Features: Packed with inputs, but no Bluetooth The Z-Base has a few more inputs than its main competitors. One the back, the input selection includes two analog, one optical, and one coaxial digital audio input; there is also a minijack input on the front panel. It's nice to have the flexibility, but you really only need one input if you end up using your TV as a switcher. While the Zvox has quite a few physical ports, we'd happily sacrifice most of them for the convenience of Bluetooth, which would enable wireless audio streaming from just about any smartphone, any iPad, and many other tablets.
Setup: A snap, but also a buzz The most demanding part of the Zvox Z-Base 's setup will be picking up your TV and placing it atop the speaker. Since the Zvox has rear bass ports, you'll want to make sure there's some space between the wall or back panel of your cabinet. The front display makes it easy to adjust bass and treble, as well as any of the Z-Base sound-processing features.
Aside from those settings, there's no additional calibration that needs to be done. Initially we assumed it may be a quirk specific to our TV stand or TV, but a quick Google search reveals that it's not just us. Moving the TV around didn't fix the problem, and it was definitely the TV itself vibrating, rather than any loose items on the TV stand.
None of the other pedestal sound bars we recently tested caused any vibrations in the same configuration, no matter how loud we cranked them. But if it ends up affecting your setup, it's not worth putting up with, especially when there are several solid alternatives. Of lesser importance is the fact that the Z-Base lacks onboard Dolby decoding. This won't matter in most cases, as TVs typically convert all signals to a compatible format PCM when using the optical output.
The major exception is when using a TV's internal over-the-air tuner, as TVs output a Dolby Digital signal from their optical output, which is incompatible with the Z-Base -- you just won't hear any audio. The easy workaround is to use your TV's analog output if it has one, but not all do. If you don't have analog output, you're pretty much out of luck without a more elaborate workaround.
Still, for the vast majority of buyers, this won't be a problem. Sound quality: Big sound on a budget The Z-Base has a rich sound balance, offering dramatically better sound than the speakers built into your TV. It's also equipped with several sound-processing modes that are pretty handy. Zvox's Dialogue Emphasis boosts dialogue intelligibility, and it actually works, making it easier to hear actors above the din of background noise.
Output Leveling promises to reduce sudden volume changes on commercials, but we found that less effective. The Z-Base also has a three-step "PhaseCue II" virtual surround mode to increase the size of the speaker's stereo image. The Z-Base systems can also be programmed to respond to most remote controls, so you can control the volume, mute, power and sourcing of a Z-Base system with most TV, cable box, or satellite receiver remotes.
The Z-Base boxes also have multiple inputs, including a front-panel connection for iPods and other portable devices. There are two analog audio inputs, one optical toslink digital input, one coaxial digital input, and the aforementioned front panel 3.
Also, when you plug in an iPod or other device to the front input, the Z-Base automatically switches to that input. When you unplug it, the Z-Base will automatically return back to TV sound. You can also directly select any input using either the remote control or the physical controls below the speaker grille. We're keeping our eyes on these products as they are, at the very least, indicative of the fact that, more and more, the audio coming out of TVs is substandard and driving more and more people to move towards external sound solutions.
Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion. About the author: Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, Dialogue Emphasis DE : Dialogue Emphasis DE provides an easy-to-use and effective method for improving the intelligibility of television dialogue. By pressing the Dialogue Emphasis DE function button on the remote control, the system engages a circuit that mimics the functions of a hearing aid.
The frequencies used by human voices are dynamically emphasized, while other frequencies are minimized. Simply press the Output Leveling OL button on the remote control and a sophisticated processor takes over, making soft sounds louder and loud sounds softer, so there are fewer jarring moments when switching channels or when commercials come on. This system also helps by boosting the audio levels from a DVD or Blu-ray player that are not loud enough. Tone Control: The SoundBase has independent bass and treble controls.
Each has a range from -4 to 4, and can be adjusted using the remote control only. Programmable: The new SoundBase can be programmed to respond to your current remote control. The illuminated display walks you through a less-than-a-minute programming cycle. Then your TV remote, cable box remote, or satellite receiver remote can control volume up, volume down, mute, and power on the ZVOX system.
Auto Standby: The SoundBase will enter a low-power Standby mode after approximately 5 minutes of no audio signal. You can use either analog or digital connection options to your television.
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