Acoustic design
Acoustic design of the subwoofer used by the sound projector.
— Closed type. The simplest design option is a speaker installed in a closed case. Such subwoofers have a relatively low volume, but are distinguished by good sound fidelity and a minimum of distortion.
— Bass-reflex type. Subwoofers equipped with a phase inverter - a special tube connecting the inner volume of the case with the outer space. Such equipment improves the volume and saturation of the sound, but increases the likelihood of interference (primarily the rumble of air in the pipe).
— With a passive radiator. The passive radiator is actually a speaker without a coil and a magnet, installed in the subwoofer cabinet along with the main speaker. The purpose of such a radiator is similar to the phase inverter described above, except that it is less susceptible to interference.
Audio decoders
A decoder can be broadly described as a standard in which digital audio (often multi-channel) is recorded. For normal playback of such sound, it is necessary that the corresponding decoder is supported by the device. The first signs of multi-channel decoding were Dolby Digital and DTS, gradually improving and introducing new features. The final stage for 2020 is Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders.
Dolby Atmos. A decoder that does not use a rigid distribution of sound across channels, but the processing of audio objects, due to which it can be used with almost any number of channels on a reproducing system - the sound will be divided between channels so that each audio object is heard as close as possible to its proper place. When using Dolby Atmos, in-ceiling speakers (or speakers facing the ceiling) are highly desirable. However, in extreme cases, you can do without them.
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DTS X. An analogue of the Dolby Atmos described above, when the sound is distributed not through individual channels, but through audio objects. The digital signal contains information about where (according to the director's intention) the object audible to the user should be and how it should move, and the processor of the reproducing device processes this information and determines exactly how the sound should be distributed over the available channels in order to achieve the required localization. Thanks to this, D
...TS X is not tied to a specific number of audio channels - there can be as many as you like, the system will automatically divide the sound into them, achieving the desired sound. Also note that this decoder allows you to separately adjust the volume of dialogues. A separate variant of DTS X is the DTS Virtual:X decoder for providing surround sound without the use of additional upward speakers on the soundbar. You can rely on just two channels and a separate subwoofer to achieve the desired DTS Virtual:X effect. A separate variation of DTS X is the DTS Virtual:X decoder to provide surround sound without the need for additional upward-firing speakers on the soundbar. DTS Virtual:X can rely on just two channels and a separate subwoofer to achieve the desired effect.
— IMAX Enhanced. The IMAX Enhanced Mark of Conformity is awarded to equipment that meets the audio certification requirements of IMAX Corporation. Combined with DTS audio technology to deliver signature IMAX theater-like sound in the home. The most accurate reproduction of such audio is possible in systems with a large number of channels (5.1 or more). Note that for a fully immersive experience, IMAX Enhanced certification must also apply to video equipment for playing content (TV, projector, etc.).Inputs
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USB A. In this case, we mean a USB connector that allows you to connect external storage devices (flash drives, hard drives) to the projector and play content from them directly. At the same time, models with video outputs (see below) can often work as a media center, outputting a video signal to a TV or other external screen.
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USB C. Soundbars use it to transmit digital audio with minimal loss of quality, replacing traditional AUX and optical connectors. Unlike analog connections, USB-C transmits sound without distortion and can support high-resolution audio streams, including Hi-Res formats. It also allows you to simultaneously transmit sound and power, which simplifies connecting to devices. However, this port is more relevant for portable devices, so its main purpose is to connect the soundbar to a laptop.
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mini-Jack (3.5 mm). The 3.5 mm jack itself can be used in different types of interfaces; in this case, it means a linear audio input with a mini-Jack socket. This input is mainly used to connect portable audio equipment (players, smartphones) to the sound projector.
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RCA. Technically, RCA (colloquially known as "tulip") is a type of connector that can be used in different interfaces. However, the term "RCA input" is usually used to refer only to linear inputs for connecting an analog signal in st
...ereo format. Note that such an input consists of two sockets for RCA cables, since only one audio channel can be transmitted over one cable.
— Optical. A connector for connecting a digital audio signal via a TOSLINK fiber-optic cable. This interface allows for the transmission of multi-channel sound and is virtually immune to electrical interference; its disadvantage is the fragility of the cable.
— Coaxial S/P-DIF. A connector for connecting a digital audio signal via an electrical cable with an RCA connector (not to be confused with the linear RCA described above). Similar to the optical input described above, in particular, the ability to transmit multi-channel sound through one connector. At the same time, a coaxial cable, on the one hand, is not as delicate, and on the other, it is sensitive to electrical interference (therefore, it is advisable to use a special shielded cable for such a connection).
— Composite. In this case, we do not mean a full-size composite interface with three connectors, allowing you to transmit audio and video signals, but only one connector — for working with video. And since sound projectors do not reproduce images, the composite input is used to transmit a video signal through the projector to another device, such as a TV. The composite video interface does not allow you to work with HD and is not of high quality; on the other hand, it is widespread and can be used even for working with frankly outdated video equipment. Usually, this input uses a yellow RCA connector ("tulip").
— Component. An input designed to receive an analog video signal for further transmission to another device — a TV, video projector, etc. This connection usually uses three RCA connectors, each of which transmits its own component of the video signal (hence the name). Due to this, the component interface has good bandwidth and picture quality, it allows you to work with HD and is considered the most advanced modern standard of analog video.
— IR control input. A connector for connecting an external infrared remote control receiver. If placed correctly, such a receiver will allow you to use the remote control even in places where the signal from the remote control cannot reach the main (built-in) sensor — for example, in another room. Note that the role of the receiver can be played not only by a specialized device, but also by another component of the audio system — for example, an amplifier with an IR control output.
