However, soundbars aren’t only for TV viewing.

Most soundbars can be wall-mounted.

you’re free to place a soundbar under or above a wall-mounted TV.

Two people setting up a soundbar in their home

Lifewire / Emily Mendoza

It is best to mount it under the TV as the sound is better directed to the listener.

Many soundbars come with hardware or a paper wall template.

Use the template to find the best spot and mark the screw point for provided wall mounts.

Wall Mounted vs Shelf Placed Sound Bar - ZVOX SB400

ZVOX Audio

In the case of wall mounting, make the connections before permanently mounting the soundbar.

Shown above are connections found on a basic soundbar.

The position and labeling may vary.

Basic Sound Bar Connections: Yamaha YAS-203 Used As Example

Yamaha Electronics Corp

Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial, andAnalog Stereoconnections are from left to right with their corresponding cable types.

The digital optical connection is best for sending audio from the TV to the soundbar.

If the TV has both, it is your choice.

Hi-End Sound Bar Connections: Yamaha YAS-706 Used As Example

Yamaha Electronics Corp

After connecting your TV, ensure it can send audio signals to the soundbar.

Ordinarily, you only need to make the external speaker setting once.

If your source devices do not have this option, they may have a digital optical or analog one.

Sound Bar With Subwoofer - Klipsch RSB-14

Klipsch Group

A 3.5mm input jack is convenient for connecting portable music players or similar audio sources.

The video signals pass-through untouched, while audio can be extracted and decoded or processed by the soundbar.

It means that you don’t have to connect a separate audio cable from the TV to the soundbar.

Vizio Sound Bar System with Surround Speakers

Vizio

To take advantage of this feature, go into the TV’s HDMI setup menu and activate it.

Subwoofer Output

Many soundbars include a subwoofer output.

Ethernet Port

Another connection included on some soundbars is an Ethernet (web link) port.

Yamaha Digital Sound Projector Tech - Intellibeam

Yamaha Electronics Corp

Soundbars that include an Ethernet port may also provide built-in Wi-Fi, which also reduces cable clutter.

Use the option that works best for you.

confirm the sub is placed where it is both convenient (near an AC power outlet) andsounds best.

Yamaha SRT-1500 Sound Base

Yamaha Electronics Corporation

Check your remote control for separate volume level controls for the soundbar and the subwoofer.

If so, it makes it easier to get the right balance.

Also, check to see if the soundbar has a primary volume control.

Yamaha MusicCast - Lifestyle and Diagram

Yamaha

The soundbar produces the sound for the front left, center, and right channels.

It sends bass and surround signals wirelessly to the subwoofer.

The subwoofer routes the surround signals to the connected speakers.

Vizio Sound Bar Lifestyle Image - Living Room

Vizio

These soundbars don’t have to be physically connected to a subwoofer.

However, they still need to plug into AC power.

The speaker should be a few inches away from side walls or room corners.

When connected, balance the subwoofer with your soundbar.

Check the remote control for separate surround speaker level controls.

Placement with TVs is limited as sound bases work best with TVs that come with center stands.

The sound base may also be higher than the vertical height of the TV frame’s lower bezel.

If you prefer a sound base over a soundbar, consider these factors.

Sound Bars with Bluetooth and Wireless Multi-Room Audio

Yamaha

One common feature in many soundbars isBluetooth.

This technology can stream music from your smartphone and other compatible devices.

Some soundbars enable you to send audio from the soundbar to Bluetooth headsets or speakers.

The soundbar brand determines with which wireless speakers it’s compatible.

For those with a large home theater setup, soundbars are an excellent solution for second-room TV viewing.

When considering a soundbar, don’t only look at the price.