Comparison Sharp HT-SB140 vs Sharp HT-SB106

The total power rating of the sound projector speakers (including subwoofer, if present).

This parameter is often used to estimate the overall sound volume of the device, but this is not entirely true. The fact is that the actual sound volume is determined mainly by the power of the main speakers of the sound projector, and the total power is the sum of this power and the power of the subwoofer. Therefore, models with the same power rating can vary markedly in actual volume: for example, a 150-watt soundbar with a 50-watt subwoofer will be louder than a 100-watt projector with a subwoofer of the same power, although in both cases the rated power will be equal to 200 watts.

Summing up, we can say that it is possible to evaluate the volume by rated power only if the sound projector is not equipped with a subwoofer — in such models, the rated power is equal to the power of the main speakers. In other cases, it is worth focus on the power of the soundbar and the power of the subwoofer directly stated in the characteristics (see below for both).

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.

The total power consumption of the entire system, both the sound projector itself and the external subwoofer (if present). Usually this indicator is indicated by the average power consumption at maximum volume. Note that on individual signal jumps, the actual power consumption may exceed the claimed one; in some cases (for example, when connected through a voltage stabilizer), this must be taken into account.