What the numbers mean
A badge like 5.1.2 counts channels: 5 at ear level (left, centre, right and two for width or surround),
1 subwoofer channel and 2 height channels aimed at the ceiling. The first number matters most for dialogue and width,
the third for Dolby Atmos.
Dolby Atmos needs height channels to sound overhead
Many bars decode Atmos, but only those with a third number above zero have drivers pointing up. Without them the
overhead layer is simulated by processing, which is convincing in some rooms and not in others.
HDMI eARC
eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs to the bar. Plain ARC compresses them.
Your TV needs eARC as well for this to matter.
Subwoofer and rear speakers
Deep bass comes from a separate subwoofer; real surround comes from rear speakers. Some bars include both, some offer
them as add-ons, and some have neither option - worth knowing before you buy, because the add-ons are only made for
their own bar.
Measure the gap under your TV
A TV on feet at its ends often leaves only 1 to 3 inches below the screen. A taller bar covers the picture and the
remote sensor. The size simulator shows it for any bar.