Soundbar & Home Audio FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Upgrading your TV sound? Here are the most common soundbar and home-audio questions answered. Browse TV audio at Value Plus and read Soundbar vs Home Theatre and our Best Soundbar & Home Theatre guide.

Choosing Audio

Soundbar or home theatre — which should I buy?

A soundbar is a clean, compact upgrade that's easy to set up; a home theatre delivers fuller surround sound for larger rooms and movie lovers.

What do 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 channels mean?

The first number is the speakers and the ".1" is the subwoofer. 2.1 is great for everyday TV and music; 5.1 adds rear speakers for immersive surround sound.

Do I need a subwoofer?

A subwoofer adds deep bass for movies, music and games. If you enjoy powerful low-end, choose a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer.

Which soundbar brand is best?

Samsung, Sony, JBL and boAt all offer strong options across budgets — match channels and power to your room size.

Setup & Buying

How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?

The easiest options are HDMI ARC for one-cable control, optical cable, or Bluetooth for wireless playback. HDMI ARC is recommended for the best quality.

Can I buy a soundbar on EMI at Value Plus?

Yes. Value Plus offers easy EMI and no-cost EMI on leading bank cards, plus free delivery.