5 inches thick. The sound bar fits underneath most televisions in a manner that doesn’t cover the screen or the infrared remote sensors. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity brings more functionality than mere audio output from the TV: The sound bar can be paired with your phone, tablet, or laptop, and audio from your device can be reproduced through the sound bar’s speakers. The sound bar’s sound quality in reproduction of audio from the connected device is not bad, though not exceptional. Integration with Fire TV is second to none if you happen to be using a Fire TV or an TV with Fire TV built right in. The remote from your Fire TV will control both the TV and soundbar by turning it on or off and adjusting the soundbar’s volume with the help of HDMI-CEC. The sound bar will also partner perfectly with smart TVs or streaming devices that aren’t Fire TV. For only 99 dollars, you will be able to enjoy audio that will give every movie, show, or gameplay you enjoy for the next few years a whole different experience. Even if your TV’s audio is more than bad, an investment of this kind will make all the difference.
