Poor Sound on Flatscreen TVs

Flat screen TVs focus on being thin, not on how they sound. There isn't enough space inside for proper speakers. So you also need to buy soundbars, which are speakers that sit under your screen, to boost the sound.

In October 2013, some of the best were:

• Orbitsound SB60 airSOUNDBASE: Designed to have a TV sat on top of it. Speech is separated out from background music.
• Samsung HW-F750: Actually two boxes, a long thin soundbar and a squat wireless subwoofer that sends the lower notes directly into your floor. A warm, reassuring sound.
• Sonos Playbar: Doesn't come with a subwoofer so the sound is a bit harsh, but you can buy one separeately. You may also need a wireless 'bridge' if you aren't able to run a cable to your router.
• Bose CineMate: An expensive one, but sounds lovely, although it lacks the extra features of cheaper soundbars.

 Read the full report at radiotimes.com/soundbar

Doctor Digital in Radio Times 2013