Sound Projectors
One component creates surround-like sound
By Maryann Bouche
With high-definition TV, the eyes enjoy sharp, crisp images that bring the screen’s scene to life. Now advances in sound technology are giving the ears something to celebrate — rich, enveloping and more dynamic sound that comes from one easy-to-install component called a sound projector.
The sound projector, also referred to as a sound bar, houses a series of small speakers that can be assigned to various channels to project sound to different points in a room.
So this single component sounds like a multispeaker system, creating a simulated surround-sound effect.
For some models, the sound channels are directed toward wall surfaces which then reflect back to the listener. Another technology that’s used manipulates the signal with adjustments to timing and volume, based on how the ear perceives sound, to make it seem like sounds are coming from different directions.
With sleek designs that complement the clean lines of flat-panel TVs, sound projectors also are easy on the eyes. They can be mounted on the wall or placed on a shelf or rack, and they eliminate the need to run wires across the floor or in walls.
John and Sara Wegman had Sound Stage of Mequon install a Yamaha sound projector and a subwoofer in their Wauwatosa den. It’s hooked up to a TV, DVD player, stereo and iPod.
“The sound is fantastic,” John Wegman said. “It’s amazing to me the sound quality that is produced by one box. And the setup is easy.”
The Wegmans, who have a surround-sound system in their basement, chose a sound projector because they needed something more compact for the small den.
Sound projectors are a good solution for rooms that aren’t a good fit for a surround-sound system, noted Peter Kotsakis of Techteriors in Delafield. A 5.1-channel surround-sound system includes three front speakers, two rear speakers and a subwoofer.
“Sound bars are a good choice for small rooms, condos, apartments; anywhere you can’t or don’t want to run wires,” Kotsakis said.
Techteriors carries Marantz, B&W and Yamaha sound projectors priced about $700 to $2,200. Full-size sound bars are designed for TVs 42 inches and larger; compact models are available for smaller TVs.
When shopping for one, Kotsakis suggests considering where the sound bar will be placed in the room, and investigating the sound quality and features associated with the different models.
Sound ideas
The sound projector’s compact, sleek design and ease of installation mean realistic, immersive sound can be enjoyed in rooms other than the home theater.
Listening to CDs or an MP3 player in the kitchen, watching DVDs in a bedroom, playing video games in the den become a new experience with sound that seems to come from all corners of the room.
“Watching an NFL game on a TV connected to a sound bar, you hear the crowd noises behind you — it really feels like you’re at the game,” said Dave Roffers of Sound Stage.
Sound Stage sells Yamaha digital sound projectors that are priced from about $700 to $1,600. Customers may add a subwoofer to enhance the sound, he said.
With the auto-calibration system, it takes about five minutes to calibrate to the acoustics of the room using a microphone included with the unit.
Installation can be done by the homeowner. “But some people don’t like to read manuals,” Roffers said, so many customers opt for professional installation.
Reviewers of sound projectors say the surround-sound effect can depend on the size and shape of the room, the placement of large objects in the room and the placement of the speaker. So check different models to find what sounds best for your needs.
Article taken from House and Home: http://www.jsonline.com/realestate/beforeandafter/57000092.html
