Sound bars make it really easy to get better sound from a flat-panel TV. And they look great, too.

Want to add fuller, more dynamic sound to your TV, without the potential clutter of a conventional surround sound system? If so, a "sound bar" might be for you. These single-speaker systems require minimal space and wiring, and offer an easy way to get better sound from your TV shows, movies, and video games. They're a particularly good option for flat-panel TVs — they provide much better sound than the tiny speakers built into flat-panel sets, and their sleek designs perfectly complement the styling of the latest plasma and LCD displays.

In this article, we'll help you sort through the various sound bar options. As you read, take note of which features may be important to you, so you can look for them when you start shopping.

"I just want better sound from my TV."

Some sound bars simply provide good stereo sound — a nice, broad soundstage, with clearer, more defined audio than you get with a TV's built-in stereo speakers. These models generally have built-in amplification, so you won't need a separate receiver or amp. You'll get the benefits of better stereo sound, plus the most streamlined setup.

"I want surround effects with my TV shows, movies, and video games."

Surround sound can create a much more enjoyable experience. Engaging surround effects put you in the middle of the on-screen action, whether it's your favorite movie or video game.

Surround sound usually means at least five speakers placed strategically around the listening area, plus a subwoofer for deep, dramatic bass. (See our article on home theater speaker placement for more info.) But for a lot of folks, positioning speakers in the back of the room and running wire to them isn't practical. That's where sound bars that offer virtual surround sound can be particularly handy. Of course, you won't get the level of precision you'd get with a conventional multi-speaker setup, but these sound bars can be surprisingly effective.

There are a lot of options for adding virtual surround sound to your system, and what you choose will depend on a couple of factors:

Do you have a home theater receiver?
If so, you'll probably want to choose a sound bar that doesn't have any built-in amplification, so you can take advantage of your receiver's power and built-in surround sound processing.

If not, look for sound bars with their own built-in amplification and processing. Many sound bars fall into this camp, so you'll have plenty of options. Amplified sound bars may be a bit taller and deeper than unamplified speakers, but not much. And while they tend to cost more, their all-in-one design makes them a great choice if you don't have the desire or ability to go with separate components.

What kind of room are you putting it in?
Most sound bars work well in the average-sized living room, but some will perform better in certain layouts.

If you're adding sound to a square or rectangular room with four walls — like a bedroom or den — you might like sound bars that work by "beaming" sound around the room and bouncing it off walls. These won't be as effective in an open floor plan.

Some sound bars, such as Yamaha's Digital Sound Projectors, create surround sound by bouncing "beams" of sound off your walls.

If you have an open floor plan, check out sound bars that use sophisticated processing to fool your ears into thinking the sound is coming from behind you. These models use technology based on the study of how our ears perceive sound (or "psychoacoustics"). By making small adjustments in timing and volume, these sound bars can make sound effects sound like they're coming from a different direction. Sound bars that use this technology usually refer to it as "virtual surround sound" or something similar.

A subwoofer can give your music and movies real punch and power.

Use a subwoofer for full-range sound

While they're sleek, compact, and deliver much better sound than the average television speakers, sound bars by themselves cannot deliver full-range sound. Their cabinets and drivers are simply too small to produce deep bass. So no matter which sound bar you choose, you'll also want to get a powered subwoofer for maximum impact. All sound bars let you connect a sub, and some systems include one. A few even give you a wireless subwoofer that you can easily stash in a corner or under an end table. (Though of course, you'll still need to plug it into a wall.)