What TV/Soundbar is right for me?

[virtualtinker 8]

So I just moved into a new house and plan on buying a new TV and soundbar to go with it.  I know a lot of the soundbars are pretty picky about what audio will be passed due to the age of streaming, and I know that a lot of TVs are picky as well as to what audio will also be passed directly to the soundbar.  There's also the consideration of trying to future proof for new tech.

 

So I guess I wanted to hear your thoughts on this; if you all had your way and could pick out both a new TV and soundbar, what would you choose if you wanted to try making the most Emby friendly setup possible?  In my scenario, I mostly use Emby for watching movies.  Most of my stuff is DTS or DD, but I do have a few movies here and there with HD audio when the movie warrants it.  I do a little live tv but not a whole lot.  Oh, I also just recently purchased an Nvidia Shield to use as my client if that makes any influence on your dream setup decision making.

 

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[Deathsquirrel 745]

Is a soundbar required?  Are separate speakers an option?  What is the size and layout of the room?

 

There is no one simple answer.

[virtualtinker 8]

I attached pictures of the room I am looking at to give you an idea of the size and layout; ignore the Doc McStuffins and crazy child.  I would honestly prefer to just go the soundbar route, knowing that there will be drawbacks going this route.  

[Deathsquirrel 745]

Am I right that there's abot 8 feet of wall between the bookcases and that the couch is 8-10 feet back from the tv?

 

If so I'd recommend a TV around 60-70 inches, likely 1080p.  If you're interested in UHD check out the same content in UHD/HD on a screen that size from a comparable viewing distance to see how much difference you can see, if any.  For a screen that size at that distance the answer is likely no visible difference at all.

 

I'm not a soundbar user but in the first three soundbar review roundups I glanced at the yamaha yas-203 got top marks so that would be my starting point for research.  I'd check out crutchfield as well for comments and reviews.

[Cheesegeezer 3104]

I bought an LG SoundBar for our 47" tv in the bedroom. Bedroom is about 6m x 5m. I'm really impressed with it and I've hooked it to the TV via optical and have tv output to SoundBar.

 

Firstly the sound quality is pretty good for TV and movies. However it really shines when playing music.

 

Came with a wireless Sub too.

 

OK. ... it's an LG NB3520 (think that's the correct model number). About £200.

 

I like my sound quality. In the living room I have a Pioneer SC-1223 AVR. Monitor Audio Radius HD's for front stage and Bose Twin cubes for rear side and rear back. Plus a BX XLS300 sub. So I was choosey on a nice sounding SoundBar.

 

The wife loves it too.

[CBers 7450]

Don't get a Sonos PlayBar, as they don't support DTS.

 

They play DD just fine, so I just re-encode my DTS movies to have an AC3 track as well.