TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Several years ago, I began struggling to understand what the people on my television screen were saying. It wasn’t an issue with my hearing, because I could still hear everything in real life just fine. I could turn the volume up to the highest setting, and while it painfully blasted my eardrums, the words still weren’t clear. The bigger issue was that the background music and sound effects seemed to drown out the dialogue. If you find it harder to hear the conversations in your favorite television shows and movies, know that you’re not alone. In fact, there are numerous discussions on Reddit and Facebook about this very topic. It’s not in your imagination — It really is harder to hear dialogue on modern-day televisions. There are a few factors for this phenomenon, which we will discuss, but let’s first talk about the best solution to solve this problem: investing in a stereo system for your TV. Use a soundbar to hear your TV betterOne of the main reasons it’s harder to hear your television is that the majority of flat-screen TVs have subpar sound systems. Larger, old-school televisions with a big boxy frame had room for larger speakers. In the quest to deliver the thinnest screen possible, manufacturers have sacrificed the quality of the speakers inside the unit. In current television models, some speakers are so small that they can’t even deliver the full range of sounds. You could shell out thousands on a premium television for enhanced audio, but purchasing a soundbar is a more financially sound investment.The Samsung B-Series Soundbar is on sale for just $100 and pairs with most televisions. We love that it has enhanced voice mode to automatically amplify dialogue for a crisper and clearer sound experience. The audio is projected in all directions, so you’ll also enjoy a more immersive, theater-like sound. Samsung B-Series Soundbar
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Check price at AmazonWhy is it harder to hear dialogue on TV?Several factors have made it harder to make out the voices on your television screen. As we mentioned previously, the slim screen is one of the main culprits. Additionally, sound mixing technology has changed. In the past, audio with layered and complex levels of background music, ambient noises, action sounds, and dialogue was exclusive to the film industry. Television kept it more basic, focusing mainly on the voices. As audio technology has advanced, we get this cinematic sound quality with every television show and movie, and our standard TV speakers simply aren’t up to the task, making things sound muddled. In the same vein, advancements in audio recording are to blame. Multiple microphones capture a performer’s voice, and if not precisely lined up, they can become flattened when combined. Previously, actors and actresses had to clearly enunciate and project their voices to be caught on these microphones, which made speech easier to understand. However, nowadays, regular speech can be recorded, eliminating the need for over-articulated delivery.Check your audio settingsBefore investing in a home audio system, we suggest checking the settings on your television and your go-to streaming platforms. Your television’s preset audio settings may not be what works best for your home’s setup. Depending on your television, you can try out different audio modes or increase specific frequency ranges to better hear the sound. If you feel loud sound effects, like a crashing symbol or a dramatic explosion, are drowning out quieter speech, look to see if your TV offers dynamic range compression. Dynamic range compression reduces these differences in volume, but it could take away some of the cinematic quality for those who like a reverberating boom. If you’ve cut the cord and watch shows exclusively on Netflix, Hulu, or some other streaming service, you’ll want to check out the audio settings through these providers. High-tier streaming service plans often offer premium audio quality with Dolby Atmos or high-fidelity sound options. However, if your television doesn’t support this type of audio, voices may sound muffled. Choosing the right setting for your setup can make a noticeable difference. Select services, like Apple TV and Amazon’s Prime Video, even have enhanced dialogue features for select shows. How to understand dialogue better on TVIf adjusting your television’s audio hasn’t improved the clarity of the dialogue, you’re not out of options. The most cost-effective solution is turning on the subtitles. As someone who likes to scroll through my iPhone during slow parts, I understand this isn’t the most effective solution unless you want to keep your eyes glued to the screen. Others may also find that subtitles can impact their immersion in a show, especially if they read the end of a joke before it’s been delivered. To completely upgrade your television’s sound quality, investing in a home audio system is likely your best bet. If you really want to go all out, with speakers delivering sound from each side of the room, the LG S40TR Home Theater System has a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers. It’s a more expensive option, retailing for $250 at Amazon. The Onn. 5.1.2 Surround Soundbar System has a similar setup, but it is more affordable for under $200 at Walmart. For something even more affordable, a soundbar by itself should also suffice, and the Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex is on sale at Amazon for less than $100. If you don’t need a name brand, you can even get decently rated options, like the Assistrust Soundbar for around $50.LG S40TR Home Theater System
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Check price at Amazononn. 5.1.2 Surround Soundbar System
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Check price at WalmartSony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex
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Check price at AmazonAssistrust Soundbar
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Check price at AmazonSmart TVs may also support headphonesBeing enveloped in premium sound is great if you want a cinematic experience, but if you live in an apartment with thin walls or have children or roommates trying to sleep, it’s not the most considerate option. Smart TVs often come with Bluetooth connectivity. In these cases, you can pair wireless headphones to your device and use them while watching shows and movies for improved audio quality. There are headphones designed specifically for watching television, but a standard pair, like the Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones, should deliver a similar performance for around $40 at Amazon. For something extremely affordable, consider the Onn Wireless On-ear Bluetooth Headphones, which are on sale for just $13 at Walmart.Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones
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Check price at AmazonOnn Wireless On-ear Bluetooth Headphones
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