Audio format
The audio format produced by a sound projector is actually the largest number of individual audio channels supported by the device. Note that in this case we are talking about the number of real channels, that is, channels for each of which at least one speaker is allocated; Models that support virtual surround sound can give the listener the impression of more channels than there actually are (see below for more details).
The sound format is indicated by two or three numbers separated by a dot. The first indicates the number of main channels, the second - the number of subwoofers, the third - the number of additional vertical radiators. For example, 2.1 format corresponds to stereo sound (2.0) supplemented
by a subwoofer. And the conditional 3.1.2 format includes left, right and center channels, a subwoofer, left and right
vertical speakers.
Sound projectors that support a more advanced sound format than
3.1 are designated in our catalog as multi-channel. The classic
multichannel audio format is 5.1, but there are other options. In any case, a large number of real channels contributes to the fidelity of the reproduced sound and simplifies setup compared to virtual surround sound systems, but is also more expensive.
The most common sound formats are:
2.0,
2.1,
3.0,
3.1,
4.1,
5.1,
5.1.2,
7.1.
Streaming services
A set of streaming services supported by the soundbar.
Such services are designed for streaming audio content over the Internet. In this case, the files are not saved to the device, but are played directly from the corresponding resource on the global network. Streaming services allow you to access vast libraries of music without having to take up the internal storage of your soundbar. The key advantages of online streaming include a huge selection of content and almost instant access to the desired audio tracks.
As for specific services, the following streaming platforms are most widespread:
Spotify,
Apple Music,
YouTube Music,
Deezer,
SoundCloud,
TIDAL, etc.
Control
The ability to control the soundbar, in addition to the standard push-button from the device case, also includes control from the
remote control,
the TV remote control to which the acoustics are connected, through the application
from a smartphone or tablet, and in some cases using a
voice assistant. More details about each of them:
— Remote control. The presence in the configuration of the classic remote control on IR sensors, like those used in TVs. It can contain much more settings functions than the controls on the body of the device and, of course, makes it easier to control the soundbar.
— TV remote control (HDMI-CEC). Connecting the soundbar via the HDMI port allows you to control it via the HDMI-CEC protocol via the TV remote control. This solution will reduce the number of remotes in the room and facilitate the comfort of the settings. However, the functionality of the "non-native" remote control may be limited. In this case, the compatibility of the TV and the soundbar can be achieved using other protocols (not necessarily HDMI-CEC).
— Smartphone control. The ability to control the soundbar through the application. This makes it easier to “search” for the remote control, because the phone is always at hand. The application also has extensive settings and such control is highly likely to be supported by t
...he TV, which allows you to execute absolutely any commands from your smartphone for a comfortable pastime on the TV.
— Voice assistant. This is not about the assistant built into the soundbar itself, but about compatibility with external devices that have this function (for example, with a smartphone or tablet). But even such compatibility allows you to give commands to the voice projector by voice — this is often more convenient than more traditional control methods. The specific set of supported commands and languages may vary depending on the voice assistant and its specific version. And among the most popular at the moment are Google Assistant, Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa.
