Vizio has announced a new audio offering to help the home theater enthusiast who wants something more than the puny speakers flat panel TVs offer. The new system is a 54″ 5.1 Sound Bar System that features a traditional sound bar, subwoofer, and surrounds.
The 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar System is geared towards HDTVs 55’’ and larger. Vizio claims that the sound bar will put out over 104db and that the sound bar provides a greater separation between the left and right channels, creating for a wider sound stage to fill the room.
“With picture quality standards of today’s HDTV continuing to elevate, consumers are now demanding an enhanced audio solution that completes their home theater experience,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer. “VIZIO is bringing true 5.1 sound bar solutions into living rooms, and now consumers with both large- and mid-size HDTVs can enjoy best-in-class, true cinematic audio.”
Ideal for TVs 42″ and larger, the Vizio 38″ 5.1 Sound Bar System will be available in the coming weeks. The mainstream bar features two rear satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, pumping out up to 100 dB2 of immersive surround sound into the living room. The 38″ 5.1 Sound Bar System caters to some of the most popular TV sizes in the market today, offering a true 5.1 surround sound experience upgrade.
Providing powerful bass performance and crisp audio detail, both the 54” and 38” 5.1 Sound Bar Systems feature Dolby® Digital and DTS Digital Surround™, which further add to a more engaging listening experience. DTS TruVolume™ is included as well, providing intelligent volume-leveling for less abrupt fluctuations when switching from a television show to commercial. The 54” 5.1 Sound Bar System also features VIZIO Surround Matrix technology and integrated aptX® Bluetooth® audio coding technology for near CD-quality music streaming via supported wireless devices3. The 38″ 5.1 Sound Bar System features DTS Studio Sound™ as well as DTS Circle Surround™.
Providing powerful bass performance and crisp audio detail, both the 54” and 38” 5.1 Sound Bar Systems feature Dolby® Digital and DTS Digital Surround™, which further add to a more engaging listening experience. DTS TruVolume™ is included as well, providing intelligent volume-leveling for less abrupt fluctuations when switching from a television show to commercial. The 54″ 5.1 Sound Bar System also features Vizio Surround Matrix technology and integrated aptX®Bluetooth® audio coding technology for near CD-quality music streaming via supported wireless devices3. The 38” 5.1 Sound Bar System features DTS Studio Sound™ as well as DTS Circle Surround™.
In what I must admit is a nice touch with all the cable and accessory voodoo consumers have to face, the large- and mid-size 5.1 sound bar systems are sold with all cables included and offer an intuitive setup process. Vizio says that consumers will appreciate HDMI connectivity and a hassle-free set-up with the inclusion of all necessary cables in the box. I’d tend to agree.
So what’s the price?
Vizio’s 54″ 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (S5451w-C2) has an MSRP of $499.99 and will be found initially atAmazon.com and VIZIO.com and at BestBuy.com, Sam’s Club, SamsClub.com and Walmart.com in the coming weeks.
