Soundbar connection and use

WildDunes · ‎10-29-2017

I want to get a Zvox soundbar (or other brand possibly) for hubby's tv. He has difficulty distinguishing the speech from all the background noise. Hoping this will help. Unfortunately, I am tech challenged. Hopefully someone can help.

Our tv is connected to Spectrum cable box--actually their DVR box. Also have a blu-ray player attached.

I'm sure I can connect it okay from what I've read. My concern is operation. We use the Spectrum remote to operate currently. If the Zvox is connected, would I have to turn on tv as usual with Spectrum remote, then turn the sound down, then turn the sound on on the Zvox remote?

I did read on one of the Zvox descriptions that I might be able to add the Zvox remote to my existing remote, but will have to do more research on that. I would be happy to use the 2 remotes as described in paragraph above.

Appreciate any help from the QVC community. Thanks in advance.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@WildDunes. Have you considered getting headphones for your husband? They are often the more practical choice for those with hearing disabilities. With a soundbar, youre likely to get the same result you have now, only louder. They are very simple to set up so you could try them and see how they work.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Big Sis · ‎03-11-2010

I bought the ZVox sound bar for my husband for Christmas. It was super easy to hook up with just one cable. We do have the sound turned off on the tv, and use the ZVox remote for sound. We are very happy with it.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

Hi @Kachina624 ,

The Zvox I saw presented has different volume levels for moving the "dialogue volume" out front while at the same time moving the background noises further back(dialogue is the more prominent sound).

Many soundbars, as you say, do not move move the dialogue up front(more easily heard), but they do give more accurate sound than the tiny 10watt speakers in most super flat screens.

My wife nor I have a hearing disability and we have a problem hearing the dialogue on many shows. The engineers or "sound mixers" seem to place more emphasis on being able to hear more sounds.

Only reason I can think of is this. They want to make 2 channel stereo sound into a Surround Sound Simulation, and it don't work, at least not for those that are more audio purists. I am 1 of those old rascals.

Headphones? Not for me, I need true Dolby, at least 5.1 Surround Sound, for the TV shows that transmit the true sound. Got spoiled when I was 15 adding all kinds of speakers in my car(s). Audio purist ever since.

hckynut

hckynut(john)

meem120 · ‎03-09-2010

On the zvox sound bar you must turn the sound off on your tv and only use the zvox remote for volume otherwise volume is distorted. I liked it but having 3 remotes is a pain. One for the tv to use for Netflix etc then cable remote and now for the zvox. It was easy to hook up tho

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

@meem120 wrote:
On the zvox sound bar you must turn the sound off on your tv and only use the zvox remote for volume otherwise volume is distorted. I liked it but having 3 remotes is a pain. One for the tv to use for Netflix etc then cable remote and now for the zvox. It was easy to hook up tho

That's good to know.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Here is a video that shows how to program your cable, dish, or universal remote to work with your ZVOX sound bar:

https://vimeo.com/293197660

Or you can google

ZVOX SoundBar Remote Learning Routine.

@WildDunes

WildDunes · ‎10-29-2017

@Kachina624 wrote:
@WildDunes. Have you considered getting headphones for your husband? They are often the more practical choice for those with hearing disabilities. With a soundbar, youre likely to get the same result you have now, only louder. They are very simple to set up so you could try them and see how they work.

Yes, we have. Without going into any detail, they don't work-for medical reasons. But thank you for the suggestion.

WildDunes · ‎10-29-2017

Thanks to all that took time to give me some very beneficial information. I truly appreciate it. Think I may give the soundbar a try. Probably worst that can happen is that he doesn't like it!

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

@WildDunes wrote:
Thanks to all that took time to give me some very beneficial information. I truly appreciate it. Think I may give the soundbar a try. Probably worst that can happen is that he doesn't like it!

My mother was HOH and we tried everything available at the time so we could be in the same room while she watched TV. She rejected everything including a portable speaker which sat on a table right next to her recliner. If there had been the choices we have today, maybe they would have worked. I hope you have better luck than we had with my mom.