As TVs get thinner and thinner, there's less space for high-quality speakers. And TVs can't reproduce the true surround sound that's found on DVD and Blu-ray movies.
The solution is to add a separate sound system. If you don't want to spend too much money or time on set up, Consumer Reports says to consider getting a home-theater-in-a-box system. Those are prepackaged systems generally come with everything you'll need: a receiver, two to seven speakers, and a subwoofer. Usually the cables are color coded to help you easily connect everything.
Consumer Reports tested 22 systems, and some include a Blu-ray player or a DVD player.
Consumer Reports found that the Yamaha model YHT-391 delivers very good audio. While it doesn't have a disc player, it's a budget-friendly option at $330.
If you're in the market for a Blu-ray player, Consumer Reports recommends the Sony model BDV-E300 for $500. That system offers very good sound and its Blu-ray player has excellent picture quality with both DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
With both of those systems, the sound you hear comes closer to matching the great video you're watching.
If dealing with equipment and cables doesn't appeal to you, try a sound bar. That's several speakers and an amplifier in a single enclosure that you can place close to your TV or even mount on a wall. Consumer Reports recommends a $300 system from Vizio, model VSB210WS.
