Sound Bar

[dpf]

Here's my problem. I have a 20" flat screen TV with a built in DVD player in the kitchen. When I try to play a DVD the volume is so low that you have to sit right by the screen to hear it....therefore I can't do my cook-a-thons and watch a movie at the same time. I thought maybe I was just getting deaf, until I talked to others who have told me that they have the same problem. Yesterday one of my workers told me that in the process of making the new tv's so thin the volume can be compromised because the speakers are small and that I probably need to get a sound bar. Any of you have an insight on this? I don't want to talk to a salesman about it because I know that they'll tell me that it's exactly what I need whether I do or not!

[mitch5252]

I've listened to sound bars and they really do a great job of mimicking surround sound.
But the ones I've seen are pretty darn big - maybe 3' wide, maybe more. I don't know if there are some that are smaller.
I'd find one at an easy-to-return store (i.e. WallyWorld). If you don't like it, take it back.

We sure would hate for you to miss Cook-A-Thons...

PS: Of course you'll know I'll go looking online for a smaller one.

[AlmostThere]

Is there a menu separate for the DVD settings?
Have you googled the TV and seen if there are others having the same problem, and perhaps a fix?
Just askin'......

[Bethers]

How about adding small external speakers. I needed to do that for my computer and wow, what a difference it made. And the problem, I was told on TVs is the maximum volume they set the TVs at is getting lower and lower. Probably why a sound bar or external speakers become necessary.

[avalen]

my new tv is fine but my computer is like Beths, the volume is low and I've debated if I wanted to get external speakers. I use
monoprice.com when it comes to buying stuff like that, I have bought from them before and several folks at work buy from them.

[havingfunnow]

I don't have any first-hand experience with sound bars, but I do know small ones are available. They're made to be used with laptops. I've seen some reviews that really approve of them.